La bella durmiente : Book Review

"La Bella Durmiente" by Sheri S. Tepper is a mesmerizing retelling of the timeless fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty. In this captivating story set in a post-apocalyptic world, Tepper explores themes of gender inequality, environmental devastation, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Tepper expertly crafts a complex and immersive world where a patriarchal society dictates the lives of its inhabitants, relegating women to the status of objects for marriage. Through the protagonist, Beauty, we witness her evolution from a passive princess to a strong and determined heroine. Through her journey, Tepper challenges societal norms and raises important questions about women's rights and the value society places on love.

The novel also addresses urgent environmental issues. Tepper confronts the repercussions of humanity's destructive behavior towards nature, highlighting the contrast between the polluted outside world and the untouched beauty within the castle. This ecological message serves as a powerful call to action, urging readers to contemplate their impact on the environment.

Tepper's writing is elegant and poetic, painting vivid images that transport readers into the enchanting realm of the fairy tale. The pacing of the story strikes a perfect balance between moments of introspection and heart-pounding action sequences. The characters are intricately developed, and their relationships evolve in realistic and satisfying ways.

In conclusion, "La Bella Durmiente" offers a thought-provoking and captivating retelling of Sleeping Beauty, exploring themes of gender inequality and environmental destruction. Sheri S. Tepper's masterful storytelling and rich world-building make this book a must-read for fans of fantasy and fairy tale adaptations.

What are readers saying?

"La bella durmiente" by Sheri S. Tepper has garnered a variety of feedback from readers. The book offers a fresh take on the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty, which has been praised by many reviewers. They admire Tepper's imaginative reimagining of the story, the intricacies of the characters, and the thought-provoking themes woven throughout. Readers commend Tepper's strong writing style and her ability to keep them engaged from start to finish, appreciating the blend of fantasy and social commentary that adds depth to the narrative.

However, there are some readers who were not fully satisfied with the book. They found the pacing to be slow at times and felt overwhelmed by the complex plot, leading to moments of confusion. Furthermore, some readers struggled to connect with the characters and immerse themselves in the story due to Tepper's verbose writing style. A few reviewers also noted that the book occasionally came across as preachy, with the weighty messages overshadowing the plot.

One aspect that received widespread acclaim was Tepper's exploration of significant social issues, such as feminism and environmentalism. Readers found these themes thought-provoking and relevant, appreciating Tepper's ability to challenge societal norms and critique patriarchal power structures. Nevertheless, others felt that the social commentary overshadowed the fantasy elements of the story, leaving them yearning for a more prominent focus on the fairy tale aspects. Some readers also found the social themes to be heavy-handed.

In conclusion, "La bella durmiente" by Sheri S. Tepper presents a unique and thought-provoking retelling of Sleeping Beauty. While some readers admire Tepper's writing style and her exploration of social issues, others express concerns about the pacing and the potential heavy-handedness of the book. The enjoyment of the story ultimately depends on individual preferences regarding the blend of fantasy and social commentary.