Review: A very different twist on a classic tale
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 12, 2014
What happens after a very happily ever after suddenly ends?The story begins as thirty some odd years have passed and Queen Snow White is still in mourning after the death of her beloved husband Charming the previous year.  In deep depression, she all but ignores her daughter Raven who desperately needs her mother ‘s support as she is planning the details of her upcoming wedding.  Trying to get away from all the comings and goings associated with the grand wedding, Queen Snow White finds herself in the wing of the castle formally belonging to her wicked step-mother.  Everything is in disarray as the room has been used as storage for many years and the pigeons and rats have all but taken over.  But one thing in the room is still pristine.  Yep, that dang mirror we read about as children. You know the one – Mirror. Mirror, on the wall - but this time, the mirror is a bit different. As the mirror reflects back glimpses of Snow Whites past, she gains valuable insight on what she needs to make her happy again and enjoy life without Charming by her side.  The mirror kind of reminds me of Ghost of Christmas Past in Charles Dickens The Christmas Carol.  It is enabling Snow White to remember what made her strong in the past even though she might have forgotten the details.I really liked this retelling of the popular fairy tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.  This definitely is not your happy, go lucky fairy tale, oh no! There are some very mature scenes that may disturb some, especially young children.  There are at times some very dark, depressing moments as we read about Snow Whites abusive stepmother.  There are also some very graphic moments when we read about her wedding night.  As with all fairy tales, this version has an important message as well and Mr. Meredith has written it very elegantly.  The prose of the story flows smoothly and almost effortlessly.  This was a very different spin on a beloved fairy tale that I would recommend to anyone.“You know there is not forgetting, not really.  What happens, happens.  The past is the past and your past is ever a part of you!  Only by facing it can you truly leave it behind.  Otherwise, it will ever intrude upon your present….”*I was gifted a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.