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The Midnight Dancers
Why live in the light, when the night seems so irresistible?
Rachel Durham, 18, is tired of her father and stepmother’s staid morality and pristine prosperity. The summer of her senior year, she’s more than ready for a walk on the wild side, and the door opens - literally - when she and her eleven sisters and stepsisters discover a secret passageway out of their historic home on the Chesapeake Bay. At night, boys in boats and a forbidden island beckon from the shore, and Rachel and her sisters jump aboard. The night becomes Rachel’s true world, and her daytime life becomes a disposable mask. Her puzzled father tries to tow his daughters back into line by enlisting the help of Paul, a med student with a seasonal job juggling at the town festival. But Paul realizes that simply blocking the girls from their midnight parties isn’t going to solve the family’s problems. So he embarks on a risky balancing act to gain the girls’ trust – and to make Rachel see that splitting her life between night and light is a dangerous dance.
Rachel Durham, 18, is tired of her father and stepmother’s staid morality and pristine prosperity. The summer of her senior year, she’s more than ready for a walk on the wild side, and the door opens - literally - when she and her eleven sisters and stepsisters discover a secret passageway out of their historic home on the Chesapeake Bay. At night, boys in boats and a forbidden island beckon from the shore, and Rachel and her sisters jump aboard. The night becomes Rachel’s true world, and her daytime life becomes a disposable mask. Her puzzled father tries to tow his daughters back into line by enlisting the help of Paul, a med student with a seasonal job juggling at the town festival. But Paul realizes that simply blocking the girls from their midnight parties isn’t going to solve the family’s problems. So he embarks on a risky balancing act to gain the girls’ trust – and to make Rachel see that splitting her life between night and light is a dangerous dance.
226 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 2008
About the author
Regina Doman
26 books516 followersRegina Doman is a Catholic wife, mother, author and editor. Currently she runs her own company, Chesterton Press, which publishes and distributes quality Catholic fiction. When she worked as the editor of Sophia Institute Press' fiction line, she launched the popular John Paul 2 High series for teens, and Rachel's Contrition became a #1 Best Seller in Amazon's Women's Fiction category, and winner of the 2011 Catholic Arts and Letters Award for best adult fiction. As an author, she has written the Fairy Tale Novels, a series of books for teens and adults that places fairy tales in modern settings with Christian themes interwoven. The fifth book in that series, Alex O'Donnell and the 40 CyberThieves, won the 2011 Catholic Arts and Letters Award for best young adult fiction. In 2013, she published her longest and most challenging fairy tale novel yet, Rapunzel Let Down. Her only picture book Angel in the Waters has sold over 120,000 copies. In 2010 she was presented with the "In Defense of Sanity" award from the American Chesterton Society. Regina and her husband Andrew live in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley on a farmstead with their children. To the question, “How do you manage to get it all done?” Regina responds, “What makes you think I get it all done?”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
October 19, 2009
Full disclosure: I wrote this book, and in some ways I like it the most of all of them. It's probably the most ambitious in terms of theme and philosophy: very different from my "Snow White and Rose Red" trilogy, but I hope folks like it!
August 29, 2016
I really enjoyed this, the fourth installment to the A FAIRY TALE RETOLD series! It was interesting and thoughtful; a poignant look at father/daughter relationships, religion and rebellion. The romance, just budding at the end, was really sweet. All the sisters, fun. It had it's darker side, but nothing marginal. (Caution: there may have a been a minor swear or two). A good lesson, overall. I wish there would have been more on how a relationship with Jesus is what changes the heart and makes the soul long to do good and live in the light ... but the author did talk about that in her end-notes anyway! *smiles*
Overall, very much liked it! I don't know that I'll ever tire of these modern-day, magic-less, but delightful fairy tale retellings! ^_^
Overall, very much liked it! I don't know that I'll ever tire of these modern-day, magic-less, but delightful fairy tale retellings! ^_^
December 12, 2018
This one was interesting. I enjoyed it. I think Doman did a great job of portraying the "magic" of the island and the allure of being out at night under the dark sky, even in a modern setting. Everyone has felt that, right? But she also conveyed the need to be cautious in various situations that appear magical but are really covering up some dangerous stuff.
