Spindle's End

Robin McKinley's greatest strength is her ability to frame a familiar story with enough unique twists to make it fresh and interesting. Her second greatest strength is her wonderful descriptive prose that draws the reader into her fantasy world. In "Spindle's End" she displays both gifts to advantage.We've all heard the Sleeping Beauty story, but Ms. McKinley puts her own spin on it. What if Rosie grows up as a tomboy in a small village? What if her fairy godmothers gave her skin like silk, lips like rubies, and teeth like pearls--but forgot to to specify that she should be pretty? And what if she has the ability to talk to animals? One of the best things about this book is Rosie's beast-speech, in which cats play riddle games, horses are romantics and foxes "talk about butterflies and grass and weather for a long time while they sized you up".If you already a Robin McKinley, then you already know that you must read this book. If you're not a fan, then you soon will be.

If you've read McKinley's Beauty, than you're already familiar with her ability to create the most wonderful characters with her lyrical prose. As in Beauty, the heroine in Spindle's End is a completely drawn character whose courage, intelligence, kindness and humor deviate from the stereotypical pretty princess with nothing to do but be rescued. The story is magical, the supporting characters (especially the wonderful animals) make you wish you knew them yourself and the plot keeps you engrossed throughout the novel. McKinley has an amazing talent to take what is old and make it fresh without abadoning the traditional tale entirely. Unlike Deerskin (which is another fabulous and somewhat misunderstood McKinley piece,) Spindle's End can be enjoyed by all ages. Her writing is colorful and inventive without being wordy or dense. The author's spin on the wake-up kiss and the happily-ever after-ending may not be standard, but they are satisfying. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Parents - read it with your child...you'll both enjoy it (and you can help them out with some of the bigger words.) If you enjoy Jane Yolen or Patricia McKillip, you'll definitely like McKinley.

Robin McKinley established herself as a fairy tale author with her first book, "Beauty," over 20 years ago. Her growth as a writer is evident in her new tome, "Spindle's End." McKinley leaves behind Beauty and the Beast, which she has developed in two novels, to explore the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. The story developments are surprising at times but work well in her original treatment. The famous kiss which appears in the most popular versions of the tale is presented here with a new twist. The characters are charming and quirky. I was sorry when the book reached its conclusion and Rosie's story ended.McKinley has returned to the lighter touch evident in "Beauty" so this book can be recommended to readers of all ages. Books from McKinley are often years in the waiting for her fans. This book was well worth the wait. For a completely different treatment of the same tale, I also recommend Jane Yolen's "Briar Rose."