Status
Available
Call number
Series
Collection
Call number
F DIC
Publication
Thomas Nelson
Description
Romance. Folklore. Young Adult Fiction. Young Adult Literature. HTML: From New York Times bestselling author comes The Golden Braid, a Rapunzel retelling that proves the one who needs rescuing isn't always the one in the tower. Rapunzel can throw a knife better than any man. She paints beautiful flowering vines on the walls of her plaster houses. She sings so sweetly she can coax even a beast to sleep. But there are two things she is afraid her mother might never allow her to do: learn to read and marry. Fiercely devoted to Rapunzel, her mother is suspicious of every man who so much as looks at her daughter and warns her that no man can be trusted. After a young village farmer asks for Rapunzel's hand in marriage, Mother decides to move them once again�??this time, to the large city of Hagenheim. The journey proves treacherous, and after being rescued by a knight�??Sir Gerek�??Rapunzel in turn rescues him farther down the road. As a result, Sir Gerek agrees to repay his debt to Rapunzel by teaching her to read. Could there be more to this knight than his arrogance and desire to marry for riches and position? As Rapunzel acclimates to life in a new city, she uncovers a mystery that will forever change her life. In this Rapunzel story unlike any other, a world of secrets and treachery is about to be revealed after seventeen years of lies. How will Rapunzel finally take control of her own destiny? And who will prove faithful to a lowly peasant girl with no one to turn to? "The Golden Braid is a delightful, page-turning retelling of the story of Rapunzel. Dickerson brings this familiar fairy tale to life with a fresh and unique plot that is full of complex characters, a sweet romance, and danger at every turn. Rapunzel's search to understand her place in the medieval world is a timeless identity struggle that modern readers will relate to. Her growing courage and faith are inspirational and will have readers cheering her on and sad to see the story come to an end." �??Jody Hedlund, bestselling author of An Uncertain… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member eyes.2c
Intriguing!
Featuring some intriguing twists to the Rapunzel story. I wondered how 'the tower' was going to fit into plot. Dickerson has very cleverly made the tower segment seem absolutely normal and believable, complementing all that leads to that moment. On the road to the town of Hagenheim with
What Rapunzel wants more than anything is to learn to read. Gerek is placed in a position to help--which he does, reluctantly.
The refrain we all know, "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair," is not used in the way and place we envisage but nevertheless is referenced in many ways and for a variety of reasons to do with a young woman's place and reputation, of being unmarried, careful and modest. All rather intriguing within the context of the supposed time.
The characters are all carefully crafted. Rapunzel's mother is a quagmire of pathological tendencies. Still Rapunzel treats her honourably even if that is not returned. There relationship is very interesting to the point of distressing sometimes.
There are many biblical references, but once again all are appropriate for the times given that Christianity had a major and central place in the medieval world. Indeed the idea of knights being models of godly behaviour dedicated to that ideal is not unusual. Beliefs are strong and as Rapunzel grapples to read she learns via the bible. Now even this is unusual due to the cost of books, and Latin would be needed but Rapunzel is so bright she learns this as well as German.
Rapunzel is a very unusual and courageous young woman. Just how unusual becomes apparent as the story progresses, and not just her abilities, her determination to read and better herself. Rapunzel's search for God and meaning form quite a big slice of her tale.
There are some quite fascinating features of the story, resolved in really creative ways. Unfortunately at times the way through was just a tad to contrived, which for me negated those highs of originality. An enjoyable read, made richer by having to reflect about the storyline, the characters, and the way it all comes together.
A NetGalley ARC
Featuring some intriguing twists to the Rapunzel story. I wondered how 'the tower' was going to fit into plot. Dickerson has very cleverly made the tower segment seem absolutely normal and believable, complementing all that leads to that moment. On the road to the town of Hagenheim with
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her mother Rapunzel meets a knight, Sir Gerek, who dismisses her as a poor peasant girl. Rather annoying really, as she ended up rescuing him from bandits after he'd just rescued her from the same bandits. Now he owes her, maybe!What Rapunzel wants more than anything is to learn to read. Gerek is placed in a position to help--which he does, reluctantly.
The refrain we all know, "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair," is not used in the way and place we envisage but nevertheless is referenced in many ways and for a variety of reasons to do with a young woman's place and reputation, of being unmarried, careful and modest. All rather intriguing within the context of the supposed time.
The characters are all carefully crafted. Rapunzel's mother is a quagmire of pathological tendencies. Still Rapunzel treats her honourably even if that is not returned. There relationship is very interesting to the point of distressing sometimes.
