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Penelope
A modern-day fairytale--a major motion picture starring Christina Ricci, Catherine O'Hara, James McAvoy, and Reese Witherspoon.
Penelope Wilhern has everything a girl could want: A wealthy, socialite family, an enchanted bedroom and some of the coolest clothes around. There is only one problem: She was born into a cursed family and has the face of a pig.
Hidden away from the world, Penelope now finds herself subjected to a string of snobby, blue-blooded bachelors in a desperate attempt to find her a husband in order to break the curse. Though she yearns for something greater, what's a girl to do when faced with a determined mother and her matchmaking sidekick? Hoping to snap a photo of the mysterious girl, mischievous tabloid reporter Lemon hires down-on-his-luck Max to pose as a prospective suitor and infiltrate the family. But when Max finds himself truly drawn to Penelope, he can't bring himself to expose and disappoint her, so he just disappears. Fed up with this latest betrayal and determined to live life on her own terms, Penelope decides to break free from her family and go out into the world in search of adventure. Hiding her true identity with a scarf, Penelope discovers a wondrous world where freedom opens her eyes to possibilities she never knew existed. Making new friends along the way, she discovers happiness in the most unexpected places.
Penelope Wilhern has everything a girl could want: A wealthy, socialite family, an enchanted bedroom and some of the coolest clothes around. There is only one problem: She was born into a cursed family and has the face of a pig.
Hidden away from the world, Penelope now finds herself subjected to a string of snobby, blue-blooded bachelors in a desperate attempt to find her a husband in order to break the curse. Though she yearns for something greater, what's a girl to do when faced with a determined mother and her matchmaking sidekick? Hoping to snap a photo of the mysterious girl, mischievous tabloid reporter Lemon hires down-on-his-luck Max to pose as a prospective suitor and infiltrate the family. But when Max finds himself truly drawn to Penelope, he can't bring himself to expose and disappoint her, so he just disappears. Fed up with this latest betrayal and determined to live life on her own terms, Penelope decides to break free from her family and go out into the world in search of adventure. Hiding her true identity with a scarf, Penelope discovers a wondrous world where freedom opens her eyes to possibilities she never knew existed. Making new friends along the way, she discovers happiness in the most unexpected places.
230 pages, Paperback
First published March 20, 2007
19 people are currently reading
3095 people want to read
About the author
Marilyn Kaye
156 books430 followersI was born in New Britain, Connecticut, and grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. I also spent a year (5th grade) in Montgomery, Alabama, and a year in Ann Arbor, Michigan(8th grade). As a child, I always wanted to be a writer, but I had lots of other ambitions too. I wanted to be a teacher, a librarian, a movie star, the president of the United States, and a ballerina.
I didn't achieve all my goals. I never became a movie star, the president of the U.S., or a ballerina. But I've been a teacher and a librarian and most of all, a writer. I've been writing for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I always kept a diary. I wrote poems, stories, plays, songs and lots of letters. Writing wasn't easy for me, but it felt natural and right.
I've always read a lot, too. I was an English major at Emory University (I love Shakespeare), and I also received a master's degree in library science at Emory. I earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Chicago, and I taught children's and teen literature at St. John's University in New York for over 20 years. Now, I'm a full-time writer, living in Paris, France - the most beautiful city in the world.
I didn't achieve all my goals. I never became a movie star, the president of the U.S., or a ballerina. But I've been a teacher and a librarian and most of all, a writer. I've been writing for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I always kept a diary. I wrote poems, stories, plays, songs and lots of letters. Writing wasn't easy for me, but it felt natural and right.
I've always read a lot, too. I was an English major at Emory University (I love Shakespeare), and I also received a master's degree in library science at Emory. I earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Chicago, and I taught children's and teen literature at St. John's University in New York for over 20 years. Now, I'm a full-time writer, living in Paris, France - the most beautiful city in the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
February 6, 2016
First off I should say that I really like the story line, with the curse and all that. However, the author doesn't really go into depth with the characters. It's not that the characters are unlikeable, you just don't get the full idea of who they are.
I probably would've liked the book more if I hadn't watched the movie already. There were no surprises and the book pretty much follows the movie.
I liked the book, but if you already watched the movie you aren't missing out on much.
I probably would've liked the book more if I hadn't watched the movie already. There were no surprises and the book pretty much follows the movie.
I liked the book, but if you already watched the movie you aren't missing out on much.
June 17, 2019
I adore the movie this book is based on, I watch it every few months. It's very well done and entertaining, the cast is amazing and so is the photography. It feels like a breath of fresh air every time I watch it.
To be honest, this book could've been done a little bit better. It captures the same magical atmosphere of the movie, but it's in snippets. If I went into this book unbiasedly, I would give it 3 or 4 stars, 3.5 is the rating it deserves. But I've spent so much time with these characters that I couldn't help but enjoy it throughout, and I want more.
