Rapunzel Must Die: A Persian Retelling

by Eli Gardner

Always there was the threat of the rope. Someone was going to hang.There was once a tower.From it, a Witch King ruled all of Persia, casting shadows and spreading a sickness where people simply faded away. There was a prophecy foretold, about two babies and the rope that would swing between them. When the girl Rapunzel was born, she was magicked away, leaving behind a grieving mother and her shepherd husband. Yet there was also a boy, and he would grow up to scale towers. He would grow up to fight against dark shadows. This was the fairytale their father had always told Mina and her sister Leila. When the people started protesting against the government in the street, Mina soon realized, that the fairytale was a premonition. As the sisters are swept up into the unrest and into one of the most notorious prisons in Persia, Mina sees the fairytale for what it is—a mirror—to the isolation they must face in the tower, the threat of the noose, and the white magic of shared blood. Mina is left to discover, that the ties that exist between family, may be the only way to keep from swinging.Half fairytale, half fiction, Rapunzel Must Die is a powerhouse of a novel about unity, family, and the magic to be found in both.Inspired by the true events of 2022.From the award-winning author of, 1000 Death's Love Letter to Afghanistan

Genres: Fantasy

331 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2023

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is NOT a retelling of the familiar fairytale from your childhood. It's a powerful dual-timeline story that weaves elements of Rapunzel, told with distinctly Persian nuances, and the oppression of women in modern-day Iran. It's a perfect combination since the fairytale and Iran's political turmoil focus on a woman's hair. The prose is beautiful and powerful, transporting you to the magnificent Zagros Mountains and the horrors of the women's prison in Tehran.

I remember Iran in the 1960s when women were professors, doctors, designers, and more. My heart breaks over their loss of basic freedoms as well as for the hundreds who have been executed for refusing to cover their hair. This is what can happen when religious extremism takes over a government. If you are a woman, I urge you to read this amazing book and consider how quickly your life could change. This is the second book I've read by Eli Gardner and I'm eagerly awaiting her next one. She's a gifted writer and not to be missed.

[Anne Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since reading Eli Gardner's novel, 1000 Nights: Death's Love Letter to Afghanistan, I have been looking forward to another book from this author. I wouldn't have thought it possible, but I loved Rapunzel Must Die even more than the first book. With the same format as 1000 Nights, Eli Gardner treats us to two separate stories running parallel - one modern day story and one fairy tale, Rapunzel. The characters in both narratives are larger than life, so you are invested in their story from the beginning. The theme in both stories is a harsh tale of power, control and death, but the warmth of the characters makes it a pleasure to read and hard to put down. If you are only going to read one fiction book this year, make it this one!

[Sanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this WONDERFUL book, reminiscent of the author's previous work, readers are once again treated to a captivating story within a story. The story was inspired by true occurrences, as well as the retelling of Rapunzel.

In “Rapunzel Must Die”, stories intertwine in a beautifully crafted manner, showcasing the author's distinctive style of writing. The prose is nothing short of amazing, with a poetic quality that adds depth and richness to the tale.

Gardner’s words weave a rich tapestry of emotions, vividly painting scenes and evoking a range of feelings within the reader.

Prepare to be taken on an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you moved and may even bring tears to your eyes because it certainly brought some to mine on more than one occasion. Absolutely loved it!

[Elizabeth Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's fantastic to read something that is not only gorgeous in terms of prose, but also insightful, absolutely layered with meaning, but also teaches you about things going on in the world, in a country that not most know about. The most unique Retelling of Rapunzel, and the most important fictionalized account of the women who end up in Persian prisons for not following the strict morality codes like properly covering their hair.
A great addition to the collection of conflict associated novels. Try 1000 nights: Death's Love Letter to Afghanistan next 🖤

[Justin D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rapunzel Must Die isn’t just a retelling—it’s a masterpiece of reimagining. Eli recasts the classic whimsical fairytale as a powerful tale of resistance, family bonds, and tenacity in the face of oppression. For those who gravitate toward tales where enchantment meets ethical nuance and grief surrenders to strength, this book will linger in your mind long after you turn the last page. Highly recommended and I will be purchasing many more writings from this gifted author.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow. I literally just finished the last page of this book. How to sum it up? First - Eli’s writing style is GORGEOUS. She paints a masterpiece and weaves a tapestry all at once. Second, I love the way she rewrote the Rapunzel story. Third, the way she weaves the two storylines together is masterful. I’m SO glad I read this book!!!!!

[Megan Rush · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, is a master piece. It takes you on a journey, magical but also so deeply rooted in the present, painful but beautiful, soul crushing and hopeful. It hits so many deeply intrinsic aspects of humanity, love, family, right and wrong, moral, the fortitude it takes to stay strong in the face of impossible odds and cling to the pieces of warmth and love people have gifted us with in the form of pieces of their own souls. It is rare to find a book that can take a true look at the darkness of humanity while keeping the story flowing, and magical and entrancing enough to not make your heart too heavy to continue, and this author has done that with flawless grace and stunning art.

[Laura Hamlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story about the Middle East, empowerment, and family. Testament to the notion that we’re only as strong as our weakest (wo)man. Part fantasy, part grim reality with a hopeful ending.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a treat to get such a unique perspective and story from Eli and the amazing characters in her books.

[REGINA PANTING · Rating 5 out of 5]

My soul felt this book! It was captivating and you feel the characters love and pain in this book.

Eli outdid herself with this and I cant wait for her next book!

[Alicia Janecek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was everything I hoped it would be. Eli Gardner continues to amaze and entrance me. ❤️

[Gussie Quinata · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't been moved by a book like this in a very long time. Romanticism, poetry, rage, defiance, love, rebellion, resilience. A masterpiece of storytelling

[Dori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously, just pick up all of Eli’s books! This is her second book I have read and it was even better than the first. Her story telling abilities, her crossing of worlds, her ability to make you feel you are there, even when you have never set foot in these places-it is amazingly wonderful.