I was a bit taken aback
I was a bit taken aback
October 27, 2012
I loved it. There. That’s my review. If only all young adult authors would write such prose. If only other authors could read one of Doman’s novels and see that its possible to deal with current and relevant “teen” issues without being crass. Or rude. And even – *gasp* – manage to portray genuine truth and beauty without talking down to the reader, or sounding sickly sweet. This is a book any teen can read and relate to. Its a book that this Mom enjoyed. And why not? It stays true to the Grimm fairy tale. And what is a fairy tale, if not to give us a glimpse of truth, and beauty, and love?
August 31, 2011
I LOVE every Regina Doman book I have read so far, and this was no exception! I would recommend that everyone read it. I think Paul is almost my favorite hero so far! ;)
June 7, 2023
Coming back to this book. It really is sweet. And the action was not something I expected. I have some qualms, but overall it’s nice and creative.
February 17, 2012
Regina Doman has always made an effort to illustrate in the Fairy Tale Novels how the fantastic can reveal the true reality, and she has accomplished that admirably in the first three installments. The magical collides with the previously mundane, transforming our perception of our lives. The Midnight Dancers, however, almost makes the other novels seem clunky because it achieves a realism the others do not.
The plot of The Midnight Dancers proposes no convoluted mystery. Its hero, Paul, is a straight-forward and honest guy, and the book takes its cue from him. The story includes an estranged family, a dangerous proposal to escape an uninteresting household, and one man fighting to protect twelve innocent girls. It has no undercover operations in the black market, no framings of innocent people, nothing so sensational as in the first three Fairy Tale Novels—only a soldier and his faith. The characters, too, prove more relatable in their lifestyle and experiences, as well as in their weaknesses. To achieve redemption, they do not have to brave murderers and madmen, but simply learn to recognize the goodness all around them.
The beauty of The Midnight Dancers stems largely from is understated and unhurried plot. Everything seems ordinary. The characters go about their daily lives as usual, never suspecting their place in a larger story that will see the confrontation of good and evil. It is a reminder to the readers that we, too, may find the extraordinary breaking into our lives when we least expect it. A reminder that we are not unworthy of experiencing wonder and beauty.
This review also posted at http://pagesunbound.wordpress.com/
The plot of The Midnight Dancers proposes no convoluted mystery. Its hero, Paul, is a straight-forward and honest guy, and the book takes its cue from him. The story includes an estranged family, a dangerous proposal to escape an uninteresting household, and one man fighting to protect twelve innocent girls. It has no undercover operations in the black market, no framings of innocent people, nothing so sensational as in the first three Fairy Tale Novels—only a soldier and his faith. The characters, too, prove more relatable in their lifestyle and experiences, as well as in their weaknesses. To achieve redemption, they do not have to brave murderers and madmen, but simply learn to recognize the goodness all around them.
The beauty of The Midnight Dancers stems largely from is understated and unhurried plot. Everything seems ordinary. The characters go about their daily lives as usual, never suspecting their place in a larger story that will see the confrontation of good and evil. It is a reminder to the readers that we, too, may find the extraordinary breaking into our lives when we least expect it. A reminder that we are not unworthy of experiencing wonder and beauty.
This review also posted at http://pagesunbound.wordpress.com/
June 30, 2016
The Midnight Dancers was the first book I read of Regina Doman's Fairy Tale Novels, since I didn't realize it was the fourth book in the series. It turns out that that wasn't such a bad thing, as a lot of other reviewers seem to have been a bit disappointed with it after having fallen in love with the first three (which I have since read).
It was very entertaining and I finished it in one afternoon. The conversion of the classic fairy tale 'The Twelve Dancing Princesses' to a modern story was very well done. As a Protestant, I also appreciated the way Mrs. Doman portrayed the Protestant faith of the Durham family, gently pointing out some common errors in conservative Protestantism without bashing or being preachy. She also clears up some common misunderstandings of Catholic Christianity, which was nice to see.
Mind if I take a moment to say how much I liked Paul? Soldier, thinker, Catholic...what's not to love?? To be honest however, I wasn't completely sold on the romance between him and Rachel Durham. Yes, she is beautiful, but we come to know Paul as a young man of strong Christian character and he appreciates this same trait in others, so for him to fall in love with a girl who is having some serious character struggles just didn't go down quite right. She does repent at the end of the book, but still.