There are many biblical references, but once again all are appropriate for the times given that Christianity had a major and central place in the medieval world. Indeed the idea of knights being models of godly behaviour dedicated to that ideal is not unusual. Beliefs are strong and as Rapunzel grapples to read she learns via the bible. Now even this is unusual due to the cost of books, and Latin would be needed but Rapunzel is so bright she learns this as well as German.
Rapunzel is a very unusual and courageous young woman. Just how unusual becomes apparent as the story progresses, and not just her abilities, her determination to read and better herself. Rapunzel's search for God and meaning form quite a big slice of her tale.
There are some quite fascinating features of the story, resolved in really creative ways. Unfortunately at times the way through was just a tad to contrived, which for me negated those highs of originality. An enjoyable read, made richer by having to reflect about the storyline, the characters, and the way it all comes together.
A NetGalley ARC
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LibraryThing member vintagebeckie
I loved fairy tales as a child. I can remember the kids in the neighborhood acting out the stories that our parents read to us at bedtime. Nowadays (don’t I sound old!) children don’t know the old classics except through animated movies. That’s why think Melanie Dickerson’s retelling of old
Rapunzel has moved from village to village with her adopted mother, never staying long in any one place. They are always viewed as outsiders, but Rapunzel has never questioned Mother’s actions until now. The rules are tightening on Rapunzel, and she dreams of a freedom she has never known. After meeting a handsome, yet irritating, knight, Rapunzel dares to live her life unfettered by restrictions.
Rapunzel is an interesting character: a bit naive, completely innocent to the dangers of the world, yet hungry for knowledge. Her desire to read the Holy Writ opens up new ideas for her, especially the nature of God as a loving Father, something she has never known. As she learns God’s truth, she yearns for the secrets in her own life to be exposed. The handsome and tough Sir Gerek is also a complex character who learns that man’s plans are not always the way God wants things to go. Both of these characters grow in their understanding and faith as the story progresses and provide valuable insights. In fact, I think The Golden Braid would make a great choice for a high school-aged book club. Dickerson creates a richly detailed medieval world full of superstitions and old wives tales that perfectly fits the fairy tale setting. Many characters from previous books make appearances too — a real plus for her fans.
All in all, The Golden Braid is a great read and would make a fabulous Christmas gift for the YA girl in your life!
Recommended.
Audience: high school ages and up.
(Thanks to LitFuse and Thomas Nelson for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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favorites is such a great idea — introduce a young adult audience to the fairy tale experience with a spiritual foundation. The Golden Braid brings to life the story of Rapunzel, she of the very long hair. Yet in this story more than just the damsel in distress needs saving. A fresh twist on a classic gets this book a recommended rating from me.Rapunzel has moved from village to village with her adopted mother, never staying long in any one place. They are always viewed as outsiders, but Rapunzel has never questioned Mother’s actions until now. The rules are tightening on Rapunzel, and she dreams of a freedom she has never known. After meeting a handsome, yet irritating, knight, Rapunzel dares to live her life unfettered by restrictions.
Rapunzel is an interesting character: a bit naive, completely innocent to the dangers of the world, yet hungry for knowledge. Her desire to read the Holy Writ opens up new ideas for her, especially the nature of God as a loving Father, something she has never known. As she learns God’s truth, she yearns for the secrets in her own life to be exposed. The handsome and tough Sir Gerek is also a complex character who learns that man’s plans are not always the way God wants things to go. Both of these characters grow in their understanding and faith as the story progresses and provide valuable insights. In fact, I think The Golden Braid would make a great choice for a high school-aged book club. Dickerson creates a richly detailed medieval world full of superstitions and old wives tales that perfectly fits the fairy tale setting. Many characters from previous books make appearances too — a real plus for her fans.
All in all, The Golden Braid is a great read and would make a fabulous Christmas gift for the YA girl in your life!
Recommended.
Audience: high school ages and up.
(Thanks to LitFuse and Thomas Nelson for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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LibraryThing member swingdancefan
As I’ve pretty well established by now, I love retold fairytales. This one adds a lot to the Rapunzel story. Sorry, Disney fans, there is no magical healing power, nor is there a smoldering Flynn Rider (sorry, Eugene). Nonetheless, Dickerson’s Rapunzel has drive and determination, just as the
Those familiar with either the source material or the Disney version know that “Mother” Gothel isn’t Rapunzel’s true mother, and it’s Rapunzel’s discovery of this and return to her rightful home that are a large part of the story.
Escaping her oppressive “mother”, Rapunzel takes the initiative to learn to read and become a worker in the castle kitchens, in part thanks to Sir Gerek, with whom she has a somewhat uneasy relationship that, of course, turns into something more. Naturally, there are obstacles to the happy ending, but they are realistic in the context of the both the story and the genre.
