Ashley L. reviewed A Great Fairy Tale Retelling on 7/2/2009

Helpful Score: 1

In Briar Rose, Yolen retells the story of Sleeping Beauty. The plot begins with Becca visiting with her ailing grandmother before she passes away. Her grandmother always told the tale of Briar Rose but as she dies, proclaims that she is indeed Briar Rose. Becca's sisters pass the words off as an old woman's rants but Becca takes the words to heart and begins to investigate her grandmother's past. Becca's quest takes her to Germany where, after a lot of digging, she discovers the truth in her grandmother's words.

This is a beautiful and haunting tale and Yolen is a wonderful storyteller. The story does deal with the Holocaust and because it is young adult literature it deals with mature themes so readers should be advised. I highly recommend this book, especially for fans of fairy tales!

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