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aprileclecticbookworm's review against another edition
5.0
This was a quick classic dark fairytale I wish I'd read before!
stefaniajoy's review against another edition
2.0
I liked this book aside from the part about the Chinese philosophers. I don't understand why it was specified that they were "Chinese" when the rest of the book was fairy-tale like and unspecific. Most of the characters didn't even have names. The two names of the philosophers are not even close to Chinese names. I found that part frustrating and culturally insensitive (and obviously inaccurate) which made it harder for me to enjoy the rest of the book.
torts's review against another edition
4.0
Sad. I think I need to re-read this, because all I really remember is that there was an incredibly sad/romantic description of a prince or something who was put into a hole so that he could stop up a leaky lake...or something. I'm not sure if the rest of it was as good as that part, because all that's really stuck with me is that one sad part. And I think there was a witch who lived under the lake. And the "light" refers to weight, not brightness. Which I find clever for some reason.
briannabrennan's review against another edition
5.0
Just as interesting as when I read it as a child. I did pick up on some satire from the author and the book was definitely a jab as to how “normal” fairytales are written. It was actually pretty funny and I appreciated the adult aspect of the book
magpiepages's review against another edition
4.0
I'm pleasantly surprised with a fairytale written in 1867 had not only a male damsel in distress, but also a villain who ends up accidentally killing themselves through their own misdeeds.
The songs in it are also brilliantly adorable, you can definitely see why Tolkien and Lewis loved MacDonald's writings
The songs in it are also brilliantly adorable, you can definitely see why Tolkien and Lewis loved MacDonald's writings
upnorth's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful high-stakes adult-appropriate fairy tale, with actual character development for both prince and princess. I loved MacDonald as a child, never read this one before. When the princess gets her prince (through an active choice), she keeps what she most values and also achieves her secondary pre-prince dream -- and isn't sure it's all that great after all, but that often happens when you achieve something you've always wanted.
I'd strongly recommend this edition, Maurice Sendak's illustrations added a lot to the experience.
I'd strongly recommend this edition, Maurice Sendak's illustrations added a lot to the experience.
pagesfullofstars's review against another edition
4.0
It was my first meeting with George MacDonald's works and I really enjoyed it! The tale was really charming, written with a dose of humour and a message. I'll definitely try other books by this author.
sunsoar25's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed listening to The Light Princess via USF's Lit2Go. I could easily see this as a sci-fi retelling, perhaps by Marissa Meyer in the Cinder universe!
cannonsr's review against another edition
4.0
A little long for a read-a-loud in one setting. Love the illustrations by Katie Thamer Treherne.