Informal Review
This is a great, wholesome, and cute book. It is easy to get lost in the page and the story. It is a little long and drags a little, but the story itself makes you not care. The story is simple and easy to follow. The plot is an innovative and faithful adaptation of the Goose Girl fairy tale.
Ani is an intriguing protagonist. The fact that people are infatuated and drawn to her makes since with her traits and personality. She is someone that could be labelled as a “Strong, Independent Women”, however, she understands that she needs support to reach her goals. I love that there are so many positive relationships in this story.
The protagonists and supporting cast are likeable characters, and you want to root for them. The antagonists are written in a way that makes you want the protagonists to overcome them.
The world has two vary different cultures between the two kingdoms, it makes the world feel real. Ani is form Kildenree, and she is a foreigner in Bayern. I love that we get to learn about the culture of Bayern through the eyes of a foreigner.
AKT (Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada)’s review of The Goose Girl | Goodreads
Formal Review
The Goose Girl, written by Shannone Hale, was published in 2003, and it’s based on the fairy tale of the same name. The story fallows Anidori, Princess of Kildenree, as her life is taken from her, betrayed by a close friend, and forced to live in a foreign land. Ani must find allies among the working class to rescue those around her from a thickening plot. The world is rich with interesting characters and culture and the plot keeps you engaged. The writing is a little awkward, but it makes sense in context.
The Goose Girl explores many interesting themes in a unique way. One theme is of identity. Ani, the protagonist, has everything to her name, including her name, taken from her. She is forced to build a new identity from the ground up, literally. Another theme is community, it is very important for the people of this world. Those who don’t live within the cities are excluded from major community events. Both themes are connected within the story and are played out very well.
The plot of the story is a faithful adaption of the fairy tale of the same name. This adaption fallows the same major plot points (Ie: the insurgence, Falada the horse being set as an example, and the final confutation); however, this version adds a lot more stakes, drama, and excitement. If you have read the story, you can guess the plot and the twists. However, it is enjoyable without the prior knowledge. Ani’s growth is understandable based upon the events that took place in her life. Selia’s actions make sense for her personality and abilities. The way people react make sense for their culture.
The writing in this story is a little weird. The style drags on a little, it feels like major story points are far part. However, the story is so engaging that you want to keep reading. The writing works in the story’s favor. The events in the story do take place months apart and it shows the passage of time. If you don’t like it when the writing style helps with the immersion, don’t read this story.
In conclusion, The Goose Girl was Shannone Hale’s first published work, and it shows. While the story is engaging and the characters are beautiful, the writing helps and hinders the work. The writing is not very refined but that makes sense for the context.