by Gregory Maguire
reviewed by Daniela Gurrola
Gregory Maguire’s novel, Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister, tells the story of Iris, Ruth, and Clara. Maguire puts a twist on the story of Cinderella, making it more realistic and darker. The main protagonist, Iris, although intelligent, lacks physical beauty. Mentally challenged Ruth burdens her mother, Margarethe. Clara, Iris and Ruth’s newly acquired stepsister, is exceedingly beautiful; however, she does not possess proper manners whatsoever. The story begins with Margarethe, Ruth, and Iris escaping from England and moving to Holland, with no wealth or connections. They then meet the Master and his apprentice, Caspar. After staying with them for some time, Iris, Margarethe, and Ruth become residents of the Van den Meer Household, where Clara resides. At first they do not get along, but Iris, Ruth, and Clara become closer once they begin speaking and spending time with one another. Life in the Van den Meer household worsens when numerous problems begin occurring. These problems force Margarethe to take drastic measures. She becomes Clara’s new mother after Clara’s mother passes away, which Clara does not approve of and the wealth of the household diminishes greatly. In order to secure the family, one of the three girls must marry the prince. Luckily, a ball has been announced and they have a chance to save their family. Overall, this novel contains obstacles, paintings, and magic that cannot be explained in one paragraph. One must read this breath-taking book to find out the truth of “Cinderella’s” story.
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