To be honest, this book could've been done a little bit better. It captures the same magical atmosphere of the movie, but it's in snippets. If I went into this book unbiasedly, I would give it 3 or 4 stars, 3.5 is the rating it deserves. But I've spent so much time with these characters that I couldn't help but enjoy it throughout, and I want more.
April 12, 2012
I'm always picky about books that come out after a movie, so the fact that I gave this four stars is completely indicative of the fact that it does the movie justice.
This book is about a girl who has the face of a pig. Or, rather, the nose of a pig, because she is really very pretty in spite of it. The only way she can get rid of her pig-nose is by breaking the curse that put it there, and the curse requires that she be loved by "one of her own kind."
So number one on my list of things-I-love-about-this-book: Penelope's mother. I like the fact that I dislike her character so much. I like the fact that she is a character I can hate with every fiber of my being, and how she is the bad guy, and probably always will be. I like how she is always in the way and always pushing, so incredibly clueless and vacant. I enjoy characters like her; they're fun.
Number two on my list is the story itself. After all, who doesn't love a good love story? But all that aside, I like the fact that it's an unconventional love story, in which the female and male character do not play the role of hero and damsel-in-distress. They spend the majority of their time apart, but you still come to know them as themselves. I like how Penelope goes out and makes friends. She fights her own battles while Max fixes his own problems.
Number three on my list of things is the fact that Lemon is a good guy. Quite frankly, the book does a much better job of conveying the fact that he is not the bad guy, but simply a man with a dream that just happens to center around the story of Penelope. So much of his character was absent in the movie.
Now on to the list of things I did not like:
One. I HATED the mere fact that one cannot simply put James McAvoy into this book. I just hated it. So incredibly much.
The second thing I really didn't take to was how everything just... happened. It was like the book lacked proper transition, maybe because the author wanted to mimick the movie. I don't know. It was just... odd.
Overall, this book was very enjoyable, and as a book based off of a movie, I would most definitely recommend it to anyone who loves reading, romance, and a taste of adventure.
This book is about a girl who has the face of a pig. Or, rather, the nose of a pig, because she is really very pretty in spite of it. The only way she can get rid of her pig-nose is by breaking the curse that put it there, and the curse requires that she be loved by "one of her own kind."
So number one on my list of things-I-love-about-this-book: Penelope's mother. I like the fact that I dislike her character so much. I like the fact that she is a character I can hate with every fiber of my being, and how she is the bad guy, and probably always will be. I like how she is always in the way and always pushing, so incredibly clueless and vacant. I enjoy characters like her; they're fun.
Number two on my list is the story itself. After all, who doesn't love a good love story? But all that aside, I like the fact that it's an unconventional love story, in which the female and male character do not play the role of hero and damsel-in-distress. They spend the majority of their time apart, but you still come to know them as themselves. I like how Penelope goes out and makes friends. She fights her own battles while Max fixes his own problems.
Number three on my list of things is the fact that Lemon is a good guy. Quite frankly, the book does a much better job of conveying the fact that he is not the bad guy, but simply a man with a dream that just happens to center around the story of Penelope. So much of his character was absent in the movie.
Now on to the list of things I did not like:
One. I HATED the mere fact that one cannot simply put James McAvoy into this book. I just hated it. So incredibly much.
The second thing I really didn't take to was how everything just... happened. It was like the book lacked proper transition, maybe because the author wanted to mimick the movie. I don't know. It was just... odd.
Overall, this book was very enjoyable, and as a book based off of a movie, I would most definitely recommend it to anyone who loves reading, romance, and a taste of adventure.
September 3, 2014
Oh, the pain of disillusionment!
So this is just about my favorite movie of all time. Ever. I'm not going to claim that it's anything groundbreaking or world-changing like Star Wars or Breakfast at Tiffany's, but it's one of those movies that feels self-created and effortless; it wasn't written and cast and soundtracked and produced and acted out and recorded, it just grew out of the ground. (When something man-made seems natural, that is a very strong indicator that it was meticulously planned and worked and reworked within an inch of its life. Why is it so hard for us poor mortals to do what real life does without trying?) So when I saw the book in the library system I was enthralled. My favorite movie ever was a book first! What have I ever done to deserve such rapture?
Ahem. Anyway, she says as she furtively wipes her eyes, I requested it, and it came. The cover had the actors and actresses on it, which is less than ideal—I hate movie tie-in covers—but not a big deal. Then, as I read a ways into it, examined the cover more closely, checked the publishing date against the movie's release date, I realize the truth with dawning horror.
It's not the inspiration for my darling 'Penelope' with a movie tie-in cover.
It's director-endorsed post- movie release fanfic by the queen of parenthetical asides.
I've experienced this crushing disappointment many times in reverse, where the movie is a gross caricature of a beloved book. I've grown desensitized, even come to expect the worst of a movie adaptation and be pleasantly surprised when it's not as horrible as I expected. I just didn't have enough warning to put on my bulletproof vest for this go around.
