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Stolen
A poetic retelling of Rapunzel.
You’d expect Elisa to wait for a Prince,
but in this story, there isn’t one, since
its about a Father’s love for his child.
could he and she ever be reconciled?
When a kind but naive Father is tricked into giving away his precious baby, his entire world is torn apart. With his marriage also in tatters, he devotes his life to finding Elisa, his missing daughter. But is it already too late?
You’d expect Elisa to wait for a Prince,
but in this story, there isn’t one, since
its about a Father’s love for his child.
could he and she ever be reconciled?
When a kind but naive Father is tricked into giving away his precious baby, his entire world is torn apart. With his marriage also in tatters, he devotes his life to finding Elisa, his missing daughter. But is it already too late?
- GenresPoetry
47 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 12, 2023
This Rapunzel retelling was so beautifully written. The rhythm of the words was truly captivating.
It's a short read, but it's certainly worth putting aside an hour with a cup of tea to indulge in this wonderful piece of art.
It's a short read, but it's certainly worth putting aside an hour with a cup of tea to indulge in this wonderful piece of art.
December 12, 2022
Loved this poetic re-telling of Rapunzel. The narrative style is easy to read and I was soon through it! I read it on holiday whilst I was staying in a tower!!
April 21, 2025
Stolen by Sophie Bowns, is a brilliantly clever infusion of the narrative poem—Stolen is a retelling of Rapunzel.
It's a beautiful read.
Sophie weaves her tale with every stanza rhyming, with elegant prose—this is no easy feat. It's a tale of good eventually overcoming evil, and that never gets old! The themes of loss, loneliness, longing but never giving up hope, are perfectly portrayed here. Sophie has a talent for assembling words—to create deep meaning and expression, that is clear to see.
It's a fresh and unique take on a classic. I'm looking forward to reading more work from Sophie!
5*
It's a beautiful read.
Sophie weaves her tale with every stanza rhyming, with elegant prose—this is no easy feat. It's a tale of good eventually overcoming evil, and that never gets old! The themes of loss, loneliness, longing but never giving up hope, are perfectly portrayed here. Sophie has a talent for assembling words—to create deep meaning and expression, that is clear to see.
It's a fresh and unique take on a classic. I'm looking forward to reading more work from Sophie!
5*
January 31, 2023
A very fresh take on a classic children's tale, Stolen was an easy read and a good one, too.
I liked how the focus was on a father's love for his long lost daughter. Sure was a brilliant adaptation from Sophie.
I liked how the focus was on a father's love for his long lost daughter. Sure was a brilliant adaptation from Sophie.
September 15, 2022
Stolen by Sophie Bowns is a beautiful retelling, reimaging of Rapunzel.
When a somewhat naive father is duped into giving away his firstborn child, his world is turned upside down, leaving him alone to wanding in search of his lost daughter. Fifteen years later, he stumbles upon a girl in a tower but is he too late to make amends for his foolish actions?
I was hooked from the third stanza and enjoyed this with a cup of coffee. I'm no expert when it comes to poetry, but I love a good narrative, and here the author brings new life to an old tale. Beautifully written, this narrative poem is both compelling and enchanting. The author is such a talent, and this is just the latest of her wonderful takes on old classics, along with Beastly and The Fickle Mermaid.
When a somewhat naive father is duped into giving away his firstborn child, his world is turned upside down, leaving him alone to wanding in search of his lost daughter. Fifteen years later, he stumbles upon a girl in a tower but is he too late to make amends for his foolish actions?
I was hooked from the third stanza and enjoyed this with a cup of coffee. I'm no expert when it comes to poetry, but I love a good narrative, and here the author brings new life to an old tale. Beautifully written, this narrative poem is both compelling and enchanting. The author is such a talent, and this is just the latest of her wonderful takes on old classics, along with Beastly and The Fickle Mermaid.
March 24, 2024
Loved this retelling of Rapunzel! I was really impressed with Sophie’s rhymes she used throughout the entire retelling. You could tell how much fun she enjoyed writing this awesome fairy tale.
July 31, 2022
I am a huge fan of Sophie's works, right from The Fickle Mermaid to Beastly, and now Stolen. I absolutely loved her spin on the original story of Rapunzel, and finished the book in one go. What a great way to spend the weekend! The language was lucid, and the brilliant storytelling made the book a memorable read. The plot itself had a novel twist, kudos to Sophie! Waiting for more in her fairytale retelling series!
