Charm by Sarah Pinborough

9/10

Imagine an enchanted footman, two ugly sisters, a magical ball and a romance to remember... and now turn the page for the true tale of Cinderella, told the way it always should have been… It’s Cinderella, but not as you know her...

Just as she did with Poison, Sarah Pinborough does the trick here, this time with the story of Cinderella. What I really enjoy is the debunking of the traditional fairy-tale of the wistful poor girl, a fairy godmother, glass slippers and Prince Charming.

Once again we are treated to wicked humour, caustic observations and very human and flawed people, rather than Disney caricatures. This is not Panto!

Like Poison this is erotic and daring, again making the statement: Be careful what you wish for.

There are clearly consequences for every choice and action. I enjoyed how Pinborough has interwoven plot strands and characters into this adventure; it’s all very subtle and of course, very clever.

Inventive, with lots of surprises, unexpected developments and a modern take on an old theme, this will please fans of Poison. I will certainly never think of Cinderella in the same way again!

Charm by Sarah Pinborough
Published 2013 by Gollancz
ISBN: 978-0575093010