All right, for a book adaptation of a movie, it wasn't bad. Ms. Kaye altered the setting to make it more distinctly modern—references to Captain Jack Sparrow, visits to schmancy nightclubs, that sort of thing—which I suppose some people might like; personally I preferred the fairytale-like device the movie used to blur the concept of time or place, and I would generally advise authors to avoid dating their books. She changed a lot of the scenes, gave Penelope a bit of a seventeen-year-old, flippant voice, and made Annie a lot less cool than the Reese Witherspoon version. She also made Max/Johnny a lot more skater-hottie—in the movie, he really wasn't cute, actually rather homely, but somehow came off as very attractive, especially when his eyes were a little less red. (Once again, I'm inclined to prefer the movie version). Edward, I have to admit, she captured to a tee.
It lacked the timeless beauty and charm of the movie, but overall, it was a cute, shallow, lighthearted middle-grade reworking. My advice: if you saw the movie and loved it, don't bother with the book. You're not missing much.
(But if you haven't seen the movie, for heaven's sake go watch it!)
So this is just about my favorite movie of all time. Ever. I'm not going to claim that it's anything groundbreaking or world-changing like Star Wars or Breakfast at Tiffany's, but it's one of those movies that feels self-created and effortless; it wasn't written and cast and soundtracked and produced and acted out and recorded, it just grew out of the ground. (When something man-made seems natural, that is a very strong indicator that it was meticulously planned and worked and reworked within an inch of its life. Why is it so hard for us poor mortals to do what real life does without trying?) So when I saw the book in the library system I was enthralled. My favorite movie ever was a book first! What have I ever done to deserve such rapture?
Ahem. Anyway, she says as she furtively wipes her eyes, I requested it, and it came. The cover had the actors and actresses on it, which is less than ideal—I hate movie tie-in covers—but not a big deal. Then, as I read a ways into it, examined the cover more closely, checked the publishing date against the movie's release date, I realize the truth with dawning horror.
It's not the inspiration for my darling 'Penelope' with a movie tie-in cover.
It's director-endorsed post- movie release fanfic by the queen of parenthetical asides.
I've experienced this crushing disappointment many times in reverse, where the movie is a gross caricature of a beloved book. I've grown desensitized, even come to expect the worst of a movie adaptation and be pleasantly surprised when it's not as horrible as I expected. I just didn't have enough warning to put on my bulletproof vest for this go around.
All right, for a book adaptation of a movie, it wasn't bad. Ms. Kaye altered the setting to make it more distinctly modern—references to Captain Jack Sparrow, visits to schmancy nightclubs, that sort of thing—which I suppose some people might like; personally I preferred the fairytale-like device the movie used to blur the concept of time or place, and I would generally advise authors to avoid dating their books. She changed a lot of the scenes, gave Penelope a bit of a seventeen-year-old, flippant voice, and made Annie a lot less cool than the Reese Witherspoon version. She also made Max/Johnny a lot more skater-hottie—in the movie, he really wasn't cute, actually rather homely, but somehow came off as very attractive, especially when his eyes were a little less red. (Once again, I'm inclined to prefer the movie version). Edward, I have to admit, she captured to a tee.
It lacked the timeless beauty and charm of the movie, but overall, it was a cute, shallow, lighthearted middle-grade reworking. My advice: if you saw the movie and loved it, don't bother with the book. You're not missing much.
(But if you haven't seen the movie, for heaven's sake go watch it!)
April 20, 2013
As I'm sure many of you are aware by now, I love fairy tales. They're so simple yet so resonant. They show us how to be better people and encourage us to follow our dreams, no matter what the odds. So it's a rare and wonderful thing when a new, original fairy tale enters the world. As such, "Penelope" shows the right way to tell a modern-day fairy tale. Firstly, it's subtle in its storytelling; "Penelope" just sort of goes with the flow and lets you enjoy the story without bashing you on the head. Secondly, while it's aware that there are harsh people in the world, it's also aware that there are good people too. Thirdly, Penelope herself is an admirable heroine. She's unpretentious, bright, friendly, and brave. She grows and matures during the course of her adventures, learns independence, and creates her own happy ending. (Take note, storytellers!) Finally, the message "Penelope" gives is *such a breath of fresh air*. It tells us that before we can love others, we must first love ourselves. How often do you find a moral like that these days? That's why I give "Penelope" the highest, five-star rating. Because it's modern fantasy at its very best.
March 9, 2011
REVIEW
Penelope was an incredibly cute story. I loved reading about Penelope’s childhood as a girl with the face of a pig. It was such an emotional story that I felt very strongly connected to Penelope. Caveny did such a great job of drawing me into Penelope’s unusual world.
All of the characters were so well written. I fell in love with sweet Max and don’t even get me started on Penelope’s mother. I felt sorry for her and I was frustrated with her at the same time! Every character added their own personality to this awesome tale.
The story itself taught a very important lesson. If you are ever feeling down about yourself, just say “I like myself just the way I am” and you will feel better. So yeah, love yourself just as you are.
Oh, and how’s this for a change-of-pace? The Penelope book is based on the screenplay of the Penelope movie. I had to be different though, so I read the book first and saw the movie second. I’m sneaky like that! They are nearly identical, except that the book has more detail. Loved ‘em both!