I still liked it though, even enough that I would like a sequel. (Really Regina Doman, you gave us accounts of the courtships of Bear and Blanche and then Fish and Rose, so do oblige.) I would recommend this book for older teen girls who are looking for a fun read that still has substance.
It was very entertaining and I finished it in one afternoon. The conversion of the classic fairy tale 'The Twelve Dancing Princesses' to a modern story was very well done. As a Protestant, I also appreciated the way Mrs. Doman portrayed the Protestant faith of the Durham family, gently pointing out some common errors in conservative Protestantism without bashing or being preachy. She also clears up some common misunderstandings of Catholic Christianity, which was nice to see.
Mind if I take a moment to say how much I liked Paul? Soldier, thinker, Catholic...what's not to love?? To be honest however, I wasn't completely sold on the romance between him and Rachel Durham. Yes, she is beautiful, but we come to know Paul as a young man of strong Christian character and he appreciates this same trait in others, so for him to fall in love with a girl who is having some serious character struggles just didn't go down quite right. She does repent at the end of the book, but still.
I still liked it though, even enough that I would like a sequel. (Really Regina Doman, you gave us accounts of the courtships of Bear and Blanche and then Fish and Rose, so do oblige.) I would recommend this book for older teen girls who are looking for a fun read that still has substance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2008
Splitting your life between night and light is a dangerous dance... (from The Midnight Dancers, back cover). A great addition to Regina Doman's Fairy Tale Novels! The Midnight Dancers held the same suspense, adventure, humor, and romance as the others. I loved how the story was based on The Twelve Dancing Princesses, but of course, in a modern day setting. When I finished Waking Rose, I was thrilled to learn that there would be another book.....and about Paul Fester no less! I knew it was going to be great before I'd even read it, and it was indeed amazing. By the end, I was in love with everything about it. I loved the plot, the Durham family, Rachel, and Paul. Who wouldn't like somebody who's a soldier, medic, juggler, ninja, acrobatic, does aikido, can say the Rosary in Japanese, and is a devout Catholic? ;) I thought this book seemed different than the Snow White and Rose Red trilogy (probably mostly because there is no evil plot, deranged villain, or mystery), which gave it a nice, fresh feel. Wonderful story with a great moral. I can't wait until the next book! In conclusion, I'd like to quote Debbie Durham. “You're the best, Paul.” So true! :)
May 3, 2023
I feel bad rating it so low. I was super interested in the premise, and Paul was pretty much my favorite character from the original trilogy, but, come on, Rachel! She very nearly ruined the entire thing for me. I couldn't stand her. She was so incredibly awful, there were points where I had to put the book down, and just take a second to breath. She almost ruined the name Rachel for me, which is in my top 3 favorite girl names, so that stinks.
Just an additional thing, jeez! That climax was DARK! like, JEEZ! I didn't see that much intensity coming! Goodness gracious.
All in all, good plot, mostly great characters, which the exception of a essentially unbearable heroine. Would recommend, but with a disclaimer on her likeability.
Content warning, a very disturbing climax, including torture, threatened murder, and an attempted rape. All very dark, but I believe still appropriate for high school freshman and up. the premise of the story revolves around daughters lying their parents, and there are occasional scenes of general brattiness from a couple of the girls.
Just an additional thing, jeez! That climax was DARK! like, JEEZ! I didn't see that much intensity coming! Goodness gracious.
All in all, good plot, mostly great characters, which the exception of a essentially unbearable heroine. Would recommend, but with a disclaimer on her likeability.
Content warning, a very disturbing climax, including torture, threatened murder, and an attempted rape. All very dark, but I believe still appropriate for high school freshman and up. the premise of the story revolves around daughters lying their parents, and there are occasional scenes of general brattiness from a couple of the girls.
September 1, 2016
4.5/5 stars
This book focuses on one of the Sacra Cor guys from Waking Rose. Here we have Paul, a med student on his way back home from a military tour where he served as a medic. He ends up saving an officer’s life and because of that gets introduced to the officer’s twelve daughters. I think you might know which fairy-tale this is. :) Rachel is the oldest daughter and chafes under her dad’s strict fundamentalist views. Her family is Protestant and Paul is a Catholic, so it was really interesting to see the different aspects combine in this story.
