3.5 stars
After Cinderella leaves to marry the prince, one of her stepsisters asks her own wish of the fairy godmother, and after an epic fantasy romp finds who she really is, accomplishes her heart’s desire, realises that she doesn’t have to be pretty to be beautiful, that women shouldn’t compare each other, that she is much more than her looks, that she shouldn’t let the criticisms of others affect her etc. It was a bit heavy handed (with lots of thinking profound thoughts and then saying the last one out loud to an empty room) but it was an enjoyable read and I did have goosebumps at the theatre scene - even if I was rolling my eyes at the same time.

I listened to the BBC audiobook adaptation which was really well cast and read. If you’re looking for more Handmaid’s Tale, you’ll be disappointed. Instead of being the in-depth day-to-day life of a Gilead handmaid, there’s much more politics, action, and plot to be found here. The characters aren’t as compelling, but the twists and turns as more is revealed make up for it.

Not only is this book full to the brim with information about some of the most remarkable women in British history, it was also a delight to read!