I super highly recommend this fun and easy read.
RATING
5 Plot
5 Characters
5 Attention Grabbing
5 Girlie Meter
5 Ending
25 TOTAL
5 STARS
Penelope was an incredibly cute story. I loved reading about Penelope’s childhood as a girl with the face of a pig. It was such an emotional story that I felt very strongly connected to Penelope. Caveny did such a great job of drawing me into Penelope’s unusual world.
All of the characters were so well written. I fell in love with sweet Max and don’t even get me started on Penelope’s mother. I felt sorry for her and I was frustrated with her at the same time! Every character added their own personality to this awesome tale.
The story itself taught a very important lesson. If you are ever feeling down about yourself, just say “I like myself just the way I am” and you will feel better. So yeah, love yourself just as you are.
Oh, and how’s this for a change-of-pace? The Penelope book is based on the screenplay of the Penelope movie. I had to be different though, so I read the book first and saw the movie second. I’m sneaky like that! They are nearly identical, except that the book has more detail. Loved ‘em both!
I super highly recommend this fun and easy read.
RATING
5 Plot
5 Characters
5 Attention Grabbing
5 Girlie Meter
5 Ending
25 TOTAL
5 STARS
January 19, 2022
I never have many good hopes when I open up a book that has "adapted from the screenplay" on its cover. And there has been some worthy exceptions. But this one was not one of those. It was very, very disappointing. The film was immensely better, which left me only with the idea that there wasn't really a necessity of a book for it, even less of such a "meh" one.
Read
March 21, 2008I love this movie so I wanted to read the book based on the screenplay. I've finished it now and I did not like it. The story felt clunky and a bit all over the place and the writing was often rather awkward. It gave me a few chuckles (what with its over-the-top descriptions) but overall it was not a book I'd recommend.
June 27, 2019
2.5, but worth the round-up
I did not realize this was a book based on the movie until it was too late and I was already vested. I have actually never seen the movie, but of course I will now have to watch it and hope it is better than the book.
The last 25% was pretty good and almost redeeming enough to outweigh the boring and whiny first 75%, but not quite. Of course the message has been done a million times and I get the "moral" of the story is to be yourself and love yourself, but the constant repetition of Penelope not being able to be herself because her face was not her face, when really it was just her nose was not her nose.
It was still cutesy, not a complete waste of time, but I think it should have just stayed a movie.
I did not realize this was a book based on the movie until it was too late and I was already vested. I have actually never seen the movie, but of course I will now have to watch it and hope it is better than the book.
The last 25% was pretty good and almost redeeming enough to outweigh the boring and whiny first 75%, but not quite. Of course the message has been done a million times and I get the "moral" of the story is to be yourself and love yourself, but the constant repetition of Penelope not being able to be herself because her face was not her face, when really it was just her nose was not her nose.
It was still cutesy, not a complete waste of time, but I think it should have just stayed a movie.
March 22, 2025
If you've seen the movie, it's exactly the same. Normally the book adds a lot of internal dialog and narration, but that isn't the case with this. The movie is pretty much enough, in my opinion.
It's a little bit feminist, I suppose, but I can't say why without spoiling it. It's a cute, enjoyable story. The romance is a little underwhelming, but it's still certainly one of the better novels I've read in recent years.
It's a little bit feminist, I suppose, but I can't say why without spoiling it. It's a cute, enjoyable story. The romance is a little underwhelming, but it's still certainly one of the better novels I've read in recent years.
January 14, 2014
It's not that I didn't enjoy the book...I just found the movie is a much more rewarding way of experiencing this story. Very rarely would I pick a movie over a novel, but I think part of that might be because this was not a novel that inspired a movie, but the novelization of a movie.
While the story had some differences--I did enjoy that Annie had much more a role than the sidekick, funny friend; that her relationship with Penelope actually helped lead Penelope to some realizations about herself--overall it was missing the interesting nuances that the actors brought to the characters. They were the same characters, just missing some of the magic to them. In fact, most of the characters seemed completely on-dimensional. Penelope's mother was awful, her father was weak, Edward was a whiner, and even Max (or Johnny) lacked the dimension he should have had. Really it was an over-simplified version of a story that had the potential to be so magical.
That being said, I did enjoy the book. Annie's influence on Penelope in particular I found very interesting. She actually was a friend, giving advice and help when needed and even sometimes when it wasn't wanted. And Penelope's narration was very pleasing--I enjoyed her as a narrator and the little secrets she revealed about herself and her family (her retelling of what her life would had been had she been born normal was both amusing and interesting). And of course the sense of empowerment the curse actually does give Penelope--SHE has the power to lift the curse, she doesn't need someone else to do it for her--was well done. That's a pretty big step for any "fairy-tale," and I enjoyed that as the conclusion to this modern fairy tale.