Paul is awesome. He might even edge out Fish and Bear (but barely). He follows the girls on their rebellious night time boat rides to a nearby island and takes it upon himself to try and protect them from the owner. I could go on about how great Paul is, but you should just read the book. And again, be prepared to be glued to the couch from just about page 1.
This book focuses on one of the Sacra Cor guys from Waking Rose. Here we have Paul, a med student on his way back home from a military tour where he served as a medic. He ends up saving an officer’s life and because of that gets introduced to the officer’s twelve daughters. I think you might know which fairy-tale this is. :) Rachel is the oldest daughter and chafes under her dad’s strict fundamentalist views. Her family is Protestant and Paul is a Catholic, so it was really interesting to see the different aspects combine in this story.
Paul is awesome. He might even edge out Fish and Bear (but barely). He follows the girls on their rebellious night time boat rides to a nearby island and takes it upon himself to try and protect them from the owner. I could go on about how great Paul is, but you should just read the book. And again, be prepared to be glued to the couch from just about page 1.
January 19, 2013
Again, I thoroughly enjoy Regina Doman's work! It is intriguing to read a fairy tale retelling with a Catholic hero and non-Catholic heroine. I found her attitudes and presumptions toward him to be quite realistic (I am not Catholic, btw). Rachel is a very flawed, selfish, foolish heroine, but I found her far easier to relate to than most modern fantasy heroines.
Difficult to write in-depth about twelve sisters, yet I thought it was done as well as possible--certainly better than the original fairy tale! This book has a different flavor from the first three in the series. Blanche, Rose, Bear, and Fish are never once mentioned, but I really didn't care. Plenty of new characters here to enjoy.
Paul is a lovable hero. I liked him in Waking Rose, so it was great to see him have a starring role and a satisfying ending in this book.
Please keep writing your amazing stories, Ms. Doman!
Difficult to write in-depth about twelve sisters, yet I thought it was done as well as possible--certainly better than the original fairy tale! This book has a different flavor from the first three in the series. Blanche, Rose, Bear, and Fish are never once mentioned, but I really didn't care. Plenty of new characters here to enjoy.
Paul is a lovable hero. I liked him in Waking Rose, so it was great to see him have a starring role and a satisfying ending in this book.
Please keep writing your amazing stories, Ms. Doman!
February 8, 2009
Engaging Catholic teen fiction (best for older teens). A military dad of 14 (from two blended families) is frustrated by his the disconnect between him and his twelve teen and pre-teen daughters. He's right to be concerned as they've been sneaking out of the house at night to party with their friends.
It's based on the Grimm Fairy Tale "The Twelve Dancing Princesses".
The story is fast-paced and exciting with some nice themes about the connection between goodness and beauty and the necessity for balance between freedom and authority.
It's based on the Grimm Fairy Tale "The Twelve Dancing Princesses".
The story is fast-paced and exciting with some nice themes about the connection between goodness and beauty and the necessity for balance between freedom and authority.
August 7, 2013
3.5 stars
There's something about Regina Doman's books that always has me convinced I won't like them. Whenever I start one of them, I always have a problem with them until it reaches the climax. That's another thing, her books always have very clear climaxes. None of her books are anticlimactic. If you're sure you won't like this one when you start it, I highly recommend continuing. It gets so much better! Also, this one was not as religious as her other books, but at the same time, it was more religious. I don't know how to express that feeling, you just have to read it. So, go! Read it!
There's something about Regina Doman's books that always has me convinced I won't like them. Whenever I start one of them, I always have a problem with them until it reaches the climax. That's another thing, her books always have very clear climaxes. None of her books are anticlimactic. If you're sure you won't like this one when you start it, I highly recommend continuing. It gets so much better! Also, this one was not as religious as her other books, but at the same time, it was more religious. I don't know how to express that feeling, you just have to read it. So, go! Read it!
April 2, 2012
I actually did not like this one as much. :( I'm sorry, maybe I'm just too attached to Rose/Fish and Bear/Blanche, but I didn't take well to this one. It was a lovely story, well executed, engaging, but I feel as though it ought to have been in a different series, just because of the abrupt switch of main characters. Still, an awesome book, not to be missed! Just be forewarned that the only previously known character is Paul Fester.
