2.5 stars.

This was a weird, but short little book. I had been slightly forewarned by some reviews prior to picking this up, but I have really enjoyed Niffenegger's other works, so I had to pick it up all the same. It's magical realism in the form of a new fairy tale, but it was just plain strange. I don't know if maybe constructing it as a novel and drawing it out would have made a difference or if it's just the plain facts of the story. As it was, the shortness likely saved it from a lower rating since I really didn't have to invest much time.

Was it still worth reading? I'd have to say maybe. Approaching it with the plan to take the time to really contemplate the story in an analytical way might have made it more...enjoyable? After finishing the book, I read a review with spoilers that made me think about the story a little deeper. Having read that, I can see some additional value in the story...it just had a bit too much of a blunt delivery to be something I could get myself truly invested in.