The Princess and the Beggar: A Korean Folktale

This book has beautiful illustrations, plus a real Korean folktale. Had been looking for this book for my granddaughter for quite a while. Not easy to find. Was delighted to get a "used" one in such great condition.

We found this book in our local library around the time my daughter turned 3, and it's been a favorite of hers ever since. The story has all the allure of Cinderella and Snow White, with a twist of telling how both the man and the woman are changed by their relationship. We definately recommend it.

While I take issue with the above editorial reviews characterizing the book as having a "strongly feminist slant", the story does show a Korean heroine with more control over her destiny than in other stories. While she may have a meatier part than her husband, I see this story as more of a tale of partnership than a "good woman". In the opening of the story, the sensitive princess weeps when the young beggar, already an object of public scorn, is mistreated by her servants. Later that year, her father laughingly threatens that he will marry her off to the same boy if she doesn't develop a thicker skin. Still very sensitive, she retreats into her world of fairy tales and legends. When her father arranges a marriage- safe but confining- she desperately holds him to his word about a marriage to the beggar. The best part of the story is what happens after the two are married. While the changes the princess imparts on the beggar are most noticeable- he goes from being mocked and isolated to being admired- the changes their marriage brings to the princess are equally powerful. With more control of her fate, the princess no longer quietly weeps and retreats from the world, but now opens it up for others. The illustrations for the story are well done- well colored and evocative of the appropriate emotions (despair, isolation, hope and triumph). I look forward to reading more from Ms. O'Brien.