Want to Read
February 17, 2009Is this also in the Snow White/Rose Red series? If so it would be the 4th, thus changing it from a trilogy. Just wondering...
January 7, 2011
One of the worst books I've ever read! And a pity too, because I liked Paul Fester from the third one. :( Skip this one.
January 4, 2019
So sad with no fish and bear, but it was ok
March 23, 2025
The Midnight Dancers is based on the Grimm's fairy tale "The Twelve Dancing Princesses." I was not familiar with this particular Grimm story but quickly was swept away by the tale of the Durham family. The twelve daughters in this blended family are struggling with the rules and expectations of their strict parents and the conservative, evangelical Christian church which they attend.
When the sisters discover an intriguing secret, their father quickly realizes they are keeping something from him and recruits the help of an acquaintance to help him discover what the girls are up to. Paul reluctantly agrees and soon finds himself embroiled in family drama and a potentially dangerous situation for the girls.
This story was quite enjoyable, and while it is a relatively clean book, and some of the girls in the story are younger teens, I would recommend this book for older teens as it touches on underage drinking, smoking, drug use, compromising situations, and there is some violence. These topics are important for older teens to be aware of and understand the dangers and the author handles them in an appropriate way. Teens will learn some valuable lessons through this captivating story.
When the sisters discover an intriguing secret, their father quickly realizes they are keeping something from him and recruits the help of an acquaintance to help him discover what the girls are up to. Paul reluctantly agrees and soon finds himself embroiled in family drama and a potentially dangerous situation for the girls.
This story was quite enjoyable, and while it is a relatively clean book, and some of the girls in the story are younger teens, I would recommend this book for older teens as it touches on underage drinking, smoking, drug use, compromising situations, and there is some violence. These topics are important for older teens to be aware of and understand the dangers and the author handles them in an appropriate way. Teens will learn some valuable lessons through this captivating story.
August 10, 2021
⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ⭑/5
* minor spoilers below *
This is the second Regina Doman book that I stayed up last 3am to finish!
She did a really good job at rewriting the ‘magic’ of the Twelve Dancing Princesses world into this modern life book.
Out of all of her books, I must say I still like Waking Rose more than this one but this is a very close second!
Each lesson that the author tries to teach in her books is usually decent but nothing special and I thought that was just she wrote. Well at least that’s what I ~used~ to think until I read The Midnight Dancers! I really liked how she wrote about father daughter relationships, the challenges that come with a family completely devoted to church work, and how the lack of communication and trust can really damage a family. All pretty heavy topics and Regina Doman wrote them beautifully!
I can’t wait to continue the series and see what else she has planned!
* minor spoilers below *
This is the second Regina Doman book that I stayed up last 3am to finish!
She did a really good job at rewriting the ‘magic’ of the Twelve Dancing Princesses world into this modern life book.
Out of all of her books, I must say I still like Waking Rose more than this one but this is a very close second!
Each lesson that the author tries to teach in her books is usually decent but nothing special and I thought that was just she wrote. Well at least that’s what I ~used~ to think until I read The Midnight Dancers! I really liked how she wrote about father daughter relationships, the challenges that come with a family completely devoted to church work, and how the lack of communication and trust can really damage a family. All pretty heavy topics and Regina Doman wrote them beautifully!
I can’t wait to continue the series and see what else she has planned!
January 30, 2020
Apparently I didn't do enough research before choosing this book. I've been searching for retellings of the 12 Dancing Princesses fairytale and stumbled on this one in a listopia.
There's nothing really wrong with this book, it's just not for me and it's not what I was looking for. This is a fairytale retelling without magic and it has replaced fairytale wonder with heavyhanded religion. At another time I might find the struggle with duty and responsibility in a Christian setting to be refreshing, but I just wanted a fairytale.
There's nothing really wrong with this book, it's just not for me and it's not what I was looking for. This is a fairytale retelling without magic and it has replaced fairytale wonder with heavyhanded religion. At another time I might find the struggle with duty and responsibility in a Christian setting to be refreshing, but I just wanted a fairytale.
July 24, 2017
another great one in the series. great story and lots to think about. lots of good insight on what's going on in a rebellious teenage girls world (could relate a lot to how I felt as a young'in) and helps me be more empathetic and remember those feelings.
