Fairest (review)
2006; Johns Hopkins University Press; Volume: 60; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1353/bcc.2006.0773
ISSN1558-6766
Autores Tópico(s)Themes in Literature Analysis
ResumoReviewed by: Fairest April Spisak Levine, Gail Carson Fairest. HarperCollins, 2006326p Library ed. ISBN 0-06-073409-4$17.89 Trade ed. ISBN 0-06-073408-6$16.99 R Gr. 6-9 In a fantasy region where beauty and singing are valued above wealth, intelligence, or political power, fifteen-year-old Aza is one for two. Gifted with an almost legendary singing talent, she is all too aware of the fact that her lack of traditional beauty is viewed with sympathy at best, and distrust and scorn at worst. Therefore, Aza's acquiescence to the bullying (and overwhelmingly beautiful) new queen can be forgiven: Aza is not used to being part of the royal court and longs to be accepted, even if it means being drawn into a shady plan to trick the kingdom into thinking the queen is a wonderful singer by having Aza throw her voice while the queen lip-syncs. Of course, tricks and illusions do not last forever (the queen's beauty comes from a potion, and the singing stunt is found out), and Aza must adopt a new confidence and sense of worth or she will take all the blame and lose her hunky new boyfriend, the prince. The mid-story inclusions of a lushly described hidden gnome world and an irascible magic creature who lives in a mirror offer temporary detours from Aza's central quest towards self-discovery, but Levine is adept at juggling even convoluted subplots while still allowing her affable, headstrong heroine center stage. Fans of Levine's earlier novels, in particular Ella Enchanted (BCCB 5/97), will be delighted at the subtle overlaps between stories (Lucinda, giver of obedience to Ella, is also the fairy responsible for the questionably beneficial beauty potion). Aza is a worthy addition to the growing list of tough fantasy girls who use their talents wisely, never wait for someone else to save them, and, if there is any time left over in their busy lives, always get their man. Copyright © 2006 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
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