A Book Review of the Story of Cinderella (Charles Perrault)

Book: Cinderella (Ladybird Tales Mini)

Format: Hardcover

ISBN:  9781846469763

Size: 179 cm

Pages: 48

Published: September 4, 2008

Publisher: Ladybird

Language: English

About the Book:

The story of Cinderella, authored by the French author Charles Perrault and later translated into the English version by Anthea Bell, is one of the super classic stories I have ever read in my lifetime. I feel that this story is an all-time read. This story will remain a classic even if you want to read it in the later years of your life. 

This is the story of a young pretty girl named Cinderella whose misfortunes were deliberately created especially by her step-mother and two step-sisters. They were rude and cruel to her all the time and made her do all the household chores. As a girl, Cinderella was very obedient, kind, helpful, and good-natured to her step-mother and step-sisters, and yet being ill-treated by them is something that touches the heart of every human. Somehow, the story seems real to me, as to this date, I can still hear news of girls being ill-treated and ill-fed by their parents or relatives. You can also relate Cinderella's ill-treatment with Child Labor in India. This is something which cannot be just ignored and let go on forever. Here is a moral hidden in this story. Grown-ups should understand their children and their needs and demands as well.

I loved the part of the story when Cinderella's Godmother paid her a visit when she was in distress and alone in the house. Here, I liked the way the author had picked up the tempo and shown all the creativity of the beautiful preparations for the Prince's Ball Party. In this part of the story, I liked the way Cinderella had changed into a totally new and refined personality. Earlier, she had been in disguise of a petty girl, and now she revealed her true self of being the most beautiful and sophisticated young girl eligible to become a Princess.

The climax of the story is very clear indeed. It was dream-like for all of us when Cinderella was dancing with the Prince. Everyone had envied her. As I was reading this part of the story, it was like a dream to me too and even I envied her. But, the very next part confused me. It was surprising that her step-sisters and step-mother didn't recognize her at all, when she was living with them in the same house since her childhood days. Then, I realized that it is the fairytale after all. I must say that this story is a beautiful blend of fantasy and reality. That is why it is counted in the classic story list, no doubt.

When there is such a beautiful and soft-hearted girl like Cinderella in the story, there has to be a happy ending after all. As expected, the Prince and Cinderella got married and lived happily ever after. This is a MUST READ story book for everyone.

About the Author:

Charles Perrault, a French author, was best known for his fairy tales. He was the author of The Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Puss in Boots, and Little Red Riding Hood.

Perrault was born in the year 1628, and was a member of Academie Francaise. He was often credited for popularizing the genre of fairy tales. He led the Moderns during the French Quarrel of the Ancients and the Moderns.