The Crimson Thread (Once Upon a Time (Simon Pulse)) (Once Upon a Time)

by Suzanne Weyn

[Briana @ Pages Unbound]

Weyn creates a unique fairytale retelling in The Crimson Thread by utilizing the genre of historical fiction. Readers get the benefit of the interesting, slightly foreign setting of 1880s New York while seeing how “magic” might happen in real life. In fact, the only times true magic enters the book—the opening and closing statements by a mysterious fairy historian—are its weakest moments. It is much more interesting to see Weyn translate fairytale moments like “spinning straw into gold” into a real world setting.

The historical accuracy might not be all that it can be; some of the details seem off. Yet Weyn does hit many of the major issues of the era, including xenophobia, crowded tenements, sweatshops, child labor laws, and more. Readers experience the big picture of the time period, which is probably what will stick with them, rather than details about the prices of food. Also, the point in a book like this is most often the characters and the plot. The setting is important, but often as the backdrop to the actions or as the machinery that influences their lives. Bridget’s concerns about working conditions matter because they lead her to make certain life decisions. And these are the types of facts that Weyn gets right.

The story itself will lead readers through a maze of emotions as they sympathize with Bridget and her family upon their arrival in New York, hope for their success, and cheer for what triumphs they earn. The characters Bridget encounters during her journey are similarly diverse, hailing from all nations and walks of life. Even more interestingly, there are two love interests—but this is not the average love triangle. Both men seem like attractive and viable options, and readers will stress over Bridget’s decisions before finding satisfaction in her fairytale ending.

The Crimson Thread is a creative addition to the Once Upon a Time series. Weyn introduces her readers to the magic of the ordinary and to the good in every bad situation. Her book is about hard work and hope, and readers will love learning along with her spunky heroine Bridget.

This review was also posted at Pages Unbound Book Reviews.