Forsyth, Kate

Strongly recommended for fans of historical fiction. ["This intriguing look at a little-known historical figure has definite appeal for fairy-tale aficionados": LJ 6/1/15 review of the St. Martin's hc.]

This intriguing look at a little-known historical figure has definite appeal for fairy-tale aficionados. While the book is at times a difficult and painful read owing to the ongoing challenges and abuse Dortchen faces, hope wins out ultimately. Forsyth includes an afterword and the origins of the Grimms' stories so readers can explore the choices the author made between historical fact and creative interpretation as she wrote the novel. [See Prepub Alert, 1/25/15.]

Forsyth, a PhD candidate in fairy tale retellings, reflects her depth of knowledge in this captivating novel that enchants with its gorgeous narrative and memorable characters who discover how the choices we make define and bind us. Full of palace intrigue, dark magic, romance, and lush, evocative descriptions, this is historical fiction at its finest.