Dickerson also examines ideas of faith and forgiveness in the telling of the story.
Description is good, and Dickerson makes a point of doing her research and being true to her chosen period. Characters are strong and complex, which I like. Gothel seems to really want to protect Rapunzel, despite her (Gothel’s) craziness; she’s not just a baddie.
Possible Objectionable Material:
If you don’t like discussions about God and faith, this may not be the book for you. Dangerous situations. Discussions of murders that took place in the past. Abduction and imprisonment. Violence. Babies born out of wedlock. Mild romance, but doesn’t go past kissing. Rapunzel basically runs away from home.
Who Would Like This Book:
Fans of fairy tales, romance, and medieval times. It’s probably of more interest to girls than boys, though I hate to over-generalize. Probably ages 10 and up. Approximate Lexile: 940.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.
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Disney version does, even if she does lack a frying pan.Those familiar with either the source material or the Disney version know that “Mother” Gothel isn’t Rapunzel’s true mother, and it’s Rapunzel’s discovery of this and return to her rightful home that are a large part of the story.
Escaping her oppressive “mother”, Rapunzel takes the initiative to learn to read and become a worker in the castle kitchens, in part thanks to Sir Gerek, with whom she has a somewhat uneasy relationship that, of course, turns into something more. Naturally, there are obstacles to the happy ending, but they are realistic in the context of the both the story and the genre.
Dickerson also examines ideas of faith and forgiveness in the telling of the story.
Description is good, and Dickerson makes a point of doing her research and being true to her chosen period. Characters are strong and complex, which I like. Gothel seems to really want to protect Rapunzel, despite her (Gothel’s) craziness; she’s not just a baddie.
Possible Objectionable Material:
If you don’t like discussions about God and faith, this may not be the book for you. Dangerous situations. Discussions of murders that took place in the past. Abduction and imprisonment. Violence. Babies born out of wedlock. Mild romance, but doesn’t go past kissing. Rapunzel basically runs away from home.
Who Would Like This Book:
Fans of fairy tales, romance, and medieval times. It’s probably of more interest to girls than boys, though I hate to over-generalize. Probably ages 10 and up. Approximate Lexile: 940.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.
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LibraryThing member LibStaff2
A YA retelling of the Rapunzel fairy tale with a stronger version of the maiden. A lovely story that includes some Christian elements that has a medieval setting. A quick and easy adaptation of a famous story.
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LibraryThing member MargueriteMartinGray
I have read every one of the books in the Hagenheim series. Each fairy tale is exciting and surprising. Even though I know the fairy tale, I am always anxious to see the real life situation. Melanie did a great job weaving in a tower and golden hair. Hard to put down. I'm glad it was the weekend!
LibraryThing member Medievalgirl
3.5 Stars
Although I have read all of Melanie Dickerson’s books, and will likely continue to do so, they have been something of a mixed bag for me. It is interesting to read an alternative representation of fairy tales from a Christian perspective, stripped of the magical and ‘fairy godmother’
Anyway, I was eagerly anticipating The Golden Braid although I had some reservations based on the synopsis (I worried it might be overly politically correct). In the first half, I was pleasantly surprised by the well-drawn characters who were obviously harbouring secrets and baggage, but also the historical details. I was rather pleased to see that the author went some way towards questioning the assumption that it was ‘heresy’ to read the Bible in one’s own language in the Medieval period. (This was not considered heretical in and of itself).
The relationship and developing friendship between Rapunzel and Sir Gerek was quite sweet and endearing- one might say rather refreshing for being free of romantic mush. He taught her to read to pay her back for helping him, and she was able to get over her distrust of men to learn about faith. Also, although she was strong and able to look after herself, Rapunzel was not one of those militant proto-feminist heroines with a chip on her shoulder against the whole world, like you see in some stories.
As the story progressed however, there was some crossover with one of the previous novels The Princess Spy, with the story covering a lot of the same ground and content. This did not continue for too long- but I felt that towards the end, after about three quarters of the way through, the story started to become somewhat rushed, choppy, and weaker than it was before.
Rapunzel gets locked in a tower (to follow the fairy tale) but it was rather a minor aspect of the story that was dealt with better elsewhere. In some ways, Mother Gothel’s control and demands on Rapunzel were more of an imprisonment. Also, there came to be some details that seemed rather- far-fetched- like Gerek just happening to pull a ‘tarp covered’ torch out of his saddlebag. Seriously? Was tarpaulin even invented then? Also, I found the idea of a war-hose being spooked by a hare a bit much- they were meant to be highly trained so as not to be easily scared. An animal like that would be pretty much useless on the battlefield, so why would an experienced knight even keep it.