While the story had some differences--I did enjoy that Annie had much more a role than the sidekick, funny friend; that her relationship with Penelope actually helped lead Penelope to some realizations about herself--overall it was missing the interesting nuances that the actors brought to the characters. They were the same characters, just missing some of the magic to them. In fact, most of the characters seemed completely on-dimensional. Penelope's mother was awful, her father was weak, Edward was a whiner, and even Max (or Johnny) lacked the dimension he should have had. Really it was an over-simplified version of a story that had the potential to be so magical.
That being said, I did enjoy the book. Annie's influence on Penelope in particular I found very interesting. She actually was a friend, giving advice and help when needed and even sometimes when it wasn't wanted. And Penelope's narration was very pleasing--I enjoyed her as a narrator and the little secrets she revealed about herself and her family (her retelling of what her life would had been had she been born normal was both amusing and interesting). And of course the sense of empowerment the curse actually does give Penelope--SHE has the power to lift the curse, she doesn't need someone else to do it for her--was well done. That's a pretty big step for any "fairy-tale," and I enjoyed that as the conclusion to this modern fairy tale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2024
2024
2022
2020
Almost as good as the movie. The problem is that the book doesn't quite capture the essence of Christina Richi. Or James McAvoy. Definitely doesn't capture James McAvoy. That man could charm the pants off of a cactus.
2017
And the characters in the book are fine. They just aren't quite as captivating as the characters in the movie. Even Penelope's parents don't have the same charisma as her parents in the movie. Although, the mother does come close to being as horrible in the book as she was in the movie.
The book does capture the magic of the story pretty well. We get to hear the origin of the curse in a very similar manner that the movie has. And we get to watch Penelope experience life outside of her gilded cage in the same engaging way as the movie. But the book doesn't lend much more to the curse or the outside world than what the movie had showed us. Truthfully, the book does come very close to the what the movie is like. Except, this is one of the very few instances, where I preferred the movie to the book. Not by any great margin. The book is still enjoyable. But, if I were to be honest, without the movie the book wouldn't have gotten a five start review. More like a 4. Or so.
2017
2022
2020
Almost as good as the movie. The problem is that the book doesn't quite capture the essence of Christina Richi. Or James McAvoy. Definitely doesn't capture James McAvoy. That man could charm the pants off of a cactus.
2017
And the characters in the book are fine. They just aren't quite as captivating as the characters in the movie. Even Penelope's parents don't have the same charisma as her parents in the movie. Although, the mother does come close to being as horrible in the book as she was in the movie.
The book does capture the magic of the story pretty well. We get to hear the origin of the curse in a very similar manner that the movie has. And we get to watch Penelope experience life outside of her gilded cage in the same engaging way as the movie. But the book doesn't lend much more to the curse or the outside world than what the movie had showed us. Truthfully, the book does come very close to the what the movie is like. Except, this is one of the very few instances, where I preferred the movie to the book. Not by any great margin. The book is still enjoyable. But, if I were to be honest, without the movie the book wouldn't have gotten a five start review. More like a 4. Or so.
2017
February 11, 2012
Didn't get a chance to see the movie, so I got the book for three dollars at Half Price Books.
Definitely enjoyed reading it. I thought the plot was a clever inversion of the typical fairy tale story, and the twists and turns felt very natural (such as the reporter posing as her suitor, and the way Penelope becomes a celebrity just because she has a pig nose.) The plot didn't go that deep into the human psyche (you could do a lot more with questions about to what extent our appearance defines us, whether or not we need to be saved, etc), but the creativity was welcome.
There wasn't a lot of description, so I think the movie probably does a better job of setting the scene. I will have to check it out. Also, the love interest Max/Johnny didn't seem to appear often enough for there to be real chemistry between him and Penelope. You can't tell if someone is deep just by if they look sad. Also, his decision to leave Penelope seems too romance-cliche and selfish. Though a gambling problem would be a real red flag in a relationship, but his character wasn't developed very much.
I'm a sucker for all fairy tales, so I guess I'll keep this on my shelf. Overall it feels pretty standard.
Definitely enjoyed reading it. I thought the plot was a clever inversion of the typical fairy tale story, and the twists and turns felt very natural (such as the reporter posing as her suitor, and the way Penelope becomes a celebrity just because she has a pig nose.) The plot didn't go that deep into the human psyche (you could do a lot more with questions about to what extent our appearance defines us, whether or not we need to be saved, etc), but the creativity was welcome.
There wasn't a lot of description, so I think the movie probably does a better job of setting the scene. I will have to check it out. Also, the love interest Max/Johnny didn't seem to appear often enough for there to be real chemistry between him and Penelope. You can't tell if someone is deep just by if they look sad. Also, his decision to leave Penelope seems too romance-cliche and selfish. Though a gambling problem would be a real red flag in a relationship, but his character wasn't developed very much.
I'm a sucker for all fairy tales, so I guess I'll keep this on my shelf. Overall it feels pretty standard.
