Zel, a Review
RL/IL: Young Adult: Grades 5-8
PAGES: 227
Rapunzel comes to life in this magical and detailed story of Zel, the fairy tale character, Rapunzel. Napoli weaves a fairy tale into a novel by extending the traditional Rapunzel story and making Zel a realistic heroine. High in the Swiss Mountains, Zel and her mother live a secluded and peaceful life, but Zel yearns for more socialization. When she and her mother take their semi-annual trip to town, Zel meets Konrad, the local prince who is in search of a bride.
Adhering closely to the original plot, Zel’s mother does the unthinkable. Feeling that their perfect mother/daughter relationship will die, Zel’s mother hides her away in a tower in order to protect her from the young prince.
Napoli uses three different points of view to tell the tale: Zel, Mother, and third person omniscient. With strong metaphors and symbolism, the tale is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Any mother can understand Mother’s attachment and every teen knows the feeling of isolation and eventually, freedom.
CONNECTIONS:
The Magic Circle
Ella Enchanted (Trophy Newbery)
Cinderellis and the Glass Hill (Princess Tales)
Jimmy, the Pickpocket of the Palace
