Thursday, November 26, 2015

Review - The Golden Braid


 
The Golden Braid
by Melanie Dickerson
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Pub. Date: Novemer 17, 2015
ISBN: 978-0718026264
Pages: 320
Blog Tour: http://litfusegroup.com/author/mdickerson
Buy Link: http://bit.ly/1NZuPiD 

Review:

I might seem a little odd for a male reader to like reading fairy tale stories, but for some reason in the last few years these have appealed to me. It might have something to do with the fact that I watch the television series Once Upon A Time. (Yep, even the current season, which is a complete mess.) Now available to purchase in bookstores is The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson, a retelling of the classic Rapunzel tale.

Of course, The Golden Braid centers on a seventeen-year-old Rapunzel, but she's slightly different than what we have seen in Disney's Tangled as well as countless short story and books. Her mother, Gothel, a midwife, is very protective and doesn't want any young man to close to Rapunzel. When one does, Gothel makes Rapunzel move with her to a new location. Rapunzel has never learned how to read, but she does know how to paint floral pictures. Also, she is an expert at knife throwing.

While moving yet again, they are attacked by rebels, but are rescued quickly by a knight, Sir Gerek. Coincidentally, Rapunzel ends up saving the handsome knight shortly after. Being raised properly, Sir Gerek wants to say 'thank you' by offering to teach Rapunzel how to read. This is the medieval times, so there's not many books available, so naturally Sir Gerek uses the scriptures to to the teach the golden braided beauty how to read, all of which is kept hidden form Gothel.

Most takes on the Rapunzel tale stays close to the original plot, where Gothel is an evil witch and there is at least one dragon involved. None of these things are included in The Golden Braid and there is no magic in sight. Instead the author uses a more realistic approach with the plot which has Christian themes. Overall, The Golden Braid isn't exactly a perfect tale by any means, but it's not all that bad either. Actually, besides from a few cliched moments, I enjoyed reading it.



*Disclaimer - I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.



About the Author: 

Melanie Dickerson is the author of The Healer's Apprentice, a Christy Award finalist and winner of the National Reader's Choice Award for Best First Book. Melanie earned a bachelor's degree in special education from the University of Alabama and has been a teacher and a missionary. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Huntsville, Alabama.

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