September 17, 2020
Charming book, and I am not sure because I don't remember the movie that well, but I think the movie is slightly better than the book. Mainly because of the end, and because I could see why Max/John falls for Penelope. In the book, it seems bit rushed, specially the ending. And Penelope's mother redeems herself in the movie, while in the book she doesn't. Also, Max/John is a pianist, a talented one (was he a pianist on the movie? I can't remember, but I think he wasn't).
Nevertheless, this is a good, fun, light fantasy book. Penelope is likeable (in spite of having a snout, she was never a depressed character), Lemon the journalist is likeable (he starts as "the villain" bu he actually has a soft heart), and Max/John is likeable (a bit weak but he is nice). Anyone who has seen the movie knows the moral of the story: to love yourself.
I felt like I was watching a Bryan Fuller's tv show, like "Pushing Daisies". It has that aura.
Needless to say that I want to rewatch the movie.
Nevertheless, this is a good, fun, light fantasy book. Penelope is likeable (in spite of having a snout, she was never a depressed character), Lemon the journalist is likeable (he starts as "the villain" bu he actually has a soft heart), and Max/John is likeable (a bit weak but he is nice). Anyone who has seen the movie knows the moral of the story: to love yourself.
I felt like I was watching a Bryan Fuller's tv show, like "Pushing Daisies". It has that aura.
Needless to say that I want to rewatch the movie.
February 6, 2017
So, I was slightly worried on the first few pages that this would end up being a slightly easy, grade-school type of adaptation that I would end up putting down and abandoning halfway through. That was so not the case and I'm glad I picked it up at the library.
The plot was very well fleshed out, with adorable added little details. The same could be said for the characters. The insight into everyone's minds at play during the action of the movie was extremely entertaining and I laughed out loud numerous times, something I don't generally do unless a book is really that good. Very charming.
I highly recommend this to any fan of the movie. You'll breeze through it on a rainy afternoon and never want to give it back--that is, if you borrowed it from the library. I know when I put it back through the slot I felt a little sad and mentally added it to my 'buy' list.
Give it a read!
The plot was very well fleshed out, with adorable added little details. The same could be said for the characters. The insight into everyone's minds at play during the action of the movie was extremely entertaining and I laughed out loud numerous times, something I don't generally do unless a book is really that good. Very charming.
I highly recommend this to any fan of the movie. You'll breeze through it on a rainy afternoon and never want to give it back--that is, if you borrowed it from the library. I know when I put it back through the slot I felt a little sad and mentally added it to my 'buy' list.
Give it a read!
September 15, 2018
Penélope es una bonita historia sobre quererse a una misma. Había visto la película hacía años y tenía el libro, y como guardaba buen recuerdo, decidí leerlo. Lo primero que me sorprendió fue lo parecido que era con el film, pero es que descubrí que el libro se había hecho después, lo que lo explicaba todo.
Aunque es una prosa sencilla, la verdad es que engancha porque es una historia bonita, con la que te puedes identificar. No esperéis un gran libro, ni nada original si ya habéis visto la película, pero os la recomiendo mucho, por su mensaje, sobre crecer y madurar, y su imagen de cuento para adultos pero con dulzura.
Aunque es una prosa sencilla, la verdad es que engancha porque es una historia bonita, con la que te puedes identificar. No esperéis un gran libro, ni nada original si ya habéis visto la película, pero os la recomiendo mucho, por su mensaje, sobre crecer y madurar, y su imagen de cuento para adultos pero con dulzura.
November 22, 2013
I am not sure how to judge novels adapted from screenplays, but this one I could not resist due to the movie being a great favorite of mine. It was a pleasant read bringing back so much of what I love of this story of a girl trying to find herself. It is an entertaining story with a really important message -- true parallels to everyday life actually. If nothing else, I will say go see the film - it is great.
December 21, 2012
Though the writing style was decidedly better than usual for a movie novelization, the story was a bit dark in the beginning, with all the suicides and affairs, and the ending was emotionless and pat. I would hope that the movie is better than this.
August 12, 2014
Fun easy read. Nice book for middle-school age kids.
September 4, 2023
This is a captivating literary work that I had the pleasure of reading during my high school years. This book, a timeless piece of literature, left an indelible mark on me, and I'm excited to revisit it.
What truly enamored me was the exquisite writing style. The prose is nothing short of poetic, painting vivid pictures with words. Each sentence feels carefully crafted, and the attention to detail in the descriptions is remarkable. It's a testament to the author's mastery of language and storytelling.
The characters in "Penelope" are intricately developed, each with their own complexities and arcs. As I followed their journeys, I found myself deeply invested in their fates and growth throughout the book. It's a testament to the author's ability to create relatable and multidimensional characters.
While reading "Penelope," I couldn't help but be moved by the profound emotions it evoked. The moments of joy, sorrow, and introspection resonated with me on a personal level. It's a book that delves into the human experience with authenticity and empathy.
As I contemplate revisiting "Penelope," I'm filled with anticipation. I believe that returning to this novel as a more mature reader will reveal new layers of meaning and insights. It's a testament to the book's timelessness and its ability
What truly enamored me was the exquisite writing style. The prose is nothing short of poetic, painting vivid pictures with words. Each sentence feels carefully crafted, and the attention to detail in the descriptions is remarkable. It's a testament to the author's mastery of language and storytelling.
