Tina's Reviews > Once Upon a Dream

I REALLY liked how they covered all the many issues in this original fairy tale!! The fact that it didn’t make any sense to send the princess away…the stupidity of the fairies “gifts” of beauty and grace and music…the ridiculousness of springing the truth on the child on her 16th birthday after keeping her holed up in the woods away from ANYONE but 3 fairies that clearly know nothing about raising human children and the day after she met and fell for the first other person she ever met, then locking her in a room after telling her she’s a princess and oh by the way you must marry a prince the next day….

The entire original story is just SO problematic and THIS version does such an excellent job of humanizing Aurora Rose (who uses both her names in this book, which although awkward to say, is a nice touch, I think) and really picking apart these problems and how it might actually cause a girl to FEEL.

Then to change the story in such a simple and extremely doable way, and develop the story in Rose’s dream world…it’s just SO BRILLIANT!!

And the portrayal of Prince Phillip is absolutely adorable as well. I totally loved him. Not a typical gallant prince, this one. He is silly and awkward and funny and flawed and lovable and believable. Just too cute. And the dynamic between the 2, I just loved!

This whole story is such a journey through self discovery and empowerment. Through pain and loss and strength and power. It’s just SO well done!

I think of these books as being for kids, but this was a deep book. And twice in this story rape was mentioned. Only mentioned, never discussed…so nothing graphic. But that makes me realize this book is definitely not aimed at children. And I doubt kids would really follow some of the depth of this storyline.

Anyway, HIGHLY recommend! VERY well done!!!