Princeless, Vol. 1 discussion

The graphic novel, Princeless, Volume 1: Save Yourself by Jeremy Whitley was very contrasting compared to your typical story of a princess being saved by her knight. There were many controversial issues addressed in a light hearted manner. Overall, this book was very easy and fun to read.

I genuinely enjoyed reading this book because as I said, it is not your typical fairytale story. Princess Adrienne made it a point that a woman does not need a man to save them. Women are more than capable of doing things men can do. In this case, Adrienne was more than capable of rescuing herself from the tower she was confined in. And she was determined to save her six sisters from their towers as well. Because who needs a knight in shining armor to do so? No one. This book not only addressed the contentions of male chauvinism, sexism, but the abuse of power as well.

In the novel, the King’s army was more than willing to abuse their power to taunt their citizens into giving them what they want. When Princess Adrienne encountered her father’s army disguised as a woman warrior, the soldiers further abused their power by insisting that they will take Princess Adrienne’s pot of gold and entrust it to the intended person. Which we know, was not the soldier’s true intentions.

Depending on which age group is reading this book, some children may not fully understand the hidden messages. Regardless, this book does a great job of bringing certain issues to light and is a fun read!