The characters in "Penelope" are intricately developed, each with their own complexities and arcs. As I followed their journeys, I found myself deeply invested in their fates and growth throughout the book. It's a testament to the author's ability to create relatable and multidimensional characters.
While reading "Penelope," I couldn't help but be moved by the profound emotions it evoked. The moments of joy, sorrow, and introspection resonated with me on a personal level. It's a book that delves into the human experience with authenticity and empathy.
As I contemplate revisiting "Penelope," I'm filled with anticipation. I believe that returning to this novel as a more mature reader will reveal new layers of meaning and insights. It's a testament to the book's timelessness and its ability
December 10, 2024
I love Penelope! It remains one of my all-time favorite movies, one of those comfort-viewing movies you put on for the best feels. I wish the story could have gone on and on but it's just charming and perfect as is. I am of the generation that will always love Christina Ricci. I'm not a die-hard fan of Reese Witherspoon, but I'll always appreciate she produced Penelope into the world. And, of course, there's young James MacAvoy, handsome as ever and not yet killing every random person on film (what's up with that James?).
I don't think I was aware there were novelizations. I came across a copy in a secondhand book store. So I got it. It's a very quick and easy read, almost like a junior novelization. It doesn't tax and stress you but neither did the movie. The book can't quite capture the magic of the actors on screen and the seamless flow a movie has, but it gets close without wandering off in directions that the movie didn't as other novelizations sometimes do.
I'm a sucker for a modern fairy tale.
I don't think I was aware there were novelizations. I came across a copy in a secondhand book store. So I got it. It's a very quick and easy read, almost like a junior novelization. It doesn't tax and stress you but neither did the movie. The book can't quite capture the magic of the actors on screen and the seamless flow a movie has, but it gets close without wandering off in directions that the movie didn't as other novelizations sometimes do.
I'm a sucker for a modern fairy tale.
January 19, 2019
Penelopa Wilhern ma wszystko o czym może marzyć dziewczyna – bogatą rodzinę z wyższych sfer, cudowną sypialnię i najmodniejsze ubrania. Jest tylko jeden problem. Urodziła się w rodzinie, nad którą ciąży klątwa i ma świński ryjek.
Jest to przede wszystkim historia o tym, że aby być naprawdę szczęśliwym trzeba zaakceptować siebie takim, jakim się jest. Książka zwraca uwagę na to, że prawdziwe piękno kryje się we wnętrzu człowieka, nie zawsze widać je w lustrze.
Można powiedzieć, że jest to współczesna baśń dla małych i dużych dziewczynek, które pod warstwą kompleksów nie potrafią odnaleźć swojego wewnętrznego uroku.
"Penelopa" to przede wszystkim historia o tym, że aby być naprawdę szczęśliwym trzeba zaakceptować siebie takim, jakim się jest. Prawdziwe piękno kryje się we wnętrzu człowieka, nie zawsze widać je w lustrze. To współczesna baśń dla małych i dużych dziewczynek, które pod warstwą kompleksów nie potrafią odnaleźć swojego wewnętrznego uroku.
Książka napisana jest prostym językiem, więc czyta się ją bardzo szybko. Niestety, największą wadą tej powieści jest fakt, że już po przeczytaniu kilkudziesięciu stron domyślamy się zakończenia.
Jest to przede wszystkim historia o tym, że aby być naprawdę szczęśliwym trzeba zaakceptować siebie takim, jakim się jest. Książka zwraca uwagę na to, że prawdziwe piękno kryje się we wnętrzu człowieka, nie zawsze widać je w lustrze.
Można powiedzieć, że jest to współczesna baśń dla małych i dużych dziewczynek, które pod warstwą kompleksów nie potrafią odnaleźć swojego wewnętrznego uroku.
"Penelopa" to przede wszystkim historia o tym, że aby być naprawdę szczęśliwym trzeba zaakceptować siebie takim, jakim się jest. Prawdziwe piękno kryje się we wnętrzu człowieka, nie zawsze widać je w lustrze. To współczesna baśń dla małych i dużych dziewczynek, które pod warstwą kompleksów nie potrafią odnaleźć swojego wewnętrznego uroku.
Książka napisana jest prostym językiem, więc czyta się ją bardzo szybko. Niestety, największą wadą tej powieści jest fakt, że już po przeczytaniu kilkudziesięciu stron domyślamy się zakończenia.