December 30, 2022
Having devoured Sophie Bowns beautifully written retelling of Rapunzel, Stolen, in one sitting it is only right to give it five stars. The poetic verse, use of language and clever twists on a favourite tale give Stolen a beautiful place in the fairy tale world. I enjoyed the different viewpoints during the poem and felt this added to the authenticity of the poem. Beautiful. Off to read more of her work now!
June 6, 2023
"Stolen" is an exquisite anthology that beautifully weaves the enchanting tale of Rapunzel. Its words dance upon the pages, casting a spell of sheer delight upon its readers. The story, with its magnetic allure, captivates the heart and mind, leaving one entranced in its mesmerizing embrace. It is a literary gem that evokes a myriad of emotions, inviting us to lose ourselves in the magic and wonder of its poetic verses.
December 27, 2022
Having read "STOLEN," the well-versed structure really paves the way for its ongoing and thorough dark delivery; each stanza sort of overshadows the next, a foreshadowing which leads the reader to linger over each stanza to really take it all into account. I was captivated by Sophie's choice of words which sort of ooze out in following on to convey a real sense of imagery which grasped at my mind when putting myself into the character's shoes, it is all a written display of a journey. It's a take on a tale you feel committed to reading because it's relatable to any extent, it was difficult to deviate from as it contains so much soulful substance.
Sophie Bowns really knows how to set the tone in stone for what is a dark, disheartening, yet wise way of storytelling in poetic form with a real edge of depth that finds its way into the heart of the reader - I have read this just 2 days after Christmas, and I think it holds up with the Christmas spirit - the lengths we'd go to for the ones we cherish at a price.
I'd say this was a very wise choice to read over the Christmas period and I highly recommend others to read it as well. I look forward to reading and reviewing more work from this very talented author! Well done, Sophie!
Sophie Bowns really knows how to set the tone in stone for what is a dark, disheartening, yet wise way of storytelling in poetic form with a real edge of depth that finds its way into the heart of the reader - I have read this just 2 days after Christmas, and I think it holds up with the Christmas spirit - the lengths we'd go to for the ones we cherish at a price.
I'd say this was a very wise choice to read over the Christmas period and I highly recommend others to read it as well. I look forward to reading and reviewing more work from this very talented author! Well done, Sophie!
September 16, 2022
Sophie Bowns' Beastly is a beautiful retelling of Rapunzel, where a hapless father, George, inadvertently allows for his baby daughter to be taken by an evil witch, leading to the wrath and constant punishment from his wife, Alice, over the years. The poet does a superb job in expressing the anguish of our hero and the seething anger of his wife. This was definitely a work which will hold the reader in suspense until the very end. Whether you've always been a fan of the fairy tale, loved the Disney movie, or the story is completely new to you, you will be enchanted by this beautiful poem and drawn into the world created by the author.
January 19, 2023
I love Sophie's narrative poems a lot. They flow so easily with the rhyming scheme and the dialogue, and I could really picture what was going on when I read this. I liked how there was a twist on who was looking for Rapunzel, or Elisa as she's called in the poem, and it's a lot more focussed on family love than anything to do with romance. Would love to see what other kinds of fairytale retellings Sophie has up her sleeve!
October 3, 2022
I really liked this retelling of Rapunzel as a poem. It was lyrical to read. The only thing I wasn’t as crazy about was how some of the stanzas were written. She wrote in AABB form but that limited her to how she could portray what she was saying. But the fact that she was able to do so and that it flowed so well was so awesome to read.
April 1, 2023
Recently read a poetry book called 'Stolen' of George, Alice, and Elisa and was pleasantly surprised to find that it contained wonderful stories. The book starts with a spinach robbery, and the ending is unexpected and thought-provoking.
I never realized that poetry books could be such engaging narratives.
I never realized that poetry books could be such engaging narratives.
August 26, 2022
It’s so refreshing to see a good tale be told in such a way — really inspiring to read.
April 8, 2023
For those less familiar with the story of Rapunzel, this is a great introduction. The prose flows nicely and the characterisation is good. I couldn't help but think of Tangled while reading, but that's because it's the only other exposure to this fairytale I've previously had. Enjoyable and very much worth a look!
