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The Book of Gothel

By Mary McMyne
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3.84 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 5,955 ratings, 1,118 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Book of Gothel by Mary McMyne is a captivating tale set in a richly imagined medieval world, reimagining the story of the mysterious enchantress from a famous fairy tale. The narrative unfolds through the perspective of a woman who uncovers her hidden magical heritage, exploring themes of power, identity, and destiny. It intricately weaves together historical elements with fantasy, creating a compelling story that enhances the traditional lore surrounding Rapunzel.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$11300

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you love imaginative retellings of classic fairy tales, as it offers a fresh perspective on the tales of witchcraft and power. Set in a richly drawn medieval world, the story blends historical fiction with fantasy, perfect for those who appreciate strong female protagonists and intricate world-building.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The Book of Gothel is a lush, enchanting retelling of the tale of Rapunzel from the witch's perspective, perfect for fans of Circe and The Bear and the Nightingale.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
Everyone knows the story of Rapunzel in the tower, but do you know the tale of the witch who put her there?

Enter a world of dark magic, mysterious woods and evil princes. This is the truth they never wanted you to know, as only a witch might tell it.

With her strange black eyes and even stranger fainting spells, Haelewise is shunned by her village, and her only solace lies in the stories her mother tells of child-stealing witches, of princes in wolf-skins, of an ancient tower cloaked in mist where women will find shelter if they are brave enough to seek it.

But when her mother dies, Haelewise is left unmoored. With nothing left for her in her village, she sets out to find the tower of legend—a place called Gothel, where Haelewise meets a wise woman willing to take her under her wing.

But Haelewise is not the only woman to seek refuge at Gothel. It's also a haven for a girl named Rika, who carries with her a secret the Church strives to keep hidden. A secret that reveals a dark world of ancient spells and murderous nobles behind the world Haelewise has always known.

The Book of Gothel is a lush, enchanting retelling of the tale of Rapunzel from the witch's perspective, perfect for fans of Circe and The Bear and the Nightingale.

Praise for The Book of Gothel:

'Both gently and fiercely told, The Book of Gothel is a sweeping, sharp story of how history twists into fairy tale and back again' — Hannah Whitten, author of For the Wolf

'McMyne's shimmering debut gives a fresh, exciting backstory to one of the most famous villains in fairy tale lore' — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

'This gorgeous, feminist retelling of "Rapunzel" immediately captivates' — Buzzfeed

'McMyne's debut is a reinvention of the Rapunzel fairy tale, a luscious origin story from the witch's point of view' — Booklist (starred review)

'An excellent piece of historical fiction, weaving a complex tale about how medieval society treated women who dared to be different' — Paste

The Book of Gothel is wonderfully rich with historical detail, and sparkles with the intermingled magic of gods and goddesses, seers and wisewomen' — Louisa Morgan, author of The Secret History of Witches

'A captivating vision of a medieval past steeped in women's magic and bound by women's love' — Jordanna Max Brodsky

'Mary McMyne is a magician' — Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked

'An inventive retelling of a classic tale... a spellbinding debut' — Signe Pike

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

This novel offers a captivating reimagining of the Rapunzel story, set in a medieval world vibrant with women's magic and love. Critics praise its rich historical detail and enchanting blend of myth and legend, emphasising its evocative portrayal of female voices and perspectives. The protagonist, Haelewise, is both memorable and legendary, weaving a new narrative that casts the classic tale in a refreshing light.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780356517711

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 28 July 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Orbit

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 28.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 280g

Pages: 400

Collections

Fantasy Fiction General Fiction Historical Fantasy Historical Fiction Mary McMyne Sci-Fi & Fantasy

About the Author

Mary McMyne has won the Faulkner-Wisdom Prize for a Novel-in-Progress, a National Endowment for the Arts Parent Fellowship to Vermont Studio Center, and an award from the Sustainable Arts Foundation, which allowed Mary to travel to Germany to conduct research. She has widely published stories and poems in venues like Redivider, Gulf Coast, Strange Horizons, and Apex Magazine, and her debut fairytale poetry chapbook, Wolf Skin won the Elgin Chapbook Award. She is a graduate of the New York University MFA Program and currently an Associate Professor of Creative Writing at Lake Superior State University.

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