The strongest part of the story is Jane's excellent prose and execution of a fairy tale retelling. I actually searched Bluebeard on the internet to get the general plot (I thought it was about pirates before I did...), which may not have been a good idea. However, despite sort of knowing the outcome, Jane kept me engaged throughout the book for the most part and it never felt draggy for long. I am also very glad that Jane added her own twists and turns to the retelling throughout, especially with the outcome and resolution at the end. Another aspect I really liked is that the story doesn't really focus on romance, aside from Monsieur Bernard de Cressac's affairs, as most YA novels do these days. There is romance, but I didn't care too much for it, and nor did it take up a major part of the story. The lack of focus on romance was certainly refreshing and made Strands of Bronze and Gold stick out from the rest.The one big problem I had with the book, and the reason why I gave it four stars instead of five, is with most of the characters. I found myself getting annoyed at almost all of the characters, including Sophie. Although Jane probably made her heroine willfully weak in the beginning to show her development throughout the novel, I believe the best (and hardest to write) character development is when the heroine or hero starts off initially strong as well. Despite this, Sophie does redeem herself towards the end - better late than never, right? However, Sophie's siblings were the main recipients of my annoyance. Despite Anne attempting to redeem herself towards the very end, I fail to see any of the siblings genuinely take action and care for Sophie; to me, it seemed like all they wanted from her was money.Bottom line: If you're into fairy tales and historical fiction (that sounds like a paradox), you should definitely give this a try. However, if you're expecting intense romance as in many Young Adult novels or a very strong, independent heroine, then don't. I have never read Bluebeard but Strands of Bronze and Gold justly creates an alluring and uneasy atmosphere surrounding Bluebeard and his wives. It was interesting how the author combined this fairy tale with slavery in the US and the underground railroad but I wished she had expanded on the idea and made Sophia actually help the slaves across the border. All she really did was express a childish desire to help. When she did end up helping it was with Bluebeard's money. It was really weird because Sophia is 17 and M. De Cressac is as old as her father! Even if he is handsome I don't know why Sohpia would think of marrying him. It sounds like Bluebeard was extremely rich but at that period I'm skeptical if even he could have transported his mansion from Europe to Mississippi. Like many other YA novels the main character has red hair and is too adventuresome. Since I can understand french it was okay that there was so much of it included but to most people I'm sure it would have been irritating not to understand the expressions. I don't even think it was proper french grammar or even actual expressions. We also have a vague idea of her family's poverty but we never learn anything more about her parents' connection to M De Cressac or why he chose Sophia to be his goddaughter in the first place. It is an overall entertaining novel exploring Sophia's vanities and desire for wealth put against her desire for freedom. I don't recommend buying it but it's a good library book to borrow. A historical romance that ressembles Jane Eyre, Northanger Abbey and Bluebeard combined.
What do You think about So Wie Kupfer Und Gold (2013)?
Retelling of Bluebeard. Audio-book capably narrated, if a bit overwrought at the beginning.
—rose