April 10, 2023
An amazing retelling of Rapunzel in a poetic way. I will definitely be checking out this author’s other works.
June 23, 2023
Loved It
Really liked these poems written by Sophie. As a writer myself I thought her work was amazing, it was easy to read and follow. I highly recommend!
Really liked these poems written by Sophie. As a writer myself I thought her work was amazing, it was easy to read and follow. I highly recommend!
October 29, 2022
A beautifully crafted poetic tale, wonderfully rich language and rhymes and the narrative flowed very well. Very moving in places and you felt for the plight of the characters! I love a narrative poem!
May 13, 2023
I'm not usually a big fan of poetry - unless there's some kind of rhyme scheme, I tend to get lost. Fortunately, Sophie Bowns employs a nice measure of rhythm in this retelling of the Rapunzel fairy tale, and that made all the difference to my reading. This was a fun way to spend a bit of time: a novel take on a classic story.
June 24, 2023
captivating!!
This retelling of the classic fairytale is absolutely fantastic!! This is one of my favourite fairytales. Sophie Bowns is a very talented poet and story teller!! Would highly recommend reading!!
This retelling of the classic fairytale is absolutely fantastic!! This is one of my favourite fairytales. Sophie Bowns is a very talented poet and story teller!! Would highly recommend reading!!
August 2, 2024
A poetic & witty retelling of Rapunzel
This is the second book that I have enjoyed by the talented Sophie Bown. I truly love her witty and modern narrative style and clever use of rhyme.
This narrative poem tells us the tale in rhyme about a naive father whose world is turned upside down when he is duped into giving away his first born. He wanders for many years in search of his lost daughter. Fifteen years later, he discovers a girl in a tower. Is it too late to make amends?
A humorously entertaining read!
This is the second book that I have enjoyed by the talented Sophie Bown. I truly love her witty and modern narrative style and clever use of rhyme.
This narrative poem tells us the tale in rhyme about a naive father whose world is turned upside down when he is duped into giving away his first born. He wanders for many years in search of his lost daughter. Fifteen years later, he discovers a girl in a tower. Is it too late to make amends?
A humorously entertaining read!
May 4, 2023
Your poetic retelling of Rapunzel is touching and beautifully written. The use of rhyme and rhythm adds to the emotional impact of the story and captures the reader's attention from beginning to end.
I particularly appreciate how you have reimagined the traditional fairy tale by centering the story on the father's love for his daughter instead of the classic prince and princess narrative. This approach highlights the depth of a parent's love and the lengths they will go to protect their child.
The way you have depicted the father's journey to find Elisa is both heartbreaking and hopeful. It is heartbreaking to see how he was tricked into giving away his daughter, and how it has torn his life apart. Yet, his unwavering determination and devotion to finding his daughter is inspiring.
Overall, your retelling of Rapunzel is a poignant reminder of the power of love and the importance of family bonds. Your creative approach to this classic tale is refreshing and thought-provoking, and I enjoyed reading it immensely.
I particularly appreciate how you have reimagined the traditional fairy tale by centering the story on the father's love for his daughter instead of the classic prince and princess narrative. This approach highlights the depth of a parent's love and the lengths they will go to protect their child.
The way you have depicted the father's journey to find Elisa is both heartbreaking and hopeful. It is heartbreaking to see how he was tricked into giving away his daughter, and how it has torn his life apart. Yet, his unwavering determination and devotion to finding his daughter is inspiring.
Overall, your retelling of Rapunzel is a poignant reminder of the power of love and the importance of family bonds. Your creative approach to this classic tale is refreshing and thought-provoking, and I enjoyed reading it immensely.
June 28, 2023
I read Beastly earlier this month and absolutely loved it, so I was excited about this one. Needless to say, I am once again left in awe!
Sophie writes beautiful poems, especially fairy tale retellings with fresh takes on the original stories. In this one, it was all about a father's desperate search for his daughter so his family can be completed. My heart broke for George so many times throughout the book, yet the ending melted my heart and left me with a smile.
