Customer Reviews

Petrosinella: A Neopolitan Rapunzel (Picture Puffins)

5 star:		(3)
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Petrosinella came before Rapunzel and is a spunkier character. Like Rapunzel, she is held captive by the witch after being taken from her mother. Petrosinella, however, uses her wits to escape her captor and live happily ever after. This story originally appeared in Giambattista Basile's Il Pentamerone almost 400 years ago. The illustrations are beautiful and reflect both today's tastes as well as the age of the story. I recommend this book for anyone looking for an old twist on a tale that is more exciting than the one we are most familiar with. END

This story shows the truth behind the fairy tale, "Rapunzel", before it was changed by the Grimms to reflect their patriarchal ideologies. Rapunzel is a strong, active character not just a woman who needs to be rescued. I think this book is a great way to look back in time nd see how fairy tales have changed and how the message they are sending to young people has been altered.

This is a wonderful book. If you are looking for a different take on a classic fairy tale, with a strong heroine, buy this book. It's a unique twist on the Rapunzel story. Also the illustrations are beautiful. Worth it for the artwork alone. Incidentally, the used copy I bought was in excellent condition and arrived promptly.