I've read it recently and I have been a bit disappointed: I expected something better! The story was good but beside Cinderella, it reminded me too much of Tracy Chevalier's "Girl with a Pearl Earring" (which was so much better). Quickly read, probably soon forgotten...

by Marie on Wednesday December 18, @05:04PM

Hi. This is my first posting here and I found the site specifically because I want to talk about Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister. I really liked it. One thing that I wonder about is did the prince rape Clara or get her drunk and take advantage or was it consentual? I guess I lean toward the getting her drunk idea. At any rate, it is amazing to me that such a selfish character would marry a man that would take such an advantage. It seems to me that toward the end of the novel, Clara only wanted to give to others and this is one way she could do it. What does anyone else think?

Also, I'm not sure that I completely buy that Ruth isn't mentally handicapped. I mean, was she faking the whole time? Her whole life!? Does that really make sense? I guess you could make the arguement that Margarethe has beaten her with words and fists and trapped her into her mental position. Does anyone else think this is a little far fetched?

Also, what make Margarethe go blind? Her own evil? I don't think she's evil. Selfish, yes. Does she physically go blind because she can not see real beauty which is charity? She does begin to go blind when she sees the Gallery of God's Mistakes and feels no pity. What do you think?

I've also given some thought to who is the happiest character. It may be the Queen of the Hairy-Chinned Gypsies. She is content with her appearance and doesn't take herself too seriously. Of course, we don't see too much of her.

I guess I'll stop there and see if anyone is interested enough to respond. Thanks a lot.

Oh, and if this isn't what this site is for, someone please let me know. Like I said, this is my first time.

by Jennifer Williams on Wednesday November 10, @06:01PM