Once Upon a Marigold

Not long ago, I wrote about gifting the book Once Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris. I finally read it—I really had to, didn’t I?—and it was . . . okay.

Marigold is a fairytale. Princess Marigold, who has the ability to read people’s feelings by touch, is in love with Christian, a commoner. Her mother, however, wants nothing more than to marry Marigold off to a prince—any prince.

This book reminds me of other fairytale adaptations like Ella Enchanted and Just Ella. Although the books take place “long ago and far away,” they contain many modern elements.

Marigold and Christian communicate via “p-mail” (pigeon mail), and they exchange jokes like:

• How did King Arthur read at night?
  With a knight light? (65)
• Did you know that if Minnehaha married Santa Claus,
  she would be known as Minnehaha Hoho? (66)

I like the fact that Marigold is an independent thinker. She likes to read and refuses to be married off. She is a fine example for young, female readers.

However, I do find other modern elements jarring. References to nightlights are too anachronistic for my comfort. They pull me away from my fantasy land and into reality.

Overall, though, the book is harmless. The story is nice and sweet. Marigold is an excellent role model, and I wish young men like Christian actually existed. Unfortunately, only in fairytales. . .