Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Enchanted

Enchanted 
By Alethea Kontis
Harcourt, 2012. 308 pgs. Young Adult

Seven Woodcutter named her seven daughters after the days of the week, ending with Sunday who is supposed to be bonny and blithe and good and gay, as the saying goes.  Except Sunday doesn't always feel bonny and gay, being the youngest and feeling the weight of many responsibilities from the family farm.  She finds solace in writing stories, and one day is asked to share her stories by an enchanted frog whom she meets in the forest.  Their friendship starts to develop into something more, and one night Sunday kisses her frog goodbye, not realizing that she has broken the spell holding him and he is once again the crown Prince of Arilland - a man Sunday's family despises.

This is a charming story which incorporates details from several fables and fairy tales.  I think half the fun of reading it was just seeing what the next fairy tale to come up would be.  The characters are also likeable and interesting, with a good story tying everything together.  My only complaint was that the relationship between Sunday and her frog was a bit underdeveloped, but otherwise this is completely enjoyable.

BHG

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