Welcome to Litsy!

I like fairytale retellings that center on the villain backstory. This is the "evil witch" from Rapunzel. As if the book people wouldn't know that. This is a really good story and I appreciate what the author did with it. It has been on my want to read for a while.

#BookSpinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

Like all fantasy literature trying to restore the reputation of the wicked witches in traditional tales, this book, too, is both attractive and confusing in terms of emotions it triggers. There is a conflict between the old witchcraft ways and christianity as a metaphor for the eternal clash between feminine and masculine energy.

It's good these ladies are allowed to voice their side of the story, it leaves the reader with a wider perspective.

Fascinating story, but slow moving. It took me so long to get through that I ended up finishing on audio to save time. I thought it was a Rapunzel retelling, but it's actually a prequel. Unfortunately, the story ended where I wish it began, so I was personally a little disappointed. Still an interesting read exploring womanhood, motherhood, and navigating the patriarchy. But seriously, be warned, VERY LITTLE RAPUNZEL lol
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I always forget what a skill reading out loud is! I'm using my voice to soothe my son while I read my book (tagged) and am yawning/stumbling over words every few sentences. Clearly not ready for the Reading Olympics 😅

Cozy afternoon reading

Side note: I've been reading this book for a month! It's good. My time is just limited these days 😌 I can still tear through audiobooks though!

A good day for staying inside with a book. Snow always makes me want to read gothic fairy tales. Hoping to get through a chunk of the tagged one this afternoon. Currently about halfway through.

That explains a lot 😅

Phew! I thought we were headed straight for the old princess swap trope 😅

The cellar was, at least, a cool respite from the murderous heat wave afflicting the Black Forest, though it smelled like a crypt and I nearly broke my trick knee on my way down the crumbling steps.

#FirstLineFridays

I've been very excited for this one so I finally dove in yesterday. Only 30 pages in (reading with a newborn... not the easiest lol) but I'm really enjoying it so far. I'm a sucker for retellings 😍

😅 🎶 have a holly jolly Xmas, it's the best time of the year 🎶

For a fee??? 🤔😔🙄

My last finish of the year 2022 was a great read. If you love fairy tale retellings with a somewhat historical and feminist perspective - you will love this! Full reviews on Goodreads and Instagram.

A creative retelling of the Rapunzel story. I enjoyed the myth building, the magic, and the celebration of so many strong women; there‘s no trapped Princess waiting for rescue here! Set in the 12th century, when Christian beliefs and older powers coexist. Heroine Haelewise hears the voice of The Mother, but knows the ways of The Father. SHE battles the evil Prince, rescues Rapunzel, and accepts the mantle of the old powers. Couldn‘t put it down.

#NetGalley

I loved this Rapunzel retelling. It's more the background story of Rapunzel's family. It's full of magic, folklore, religious and social commentary, and lots of action.

Mother Gothel is the "witch" who lives in the Tower, but this story puts a very modern feeling spin on the traditional tale.

If you like fairytales I highly recommend this one.

This weekend's #bookhaul - I was only gonna get two books but then they got me with their new book display at the register and Book of Gothel was added in an impulse 😅
Also the socks were too cute to pass up 🐱

This fabulous fractured retelling of Rapunzel is a beautiful debut! Set in historical Germany & including great social & religious context. McMyne's writing flows without a hitch & weaves a tale that is so wholly itself that it leans only gently on the original story. There something to the feeling of the novel that gave me light Philippa Gregory vibes & I loved that. If you're a lover of fairy tales, this one is not to be missed.

A book that will stab you right through the heart.
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#bookreviews #amreading #rapunzel #fairytale #NetGalley
@orbitbooks
Full review at: https://lostnagoodbook.wordpress.com/2022/08/04/the-book-of-gothel-mary-mcmyne/

I won this from a Goodreads giveaway. This is a fresh new take on the Rapunzel story from Mother Gothel‘s POV. It tells the story of her childhood and magic with some hints at many other fairy tales. I did like this overall, though the pacing was uneven, it dragged in the middle then had a rushed ending. I believe this is the authors first book, and I look forward to more work by her. 3.5⭐️
#20in4 book 3!