Marie-Jeanne T

I love fairy tales. I especially enjoy reading variations of the old stories from different cultures and different times. Therefore, I looked forward to reading "Bitter Greens." I was sorely disappointed.

The framing story of Charlotte-Rose de la Force takes the form of a trite historical romance without any romance. Rapunzel is a flat character who engenders no affection or sympathy from the reader. Although La Strega Bella does perpetrate some cruel acts, she does not have the aura of menace and evil needed for a true villain.

Gail Carson Levine, Gregory Maguire, Jane Yolen, and many others write interesting variations of the traditional tales. Seek them out. Avoid wasting your time with "Bitter Greens."

I loved this book! Juliet of ancient Siena and Juliet of the 21st come to life in Fortier's skillful writing. She takes an old story, adds some new ideas and some interesting plot points, and creates a wonderful new scenario for the doomed lovers. I stayed up all night to finish the over 400 pages in one session because I couldn't stop. I had to know what happened!

Although I am a great fan of mythology, folk tales, and fairy tales, I am not very familiar with the stories of Hinduism. This book was a wonderful introduction, and I will be seeking out more.

I hope Ms. Divakaruni chooses to retell other stories from this tradition, as this book grabbed me from the beginning. I stayed awake until around 3:00 a.m. for two nights because I couldn't stop reading until my eyes just wouldn't stay open.

Panchaali is a fascinating character, full of contrasts. Born in fire and dying in ice. Filled with unrequited love and hatred for the same person. As we follow her tale of ambition and revenge, we learn of the dangers of hubris that results in destruction of a world.

I highly recommend this book for anyone with a taste for romance, adventure, magic, and fully developed characters. There is so much here that a book group could discuss it for several sessions.

Kate's mother always reminded her husband to cover the butter before lighting his post-supper cigarette. Kate--like so many women of her time--took this advice to heart and covered her personality to be the person others expected her to be. I cheered when she finally decided to take charge of her own life and began the process of divorcing her husband.

A great summer read that kept me up until 4:30 a.m. the night I read it.