January 19, 2020
No real talent in the writing, not much character development, poor choice of point of view. It made a kind of cute movie, but the book is very uninspired. A sort of Beauty and the Beast knockoff, the basic message (that we are who we are regardless of how we look) is a good one, but there are much better story lines in which to see this play out. I did like two aspects - Johnny, for all his issues, does try to be self-sacrificing but his motivation is largely unclear and his backstory is not fully developed. Part of that is necessary for the point of view and the plot, which is why I think that is a poor choice. The other thing is that Penelope is only a fad and most people in the larger world truly don’t care about her as a person, which is true to life. The fact that she so easily adapts to the fame after such extreme isolation, and that once she is “normal” assimilates so easily into an average life is a little hard to believe. I wouldn’t read it again or recommend the book to anyone else.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2022
Not sure this is really for people who haven't seen the movie, it kinda feels like she's relying on that to fill the gaps rather than making this into a real book. I guess I shouldn't have expected better from a novelisation.
26.01.2022 Okay so, yes, I found the movie and sat down and watched it. This book is still a waste of potential and it is supplementary rather than a substitute, but it is supplementary, it adds, it throws some extra things in there. It does occasionally contradict. There're pieces of gold here in the film, there's a meme, there's a ridiculously talented cast that was completely underutilised, there's a feminist parable that's honestly kind of flat/thin but essentially worthy imo, there's a potential for a remake or a British miniseries or sth. Maybe the book was rushed to a merchandising schedule and that was the second death of potential but it's still there.
26.01.2022 Okay so, yes, I found the movie and sat down and watched it. This book is still a waste of potential and it is supplementary rather than a substitute, but it is supplementary, it adds, it throws some extra things in there. It does occasionally contradict. There're pieces of gold here in the film, there's a meme, there's a ridiculously talented cast that was completely underutilised, there's a feminist parable that's honestly kind of flat/thin but essentially worthy imo, there's a potential for a remake or a British miniseries or sth. Maybe the book was rushed to a merchandising schedule and that was the second death of potential but it's still there.
November 12, 2017
I cheated. I saw the movie first, because I didn't know it was a book! I will say, the movie is shockingly accurate, and since I absolutely adored the movie, suffice it to say that I LOVED the book! It's one of the best adaptations of a fairy tale in a Young Adult novel that I've read in years! It's a shame I didn't pick this book up sooner.
The book deals with self-esteem, peer pressure, mild parental abuse and self-actualization in a way I didn't think possible for a book so short, and one about a magical curse. But this book has very quickly become one of my favorite YA romances EVER. If you've seen my "Read" list, you know what kind of weight that carries.
The book deals with self-esteem, peer pressure, mild parental abuse and self-actualization in a way I didn't think possible for a book so short, and one about a magical curse. But this book has very quickly become one of my favorite YA romances EVER. If you've seen my "Read" list, you know what kind of weight that carries.
April 9, 2018
Underrated twist on a classic
While it's a story that we all know well, it's a fun read anyway. It is hard to give it a high rating, however, because the author can't decide what person she wants it in and at times it comes across as though she just copied and pasted what was probably one of the final drafts of the screenplay (there are a few changes but nothing major) and put them in the book without proper description or depth, just whatever was in the script.
If you liked the movie just stick with that, if you haven't heard of it but have a chance to pick this up instead it is a good substitute
While it's a story that we all know well, it's a fun read anyway. It is hard to give it a high rating, however, because the author can't decide what person she wants it in and at times it comes across as though she just copied and pasted what was probably one of the final drafts of the screenplay (there are a few changes but nothing major) and put them in the book without proper description or depth, just whatever was in the script.
If you liked the movie just stick with that, if you haven't heard of it but have a chance to pick this up instead it is a good substitute
July 2, 2017
Premetto che "Penelope" é uno di quei film che riguardo incessantemente e che non mi stanca mai, lo trovo delicato e divertente, ma anche con un bellissimo messaggio. Il libro riprende la storia modificandola di pochissimo, solo in qualche particolare e ha la stessa delicatezza che mi ha incantato. Ovvio, non é un capolavoro e forse chi ha già visto il film lo troverà ripetitivo, ma io l'ho trovata una splendida favola moderna, che leggerei immediatamente a una bambina, molto più volentieri di Biancaneve o Cenerentola.
June 27, 2018
i enjoyed this a lot, it was exactly the book i was looking to read when i picked it up. it’s pretty corny and the romance kinda happens fast and the drops off in the middle and starts up in the last few pages, so that wasn’t the best. i love love love the movie this is based off of, but since the book is adapted from the screen play, it’s pretty much exactly the same as the movie. overall it was good.
July 18, 2020
Penelope was born with a pig's snout, a gift from a witch's curse. All her life has been ruled by this snout her mother detests, her father apologizes for. The way to lift the curse, according to her mother, is to marry a man from her social class.
Let the matchmaking begin.
The story is from a screen play, but is very readable. It has a fairy tale feel to it. The book is easy to read and enjoyable.
Let the matchmaking begin.
The story is from a screen play, but is very readable. It has a fairy tale feel to it. The book is easy to read and enjoyable.
November 10, 2023
I loved this book. Penelope had the face of a pig because she was cursed since birth. Her family gives her everything money can buy, but they don’t give her love or acceptance- just pity. She needs someone of her class to marry her and break the spell. It isn’t until she realizes she doesn’t need a prince, but just to accept and love herself that the real magic happens!
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