Title: The Crimson Thread: A Retelling of Rumpelstiltskin
Author: Suzanne Weyn
First published June 17, 2008
207 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781416959434 (ISBN10: 1416959432)
Rating: 3.78
Overview
Step into the magical world of The Crimson Thread: A Retelling of Rumpelstiltskin by Suzanne Weyn. The year is 1880, and Bertie has just arrived in New York with her family to start a new life.
With her talent in sewing, Bertie lands a job as a seamstress in the home of textile magnate J.P. Wellington. Soon, Bertie’s father boasts that she can “practically spin straw into gold,” which catches the attention of the wealthy Wellington family.
In a race against time to save the family fortune, Bertie must rely on the help of Ray Stalls, a man from her tenement who spins dresses woven with crimson thread that look like they are spun with real gold. But when Ray asks for Bertie’s firstborn child as repayment, she agrees without realizing the extent of the bargain.
Transport yourself to a world of magic, danger, and love in The Crimson Thread.
About the Author
Growing up in Williston Park, Long Island, New York, Suzanne Weyn always had a love for theater and reading. Louisa May Alcott was her favorite author, but she also devoured every Sherlock Holmes story.
Living near the ocean, going to Jones Beach was one of her favorite activities. Even to this day, she feels restless if she goes too long without seeing the ocean.
Now residing in upper New York State with her husband, two teenage daughters, and Abby the cat, Suzanne lives in a 200-year-old house at the edge of the woods. She graduated from State University of New York at Binghamton and received her Masters degree from Pace University.
She currently teaches part-time at City College in New York.
Suzanne has a talent for reimagining classic tales from an original point of view. She has written several novels for Simon Pulse, including South Beach Sizzle, a romantic comedy written with Diana Gonzalez.
Her novels for the Simon Pulse line, “Once Upon a Time,” include The Night Dance, a retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses, Water Song, a retelling of the Frog Prince, and The Crimson Thread, a retelling of Rumplestiltskin. By exploring the real psychological underpinnings of these stories, Suzanne adds a fresh perspective to these age-old tales.
She is currently revising her fourth book in the line, set to be released in ’09.
In addition to her Once Upon a Time series, Suzanne has written other novels, such as The Bar Code Tattoo (2004) and its sequel, The Bar Code Rebellion (2006). The Bar Code Tattoo was chosen by the American Library Association (ALA) as a ’05 Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers and was nominated for “Best Young Adult Fiction” in the ’07 Nevada Library Awards.
The book has also been translated into German and was nominated for the ’07 Jugenliteraturpreis for Young People’s Literature.
Editoral Review
The Crimson Thread: A Retelling of Rumpelstiltskin by Suzanne Weyn is a captivating retelling of the beloved fairy tale that has been cherished by generations of readers. Weyn is a talented author who skillfully weaves together an enchanting tale of love, mystery, and magic.
Published on June 17, 2008, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves classic fairy tales. The genre of the book can be categorized as young adult fantasy fiction.
It explores the themes of love, loyalty, betrayal, and greed while anchoring itself in a magical world where anything can happen. Set in medieval Europe, the story follows the life of Ashlan, a peasant girl who is struggling to survive in a world filled with poverty and mistreatment.
Her parents are struggling to make ends meet and are continuously being burdened by the greedy lord of the land. As a result, Ashlan is forced to seek the help of a mysterious stranger who offers to spin straw into gold for her in exchange for something she holds dear.
Weyn’s plot is compelling, and she successfully brings the reader into the magical world of medieval Europe with her vivid descriptions of the setting. The characters in the book are well-developed, and the reader can relate to their struggles and hardships.
Ashlan’s determination and strength shine throughout the book, painting a picture of a strong and resilient young woman who refuses to be broken by the harsh realities of her world. One of the strengths of the book is its pacing.
Weyn’s writing is engaging and fast-paced, keeping the reader hooked from start to finish. The plot twists are cleverly crafted, and the climax of the story is both surprising and satisfying.
Additionally, Weyn cleverly integrates historical and cultural significance into her plot, highlighting the social maladies of medieval Europe and connecting them with similar issues in our present society. One of the limitations of the book is its focus on detail in certain areas.
In some cases, the description of certain scenes and characters can be excessive and drag the story down. However, this does not detract from the overall quality of the book.
In conclusion, The Crimson Thread: A Retelling of Rumpelstiltskin by Suzanne Weyn is a fascinating and enjoyable read. Its compelling plot, well-developed characters, and engaging writing style make it a must-read for anyone who loves fairy tales, young adult fantasy fiction, or simply a well-crafted story.
It is recommended for teenagers and young adults who enjoy reading works of fiction that transport them into a magical world filled with intrigue and wonder. I rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Its high quality of writing, character development, and plot structure make it a standout in its genre.