Also, things got a little mushier later on in the story in terms of romance- with more kissing and touching. Although it was interesting to see the characters wrestling with one another’s revelations and feelings for one another, as well as to forgive those who wronged them.
Overall, The Golden Braid was a satisfying and interesting story which holds the attention of the reader. In spite of some weaknesses, I would say it was one of the better stories in this continuing series. Although, perhaps later novels might be better for including newer characters and storylines not related to the family and region of the others.
Thanks to Booklook Bloggers and Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free kindle edition of this book for review. I read this alongside listening to the audiobook (which I purchased of my own volition), I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Although I have read all of Melanie Dickerson’s books, and will likely continue to do so, they have been something of a mixed bag for me. It is interesting to read an alternative representation of fairy tales from a Christian perspective, stripped of the magical and ‘fairy godmother’
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type content. However, some of the content can also be a little clichéd, implausible……and romantic mush in any novel by any author is starting to wear a little bit thin for me. I really don’t want to read about characters admiring one another’s lips or physique, or having some ‘warm’ feeling when they kiss. It’s just eye-roll inducing…Anyway, I was eagerly anticipating The Golden Braid although I had some reservations based on the synopsis (I worried it might be overly politically correct). In the first half, I was pleasantly surprised by the well-drawn characters who were obviously harbouring secrets and baggage, but also the historical details. I was rather pleased to see that the author went some way towards questioning the assumption that it was ‘heresy’ to read the Bible in one’s own language in the Medieval period. (This was not considered heretical in and of itself).
The relationship and developing friendship between Rapunzel and Sir Gerek was quite sweet and endearing- one might say rather refreshing for being free of romantic mush. He taught her to read to pay her back for helping him, and she was able to get over her distrust of men to learn about faith. Also, although she was strong and able to look after herself, Rapunzel was not one of those militant proto-feminist heroines with a chip on her shoulder against the whole world, like you see in some stories.
As the story progressed however, there was some crossover with one of the previous novels The Princess Spy, with the story covering a lot of the same ground and content. This did not continue for too long- but I felt that towards the end, after about three quarters of the way through, the story started to become somewhat rushed, choppy, and weaker than it was before.
Rapunzel gets locked in a tower (to follow the fairy tale) but it was rather a minor aspect of the story that was dealt with better elsewhere. In some ways, Mother Gothel’s control and demands on Rapunzel were more of an imprisonment. Also, there came to be some details that seemed rather- far-fetched- like Gerek just happening to pull a ‘tarp covered’ torch out of his saddlebag. Seriously? Was tarpaulin even invented then? Also, I found the idea of a war-hose being spooked by a hare a bit much- they were meant to be highly trained so as not to be easily scared. An animal like that would be pretty much useless on the battlefield, so why would an experienced knight even keep it.
Also, things got a little mushier later on in the story in terms of romance- with more kissing and touching. Although it was interesting to see the characters wrestling with one another’s revelations and feelings for one another, as well as to forgive those who wronged them.
Overall, The Golden Braid was a satisfying and interesting story which holds the attention of the reader. In spite of some weaknesses, I would say it was one of the better stories in this continuing series. Although, perhaps later novels might be better for including newer characters and storylines not related to the family and region of the others.
Thanks to Booklook Bloggers and Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free kindle edition of this book for review. I read this alongside listening to the audiobook (which I purchased of my own volition), I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
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LibraryThing member caslater83
Wonderful!
Beautiful story!! I have no complaints whatsoever. Rapunzel is a beautiful person although I think she is over sheltered due to Gothel and her controlling nature. Gareth is well-suited to be Rapunzel's future mate. I wish these two could have their own sequel.
Beautiful story!! I have no complaints whatsoever. Rapunzel is a beautiful person although I think she is over sheltered due to Gothel and her controlling nature. Gareth is well-suited to be Rapunzel's future mate. I wish these two could have their own sequel.
LibraryThing member urph818
I can certainly say that Melanie Dickerson has done it again with her latest fairytale retelling of Rapunzel and featuring the medieval Hagenheim. With accurate historical details the reader is plunged into Melanie Dickerson's story world and I would have to say that this book is bound to please
If you like Medieval History, adventure and romance, this is the book for you.
Jack Murphy
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readers of medieval adventure stories (like me!). A sweet love story ties the characters together, and Christian themes tie the plotlines together.If you like Medieval History, adventure and romance, this is the book for you.
Jack Murphy
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Original publication date
2015
ISBN
9780718026264
Series
Hagenheim 6