But what of her stepsisters, the homely pair exiled into ignominy by the fame of their lovely sibling? What fate befell those untouched by beauty. We have all heard the story of Cinderella, the beautiful child cast out to slave amongst the ashes. A novel of beauty and betrayal, which reminds us that deception can be unearthed - and love unveiled - in the most unexpected of places Num Pages: 416 pages, No. I would have given it 5 stars, but I’m always so melancholy after reading one of his makes me spiteful.Description for Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister Paperback. Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister is worth a read, if for no other reason than to remind us all how complicated and subjective the ideas of good and evil are. Gregory Maguire takes you from these ideas of good vs evil and the clear understanding of what is black and what is white, leaving you in a world of perpetual grayness, that is truer to real life.

In most stories the hero’s are so very clear cut, there’s no doubt in your mind they will always do the right thing, and the villains are so exaggerated, you know in your soul they are evil to their very core. You take the good, the bad, and wrestle with if it is worth knowing them. I find it endearing, because much like real life, you have to learn to like his characters for who they are. I think that leaves a bad taste in many peoples mouths. He doesn’t dress them up as overly virtuous or righteous, their motives and actions show you who they are for better or worse. His characters are not what I would call lovable, but they are incredibly human.

I love Gregory Maguire! It’s always fun to read one of his books and imagine the stories you already know and love from a different view point. Narrated with spirit and warmth by Jenny Sterlin, Gregory Maguire’s vision of Cinderella is a sweeping story of love and deception, where a ball, a handsome prince and the betrayal of a daughter can lead to everyone living happily ever after. When the merchant’s wife dies, Margarethe seizes the moment, and a wicked stepmother is born. Margarethe is hired as the housekeeper and Iris as a companion to the merchant’s stunningly beautiful but troubled daughter. Arriving destitute, the family becomes employed in the home of a wealthy tulip merchant.

Forced to flee England with her recently widowed mother, Margarethe, and her older sister, she finds herself swept into a life that becomes a legend. Iris is a plain but intelligent young girl. Using a dazzling reincarnation of the Cinderella story set in 17th century Holland, Maguire deftly weaves together stories of inner and outer beauty. Gregory Maguire, critically acclaimed author of Wicked, returns with his eagerly anticipated second novel.

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