The Reflections of Queen Snow White

Title: The Reflections of Queen Snow White
Author: David Meredith
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 155
Rating: 3.5 stars
Source: Received for review from the author
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Queen Snow White has grown weary with life as she loses each of her loved ones. First her mother, then her father, and finally her beloved husband, King Charming. She's pretty much given up on the prospect of joy when she stumbles upon the magic mirror of her evil stepmother. This mirror not only reflects one's appearance, but it also reflects the beauty, or ugliness, within. As the mirror shows Snow White what she's been truly feeling deep down inside, she begins to realize that perhaps joy can be found once again.

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I really loved the writing style in this book. It's so poetic and descriptive, yet simple and easygoing. It was a unique read in that sense. But on top of that, the plot was something new and different. You see Snow White in her old age, her daughter grown up and getting married, but the mirror transports you through the life of Snow White starting from a very young age, and leading up to her present self. What we get to see of her past creates a pieced together retelling of Snow White, and it's a more developed, thought out take to the fairy tale we're all familiar with.

I'm sure you've seen Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and perhaps you can agree with me on the statement that it's a rather straightforward plot. None of the characters are all that unique, nor does the evil queen really have a motive for being evil. She's just jealous. On top of that, Snow White and her prince instantly fall in love. With no explanation or rationale. In this novel, each character has a story, a past, and drive. The story is much more complicated, and Snow White's life is filled with many darker aspects. 

So I enjoyed reading this fairy tale where not everything just happened magically- where everything got a believable explanation and had a reasonable purpose. Plus the Evil Queen got a real name, which is a plus because I've always been bothered by that aspect of the story. Snow White is also older than the 14 year old girl she is in Disney's take, which makes the whole thing seem that much more believable.

Although I found it a little difficult to get into in the beginning, I would say give it a shot if you're interested in knowing what comes after the "happily ever after"!