I wish I wish I read these as a teen.
the story about how men see women through a glass has so much truth to it. I'll be thinking about that for a while...
I wish I wish I read these as a teen.
the story about how men see women through a glass has so much truth to it. I'll be thinking about that for a while...
May 2, 2018
Fabtastic book! Very well written! Regina personaly is one of may favorite authors, she just has a way of transporting the character and making it seem as though you are the characters in the book. This book is a take on the 12 dancing princesses, and is basically about 12 sisters who begin to rebel. This story has all the elements for a good book action, romance, and so much more I highly recomend it!
November 21, 2021
I did not enjoy this book as much as the previous books in this series. I have no problem with religion in books, but this book felt a bit preachy at times. Also, the characters were not as likable as some of her previous characters and I definitely missed the romance of the previous books. Be warned there is moderate description of torture, drugs, and attempted rape that may be a bit graphic for younger readers.
May 13, 2023
This book is a retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses. It follows Paul after college and tells his romance story with a new female character. I enjoyed it thoroughly and didn't mind the break from older established characters.
It subtly contained a lot of hard but necessary truths for girls entering dating life!
It subtly contained a lot of hard but necessary truths for girls entering dating life!
August 8, 2018
Loved this!! You can tell God assisted in telling this tale. It's perfect for teenagers. The advise and story both tell the story of right and wrong. As a 40 year old woman I learned some new helpful ways to look at men. Great spiritual advise given!
October 30, 2019
3.5 stars
September 29, 2024
I love all of Regina Dorman’s Fairy Tale Retold books although I don’t think this one is nearly as good as the Shadow of the Bear trilogy or Rapunzel Let Down.
July 6, 2015
The Midnight Dancers by Regina Doman is one of her series of fairy tales retold. This one is based on one of Grimm’s brothers lesser known tales entitled, The Twelve Dancing Princesses, which tells the story of 12 sisters who are enchanted into glamorously dancing each night away to their own detriment. Though the original story is somewhat more obscure than many of the famous brothers’ other fairy tales, it is one with which I was acquainted even before picking up Doman’s modernized version of the story. And one I enjoyed in its original form.
I enjoyed Doman’s version even more.
Not surprising considering that I love good Christian fiction stories. The Midnight Dancers is a story that, even apart from its Christian themes though, is very much worth reading. Written in a clear and straight forward manner, it is a well written, entertaining story full of intrigue.
Furthermore, the author paints such beautiful pictures with her words that the setting came alive in my mind as I read. From the historical pre-civil war home and surrounding grounds to the forbidden island that provides the backdrop for the sisters midnight romps, the setting was well-developed and intricate in its details.
Doman’s characters, too, were each endowed with a unique and distinct personality. Considering how many characters there were (the 12 sisters, their parents, their younger brothers, and a mysterious friend of their father who is hanging around more than the girls like- just to name the main players), that is no small feat. I must admit, that in the early chapters, I did have a difficult time keeping the sisters and their specific relationships straight in my mind. Still, the characters were realistic and easy to relate to. And eventually, I was able to remember who was who without flipping ahead the guide in the beginning of the book.
Doman did a great job of bringing the vintage tale into present day America. She brought a very believable slant to the old fashioned elements of the story and used the secret middle of the night excursions from the old fairy tale to illuminate the dangers of giving into all our temptations and rebelling against authority. The Christian message and appropriately subtle Catholic perspective were very present without ever being so overbearing that the story was compromised.
My only warning would be that there are some adult subjects in the book that surprised me. Drugs, unwanted sexual advances, underage drinking, and more all contribute to the realism and credibility of the story but would make me think twice about handing the book to a child too young to handle such themes.
Review written by Kari Burke, author of The Life I Dreamed.
I enjoyed Doman’s version even more.
Not surprising considering that I love good Christian fiction stories. The Midnight Dancers is a story that, even apart from its Christian themes though, is very much worth reading. Written in a clear and straight forward manner, it is a well written, entertaining story full of intrigue.
Furthermore, the author paints such beautiful pictures with her words that the setting came alive in my mind as I read. From the historical pre-civil war home and surrounding grounds to the forbidden island that provides the backdrop for the sisters midnight romps, the setting was well-developed and intricate in its details.
