We know that in the movies that there have been untold remakes of those famous fairy tales we have read when we were a children, often times with a darker twist to them. But often there comes a great author who can reweave the tale better than the original and Melanie Dickerson has brilliantly done just that in The Golden Braid. Don't be deceived that just because you may have read the tale of Rapunzel when you were a child and can pass this one up. Trust me, it is well worth your time and for me, I believe this is far better than the original version.
The Golden Braid is the retelling of the story of Rapunzel, the girl with the long hair, but in this case, she lives a reclusive life with her mother moving from town to town, when men seem to be interested in possible marriage to her. So while she tries to remain as hidden as possible, she finds solace in painting vines, animals and flowers on the walls of whatever home, they can find. Her mother, makes a living wherever she goes as a midwife, but is always careful to remind Rapunzel to keep her hair covered and to avoid men at all costs. They are not to be trusted, are only interested in breaking her heart and have nothing to offer her.
On their way to the town of Hagenheim, they are attacked by some robbers on the road, and it's only through a well thought of prayer, that help arrives in the form of Sir Gerek, a knight from the city. He comes to their aid before anything can happen to the two women, and Rapunzel is drawn to his kindness and bravery, even though her mother is spiteful and bitter despite being saved by his efforts. He offers to accompany them to town to ensure their safety despite harsh protests from the mother. Yet when an unexpected thunderstorm spooks Sir Gerek's horse, and subsequently falls on him, his leg and arm are broken. Now it is the woman who come to his rescue as his prisoner's attempt to take Sir Gerek's life. It is only through quick thinking and Rapunzel's skill with throwing knives that the men are stopped and instead take the opportunity to run. Thankfully a monastery is nearby where they can care for Sir Gerek, and Rapunzel's true desire is found. Someone who can teach her to read, but not if her mother has anything to do with it.
I received The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this novel, in exchange for an honest review. I love when authors choose to write from a strong female character's perspective and in this case, Rapunzel while she might be young, she is forward thinking and by has an innocence that appeals to the reader. She isn't those fairy tale woman characters who needed to be rescued, and often times can take care of herself and those around her more than most give her credit for. For me, this one really sold the series and I can't wait to go back and add more from Melanie Dickerson to my personal library This is the second novel in the Medieval Fairy Tale Romance Series and for me easily a 5 out of 5 stars. This is the kind of fairy tale I would share with my daughters!
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I liked this book for the same reasons you did, strong female heroine and a good plot twist on the original tale. It was a great book to escape with.
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