Booklog 40/2023: Jade Linwood: Charming

This is a delightful fairy tale, or rather a mish-mash of fairy tales in which handsome, brave Prince Charming rescues damsels in distress, but rather than sticking around for the wedding, runs off with half the kingdom’s valuables, accompanied by Roland, a strange little man who is more than he seems, and a pack beast that’s Mostly Donkey. Ms Linwood subverts expectations at every twist. Three deserted damsels team up to retrieve what Charming stole, and to get revenge. They have a plan. There’s Bella, the Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, now Dr Rapunzel, scholar of the arcane, and Marie Blanche, Snow White, who can talk to creatures. These are three damsels perfectly capable of rescuing themselves. Beautifully written this is quirky and funny with a feminist vibe. Highly recommended.