Doman’s characters, too, were each endowed with a unique and distinct personality. Considering how many characters there were (the 12 sisters, their parents, their younger brothers, and a mysterious friend of their father who is hanging around more than the girls like- just to name the main players), that is no small feat. I must admit, that in the early chapters, I did have a difficult time keeping the sisters and their specific relationships straight in my mind. Still, the characters were realistic and easy to relate to. And eventually, I was able to remember who was who without flipping ahead the guide in the beginning of the book.
Doman did a great job of bringing the vintage tale into present day America. She brought a very believable slant to the old fashioned elements of the story and used the secret middle of the night excursions from the old fairy tale to illuminate the dangers of giving into all our temptations and rebelling against authority. The Christian message and appropriately subtle Catholic perspective were very present without ever being so overbearing that the story was compromised.
My only warning would be that there are some adult subjects in the book that surprised me. Drugs, unwanted sexual advances, underage drinking, and more all contribute to the realism and credibility of the story but would make me think twice about handing the book to a child too young to handle such themes.
Review written by Kari Burke, author of The Life I Dreamed.
March 31, 2016
This book has really been the hardest book by Regina Doman for me to read (because of the content). It really is a book that deals with deep, weighty issues. As such, it deals with it beautifully, but it still takes a while to let everything sink in.
To be honest, the first time I read this book I didn't really glean the message I was supposed to find. (Maybe because I was speed reading, trying to finish before midnight?)
This story is one about 12 girls who have lived all their lives being told that they must be "good". Everything they do, every chore, activity, is "good", but being forced to do good isn't...good. "Good" becomes something undesirable to them. Beauty, adventure, everything that interests them can't be found in the "good" that they know. They have separated good from those interests.
Paul. He's the embodiment of someone who literally is good. He finds good in everything. His juggling, his faith, his work, his sacrifices. Good for him isn't a duty; it's a habit, something that is part of him. To him, good is attractive
I thought it was so interesting to see the stark difference between Rachel and Paul. The first time I read this, I could relate to Rachel's anger, her resentment at how her father treats her and her sisters. This time around I found it harder to relate to her though. I saw her in a different light. She seemed so cold, so calculating. She seemed to be looking for something beneficial to gain out of everything...for herself and only herself. Her lose of the sense of good and what it really is made her seem course to me. When contrasted with Paul, I couldn't help thinking that Paul truly did seem like a child compared to her, but not a naive child, just an innocent, faith-filled child. One that still could find happiness in simple things, that didn't need a particular reason to be happy, that didn't need to chase after cares and demand benefits. He was content with what he was given, content with what he received, content to give what he had to everyone alike.
I'd be a little more careful about who you tell to read this book/let read this book, since it does have a scene that might be disturbing to those younger teens and hearts.
To be honest, the first time I read this book I didn't really glean the message I was supposed to find. (Maybe because I was speed reading, trying to finish before midnight?)
This story is one about 12 girls who have lived all their lives being told that they must be "good". Everything they do, every chore, activity, is "good", but being forced to do good isn't...good. "Good" becomes something undesirable to them. Beauty, adventure, everything that interests them can't be found in the "good" that they know. They have separated good from those interests.
Paul. He's the embodiment of someone who literally is good. He finds good in everything. His juggling, his faith, his work, his sacrifices. Good for him isn't a duty; it's a habit, something that is part of him. To him, good is attractive
I thought it was so interesting to see the stark difference between Rachel and Paul. The first time I read this, I could relate to Rachel's anger, her resentment at how her father treats her and her sisters. This time around I found it harder to relate to her though. I saw her in a different light. She seemed so cold, so calculating. She seemed to be looking for something beneficial to gain out of everything...for herself and only herself. Her lose of the sense of good and what it really is made her seem course to me. When contrasted with Paul, I couldn't help thinking that Paul truly did seem like a child compared to her, but not a naive child, just an innocent, faith-filled child. One that still could find happiness in simple things, that didn't need a particular reason to be happy, that didn't need to chase after cares and demand benefits. He was content with what he was given, content with what he received, content to give what he had to everyone alike.
I'd be a little more careful about who you tell to read this book/let read this book, since it does have a scene that might be disturbing to those younger teens and hearts.
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