I, Coriander by Sally Gardner

 




A splendid, enthralling, magnificent, gripping tale on transporting between the human and the fairy-tale realms. I, Coriander by Sally Gardner is a beguiling fairy tale set in England.

Coriander, our protagonist is a young, naïve yet energetic, resolute girl who is born and bred by a father who belongs to the world of humans and a mother who belongs to the world laden with mysteries.

Her mother's fairy-tale existence forms the backbone of our protagonist's story. Coriander becomes despondent, grappling hard-hitting times as her mother dies under mysterious circumstances. The major episode between her mother and Coriander is about coveting a pair of silver shoes, which her mother keeps putting off for reasons unfolded later as the plot progresses.

Till this point, the book holds a caring, nurturing tone yet hinting at clouds of darkness constantly clinging around Coriander. 
 
Post her mother's demise, her father re-marries an atrocious Puritan female who adheres perfectly to the title of an "evil stepmother".
Coriander, faces reversal of fate, from an endearing mother to an outrightly vicious stepmother.

The prelude to her transportation to the fairy tale world is when her stepmother along with her diabolical zealous Puritan minister friend, chops off her lovely mane , and ends up locking her in the closet for three years. 

It is here in the closet, Coriander enters the parallel magical world. In this world she is endowed with the task to save her mother´s shadow from the evil Queen Rosemore. It is here where she is introduced to evildoers and various other characters, and she heroically fights out dressed like  a man, galloping in the forests. It is in this magical journey, she finds her love in her Prince Charming. But will she be able to stay with the love of her life or will she opt out for being a responsible daughter ? For getting the answers, better read the book!

NB - Her step-sister Hester is a perfect portrayal of timidness, innocence and fragility. The bond between the step-sisters Hester and Coriander is likeable!
I personally devoured the innocent sweet love-story of Hester and Gabriel, the tailor's apprentice.

Many may not find it relatable and find the plot hither-tither, but it perfectly worked for me. The victory of good over evil amidst various twists and turns, is what makes I, Coriander.

I definitely need to read more of Sally Gardner.

A 4 star for this fluid gripping read!

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