Book Review: The Book of Gothel by Mary McMyne

  • Source: I received a copy through a Goodreads giveaway

  • My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (see my review on Goodreads)

At this point I’ve read so many fairy tale retellings that perhaps I’m a bit saturated, and so I can be a bit dubious when I encounter one, no matter the premise. Rapunzel has never been very interesting to me, but the story of the witch who kept her in the tower? Well. Color me curious.

I was delightfully surprised, enthralled, and impressed by The Book of Gothel.

Look, I love a good story about a witch, especially when it’s an origin story. I absolutely adored the premise presented in the prologue, in which this Book of Gothel was discovered by a modern day historian and was inspecting it for cultural relevance/value. I loved the narration of this book kind of being a journal or a personal account looking back on the witch’s life.

The atmosphere was quite immersive and palpable. I enjoyed all of the little details; things like textures, flavors, feelings, energy, and the spiritual realm. Haelewise went through such a journey of desperately seeking, eager to know more about her history, her mother, the mysterious condition that’s plagued her whole life, and the magic that surrounds her. I have to admit that sometimes I would get frustrated with her egocentric thinking and quick temper, but I think it also made sense for her character. Anyway, I really enjoyed the exploration of this character and the world in which she lives. It made me fall in love with this witch and it made me see the story of Rapunzel with completely new eyes.

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