This book is a beautifully written version of the folktale Rapunzel. In this case, the girl is a teenager who is kept hidden away by her very crazy mother -- a little more intense than any version I've read before. The two seem to have a quite normal relationship initially, and it becomes more and more twisted as time goes on. Zel and the local prince fall in love. From there, it is an interesting psychological thriller, in a way, and a romance, as well. Particularly compelling is Zel's own descent into suicidal depression...Zel's worlds are smaller, but kids will relate to her trials with romance, family, and social class.
Particularly compelling is Zel's own descent into suicidal depression...Zel's worlds are smaller, but kids will relate to her trials with romance, family, and social class.