Play Book Tag discussion

Bound – Donna Jo Napoli
4****

This YA novel is a retelling of the Cinderella story, set in the Ming dynasty era of China.

Xing Xing is bound to her Stepmother and half-sister. She is bound by tradition. She is bound to her ancestors, particularly her deceased parents. Her feet, however, are not bound. And she is also unusual in that her father believed in educating his daughters. While her half-sister Wei Ping showed no interest, Xing Xing thrived under her father’s tutelage and is an accomplished poet and a skilled calligrapher.

I loved the way this story unfolded. I learned from the author’s note at the end that the Cinderella myth is a common one through many cultures. And that she took her inspiration for this novel from the Chinese legendary folk tales. Still, Western readers will recognize many elements … from losing a shoe to evil stepmother to the prince’s search for “THE girl.”

I particularly appreciated the occasional poem which so eloquently expressed Xing Xing’s feelings. Also, I’m a great fan of magical realism; Napoli incorporates this literary technique seamlessly.