We all have heard the story of Cinderella, the beautiful child cast out to slave among the ashes.But what of her stepsisters, the homely pair exiled into ignominy by the fame of their lovely sibling? What fate befell those untouched by beauty . . . and what curses accompanied Cinderella's exquisite looks?

Extreme beauty is an affliction

Set against the rich backdrop of seventeenth-century Holland, Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister tells the story of Iris, an unlikely heroine who finds herself swept from the lowly streets of Haarlem to a strange world of wealth, artifice, and ambition.Iris's path quickly becomes intertwined with that of Clara, the mysterious and unnaturally beautiful girl destined to become her sister.

Clara was the prettiest child, but was her life the prettiest tale?

While Clara retreats to the cinders of the family hearth, burning all memories of her past, Iris seeks out the shadowy secrets of her new household--and the treacherous truth of her former life.

God and Satan snarling at each other like dogs.... Imps and fairy godmotbers trying to undo each other's work.How we try to pin the world between opposite extremes!

Far more than a mere fairy-tale, Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister is a novel of beauty and betrayal, illusion and understanding, reminding us that deception can be unearthed--and love unveiled--in the most unexpected of places.

I like reading retelling of fairytales into a more realistic story. Here, it’s mainly set prior to what we know and happen to Cinderella. But there’s something about the stories by this author that makes it harder to go through them to get to the end. I felt it was dragged on and on, like the author wanted to share many details, some I think were simply unnecessary to the story. Still, the writing was good and I liked the whole idea, but I felt it could have been a bit shortened and it still would have been quite good. I’m not sure though if I’ll read more books by this author, only time will tell.

This book arrived today along with several tea bags, Oppem's birthday group stickers, a magnetic bookmark and a Quebec postcard. What a lovely, birthday gift! Thanks so much, Carelaisa!

7/31/2022
I was thinking of starting this book this month. Just gave it a second look and decided it isn't for me. Will wild release soon.

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