In this swoony reimagining of the classic Cinderella fairy tale, a girl with no name and a boy with no history grow up together in isolation until the arrival of La Cendrillon’s stepfamily disrupt their quiet existence and bring long-kept secrets to light.
Etienne de Brabant is brokenhearted. His wife has died in childbirth, leaving him alone with an infant daughter he cannot bear to name. But before he abandons her for king and court, he brings a second child to be raised alongside her, a boy whose identity he does not reveal.
The girl, La Cendrillon, and the boy, Raoul, pass sixteen years in the servants’ care until one day a very fine lady arrives with her two daughters. The lady has married La Cendrillon’s father, and her arrival changes their lives.
When an invitation to a great ball reaches the family, La Cendrillon’s new stepmother will make a decision with far-reaching effects. Her choice will lead La Cendrillon and Raoul toward their destiny—a choice that will challenge their understanding of family, test their loyalty and courage, and, ultimately, teach them who they are.
I finally had the chance to read this fairy-tale retelling of Cinderella. I truly liked this version and how the stepmother and stepsisters were portrayed. I also liked the way Cendrillion, her name in this story, is more than just a pretty girl who wants to go to the ball. She is kind, thoughtful, and stands up for herself more. The mystery in the book was also a great twist to this story. I simply enjoyed how different this version was from other retellings. This book can be read by preteens, teens and adults and enjoyed by all.
