Title: Briar Rose
Author: Jane Yolen
First published September 1, 1992
241 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780765342300 (ISBN10: 0765342308)
Rating: 3.79
Overview
A poignant retelling of the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty that will leave readers both heartbroken and heartened. Briar Rose has long captured the imagination of Rebecca, ever since her grandmother Gemma regaled her with stories of the cursed princess.
When Gemma passes away, Rebecca makes a vow to uncover the truth behind Gemma’s final words: “I am Briar Rose.” Her quest takes her on a harrowing journey through unimaginable cruelty and terror, but ultimately leads her to a path of healing and optimism. Named one of the “100 Best Books for Teens” and “Best Books for Young Adults” by the American Library Association.
About the Author
Meet Jane Yolen, a multi-talented author who has penned over 300 books in various genres such as novels, poetry, fantasy, journalism, songwriting, storytelling, and children’s literature. She has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, and the World Fantasy Award.
Additionally, she has won three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and has been granted six honorary doctorate degrees from universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Originally from New York City, Yolen is a proud mother of three and a grandmother of six.
She currently resides in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.
Editoral Review
Briar Rose, written by Jane Yolen and originally published on September 1, 1992, is a captivating retelling of the classic Sleeping Beauty fairy tale that combines magical elements with themes surrounding the Holocaust. Jane Yolen, who has written over 365 books for children and young adults, is a prolific author of remarkable depth and skill.
Her book Briar Rose is a testament to her talent, as she weaves together two seemingly disparate narratives, intertwining both to create a haunting and unforgettable tale. The story of Briar Rose follows Rebecca, the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor named Gemma.
When Gemma dies, Rebecca tries to uncover the truth about her grandmother’s past. Although Gemma had told stories of living in a castle and being saved by a prince, Rebecca soon discovers that the true story is far more harrowing.
Gemma was a survivor of the Chelmno extermination camp, and the prince was a resistance fighter who helped her escape. One of the most striking qualities of Briar Rose is the power of Yolen’s prose.
Her writing is masterful, and she manages to convey the weight of the Holocaust with sensitivity and depth. The pacing of the book is superb, and the narrative expertly shifts between the past and present, gradually unraveling Gemma’s story while also exploring Rebecca’s personal journey.
While the story is dark and deeply emotional, Yolen does an excellent job of infusing elements of hope and magic into the narrative. The Sleeping Beauty fable serves as a poignant metaphor for the atrocities of the Holocaust, offering a glimmer of hope that good can triumph over evil.
The characters in Briar Rose are well-developed and complex, particularly Gemma. Her story is heart-wrenching, and Yolen does a phenomenal job of portraying her resilience and strength in the face of unspeakable horrors.
Rebecca’s journey is also compelling, as she grapples with her family’s secrets and searches for meaning in her own life. Perhaps the only weakness of Briar Rose is the predictability of its ending.
While the fairytale elements are expertly woven into the narrative, there is ultimately no escaping the fact that the story follows a familiar structure. However, this is only a minor flaw, as Yolen’s writing is so powerful that the predictable ending does not detract from the emotional impact of the story.
Overall, Briar Rose is a stunning work of historical fiction that deserves a place among the canon of Holocaust literature. Yolen’s writing is exceptional, and her ability to weave together two seemingly disparate narratives is nothing short of masterful.
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the impact of the Holocaust on subsequent generations and examining the power of storytelling in helping us process trauma. Rating: 4.5/5.
