Review of The Happy Ending

[Hazel Arnaiz]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Happy Ending" by Mandy Zundel.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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In Anvara, fairy tales are real, and everything always ends happily due to powerful magic. But what happens when that magic fails? Will Jack be able to obtain the magic beans? Will Ella make it to the royal ball? Will an uninvited fairy curse a baptism? Will the king discover where his twelve daughters are dancing every night? Ultimately, will there be a happily ever after in the enchanted world of Anvara?

Mandy Zundel retells four well-known stories in The Happy Ending, delving into a familiar concept in almost all fairy tales. I particularly like the title, as it accurately captures the central idea. This concept offers a fresh take on a common fairytale phrase. Due to its common occurrence in fairy tales, this phrase often goes unnoticed by readers, yet the book sparks renewed interest in its meaning.

As a retelling, the book boldly speculates on altering the original plot points while imparting valuable lessons, just like any other fairy tale. Regardless of whether magic is involved, the ageless morals of kindness, perseverance, resilience, and patriotism are effectively introduced to children and gently reminded to adults.

The four stories serve as examples for examining various real-world scenarios, representing a range of leadership and parenting styles. Oppressive rulers contrast with just ones, while manipulative parents are juxtaposed with supportive ones. It also demonstrates how literacy can be a powerful tool in shaping behavior; some parents encourage independent thinking, while others prefer their children to remain illiterate for several reasons. Furthermore, the book emphasizes that one's gender does not limit the capacity for knowledge or leadership, and it illustrates the potential for meaningful connections formed across various ethnicities and social classes. It also delves into darker themes, like dysfunctional families and the impacts of war.

A unifying plot ties the four tales together, highlighting that lives happen alongside each other rather than in isolation. The recurring stories, set in various locations and under different identities, exemplify that anyone, regardless of their circumstances, can experience similar situations.

Change emerges as another significant theme in the book, exploring the willingness to embrace change, addressing complacency, and the significance of stepping out of comfort zones. Moreover, it examines blind trust; beliefs are sometimes unquestioningly accepted due to their commonality or traditional status.

The diverse magical creatures and rules of magic are particularly noteworthy. Discovering distinctions among enchanted beings is an enjoyable aspect, and by explaining the abilities and limitations of each creature and the mechanics of spells, the fantasy world becomes more coherent.

I did notice one drawback: the story includes numerous names, making it challenging to remember them all. A helpful feature for enhancing recall could be a glossary. Furthermore, it would be beneficial for the digital version to include a glossary with hyperlinks, enabling easier access and navigation. However, the book's positive aspects prevail over the negative, so it does not lose points. I reviewed a PDF version of the book, and while the text appears small due to the spread being presented on a single slide, zooming in resolves this issue, ultimately not affecting the story.

Although some terms are less common in everyday language, they complement the overall tone. Learning new terms to expand one's vocabulary is always welcome. The polished editing contributes to a smooth flow. Additionally, the absence of profanity, explicit scenes, or content inappropriate for any religious group is commendable. However, topics such as dysfunctional families and acts of war may be somewhat grim. The book is suitable for audiences aged eleven and above. Its fresh perspective will appeal to those who enjoy fairytale retellings, and the fantasy, adventure, and challenges are ideal for nurturing children's imaginations while imparting valuable life lessons. Readers interested in enchanted beings will find the book's variety appealing, and adults with a fascination for fairy tales will appreciate how the fantasy is relatable to real-world situations.

As a fairytale retelling, this book captivates the imagination and imparts valuable life lessons. It revisits familiar classic stories and makes them more relatable by incorporating contemporary topics. Hence, the book receives five out of five.

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The Happy Ending
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[Ajiboye Hammed]

I really love the book about magic and the use of it. I would also love to know the resultant effect when it eventually failed. Great review. Good work.

[Mary Barnes+]

The concept of examining leadership styles and social issues within a fairy tale setting is brilliant. It sounds like the book offers a fresh perspective on familiar tales while also imparting valuable life lessons.

I'm curious about the diverse magical creatures and the world-building. It sounds like the author created a rich and imaginative fantasy setting. The idea of exploring themes like trust, change, and the impact of dysfunctional families within a fairy tale context is also compelling.