Book Review: "Ella Enchanted" By Gail Carson Levine

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

Ella, from her birth was cursed with the gift of obedience from an unwanted fairy godmother, Lucinda. She does her best to avoid obeying, but the pull over her is too strong. After her mother dies, she befriends Prince Charmont after meeting him at the funeral. But her father sends her off to finishing school, where her secret is figured out and she is bullied by two other students. Eventually, she runs away, in search of Lucinda, hoping to break the curse. She fails, and ends up back home, only to have her father marry the mother of her school bullies. Ella fights to keep her dignity as she is turned into a maid as well as for a way to free herself from the curse. All the while, developing a strong friendship through her letters with the Prince.

OUR CAST OF CHARACTERS

Ella is our heroine, and although heartbroken after her mother dies, and estranged from her father, she is determined to break her curse and be herself. From her mother, she has learned her sense of fun, from sliding down banisters, and poking fun at herself. She also has a knack for languages, which surprisingly gets her out of trouble as well as a love for animals.

Mandy is a servant in the house, and after her mother dies, the person she is closest too. She is devoted to Ella, and does her best to encourage and love her.

Charmont is the prince of Kyrria, who first meets Ella after her mother's funeral. He notes how her mother made him smile. Ella shares that sense of humor, and endears herself to him through their visits to the menagerie. He is open and honest in his letters to her, and tells her of his flaws, confiding in her with his worries. He is rather serious, and no doubt Ella's ability to make him laugh is what draws him to her.

Hattie and Olive, are the daughters of Madam Olga, and bullies. They attend finishing school with Ella, and Hattie soon figures our the curse. Both are equally selfish, spoiled and shallow, although Olive is far less intelligent. Although they may at first come across as stereotypes, Levine uses them to show Ella's determination and cleverness, as well as her lack of selfishness.

Lucinda, the fairy who cursed Ella, is ignorant, naive, and oblivious to the pain her gifts cause.

Areida, a girl who is looked down upon because of her accent and lack of wealth. She is Ella's only friend at finishing school.

UNIQUE SPIN ON CINDERELLA

Although the story revolves around a curse, which is not in the original story, it is made clear, later on in the book that this is very much inspired by Cinderella. Ella and Char find a pair of glass slippers; the prince has three balls to find a bride; Ella becomes a servant in her own home when her father remarries.
One has to wonder, did Levine think, why did Ella put up with being a servant? Did she have no choice, couldn't she disobey? Maybe that's how the idea of the curse was born.

CHARACTER DRIVEN

Very much like “The Two Princesses of Bamarre” the story is very much character driven. In the beginning, it is clear that Ella's mother was her best friend, and how she inherited her sense of self-confidence, kindness, and sense of humor. Even though her mother is barely in the book, it's not hard to feel sympathetic for Ella after her mother's death. Her father barely knows her and his selfishness is obvious from the beginning when he orders her to leave when she cries at the funeral.

There is plenty of time spent on the development of Char and Ella's friendship, not only through time spent together but through letters they write and we read. There relationship is not dramatic, but simple and sweet.

And although the story that takes place is a fairy tale, complete with ogres, princes and curses, is is surprisingly easy to relate to as Ella struggles to gain freedom.

PACING

This isn't an action book. There is no great quest. Ella may wish to free herself from the curse, but she has no real knowledge of how to do so until seven or so chapters in. And she doesn't even attempt to until chapter 12. Much of the book is simply trying to get by, although she does run into massive danger at different points.

FORESHADOWING

The story is told from Ella's perspective, and there are moments where she hints at bad things to come. This isn't used frequently, but enough to make the reader curious.

FRIENDS AND ENEMIES

The relationship Ella develops with Areida shows an aspect of Ella that makes her all the more likable, her lack of judging people on appearance and wealth. The only criticism I have is the small portion of time they spend together.
Hattie is our main villain, and with each order she gives, I rooted on Ella, as she always made a strong attempt to thwart the commands, often in clever ways. Although my one complaint was that Hattie was rather two dimensional, and besides one scene where Ella learns that she is jealous of Ella for her looks, there isn't much explanation of why she is such a terrible person.

THE MARTYR COMPLEX

Hattie and Olive needn't be so horrible but the author keeps piling on Ella's woes.

Her father doesn't care about her and is selfish; her mother is dead; Areida is her only friend at school; the curse ruins her life; Lucinda refuses to undue it.

Are we supposed to believe that every other girl she meets is either evil or stupid? Might there be others who are shy? Maybe some who are blunt or honest? Levine works alittle too hard to make Ella a martyr when she already has the curse to worry about. Also, Olive is two dimensional as well. And since Hattie is selfish and smart, she has to be a complete idiot with a lack of imagination. It would have served the story better if the sisters, or their mother was pretty, deceptive, and charming, instead of being so cartoonishly evil.

GRAPHIC CONTENT

There is reference to ogres who want to eat Ella, and are dangerous.

CONCLUSION

Even with my critique of having Ella feel like a victim in every way, I still favor the book. Not only is the story original and the main characters likable, but the world that Levine paints is original as well. I give “Ella Enchanted” four stars.

What do you think? Did you read this book? Agree or disagree with me on any points? Please let me know!