I understood Alice's feelings, yet hated her actions. Overall, I think Sophie did a great job at twisting the original plot in a way that doesn't disrespect it and created a beautiful retelling. Her rhymes and sentence formations are always on point and kept me intrigued from the first to the last page.
If you like retellings and poetry, I will recommend both of Sophie's books for sure. They are amazing and I enjoyed them!
Sophie writes beautiful poems, especially fairy tale retellings with fresh takes on the original stories. In this one, it was all about a father's desperate search for his daughter so his family can be completed. My heart broke for George so many times throughout the book, yet the ending melted my heart and left me with a smile.
I understood Alice's feelings, yet hated her actions. Overall, I think Sophie did a great job at twisting the original plot in a way that doesn't disrespect it and created a beautiful retelling. Her rhymes and sentence formations are always on point and kept me intrigued from the first to the last page.
If you like retellings and poetry, I will recommend both of Sophie's books for sure. They are amazing and I enjoyed them!
May 4, 2023
STOLEN is another lovely fairy tale retelling by Sophie Bowns, written in poetic verse, this time of the Rapunzel fairy tale. There is no prince in this version of the story. Like in the Disney movie FROZEN, it centers on the theme of familial love, which I really liked. George and Alice are expecting a child when George makes the decision to steal from someone else’s garden. He is cursed and the witch steals his baby daughter. This is the story of how he gets his daughter Elisa back. I love Sophie Bowns’ lovely way with words and look forward to every one of her poetic verse fairy tales. This is a unique spin on a fairy tale retelling and delightful to read. 5/5 stars.
April 25, 2023
This lyrical retelling of the story of Rapunzel, is wonderfully creative! It has a mix of light and dark elements and the narrative voice is consistent throughout. I love how the text flows from line to line, the author really draws you with ease into this world, and especially that of the characters, who you really feel for, especially from the perspectives of the father-daughter relationship. I found it incredibly refreshing to see a modern unique poetic voice not only using lyrical prose, but also embracing it. 5 stars!
January 25, 2023
I absolutely love poetry and it was so fun seeing one of my favorite fairytales reimagined into a collection of poems!
This is the story you know and love with a twist that I think works so well! Im a sucker for family dynamics in books and poems and this did not disappoint.
If you’re on the hunt for a retelling and love poetry and like seeing someone else save the girl besides the prince definitely check this one out!
This is the story you know and love with a twist that I think works so well! Im a sucker for family dynamics in books and poems and this did not disappoint.
If you’re on the hunt for a retelling and love poetry and like seeing someone else save the girl besides the prince definitely check this one out!
January 18, 2024
A thoroughly engaging spin on a classic fairytale. I was very fond of Brown’s collection of short fairytale poems, so I was eager to see how her style lent itself to longer fare. Safe to say that I was not disappointed!
Excluding perhaps one or two lines, the rest of this story absolutely leapt from the page with a deliberate rhythm that made its words sing & the story near impossible to stop.
A great fairytale retelling that’s well worth checking out!
Excluding perhaps one or two lines, the rest of this story absolutely leapt from the page with a deliberate rhythm that made its words sing & the story near impossible to stop.
A great fairytale retelling that’s well worth checking out!
Read
February 1, 2023This was such a mesmerising read. Beautifully written with a completely unique spin on the original tale of Rapunzel, I devoured this in one sitting.
The writing is lyrical and the story is captivating! The story follows a father’s journey to find his stolen daughter and I felt so strongly for them both throughout.
This was so much fun and I can’t wait to read more of Sophie’s books!
The writing is lyrical and the story is captivating! The story follows a father’s journey to find his stolen daughter and I felt so strongly for them both throughout.
This was so much fun and I can’t wait to read more of Sophie’s books!
March 22, 2023
Clever Rhyming and packed with magic!
I enjoy Sophie's melodic rhyming poetry and having read other narrative poetry from the author such as 'Beastly' and 'The fickle mermaid' I had to check this poetic story out!
Well done Sophie on this retelling of Rapunzel, packed with clever rhyming and magic - can't wait to see what's in store next!
I enjoy Sophie's melodic rhyming poetry and having read other narrative poetry from the author such as 'Beastly' and 'The fickle mermaid' I had to check this poetic story out!
Well done Sophie on this retelling of Rapunzel, packed with clever rhyming and magic - can't wait to see what's in store next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews