GIRLS MADE OF SNOW AND GLASS is a feminist retelling of Snow White. Debut author Melissa
Bashardoust does an excellent job of weaving elements of the classic story (the
mirror, the huntsman, the poison, and so on) into this new, creative
version. Mina, daughter of a magician, is
a lonely girl herself – plagued by self-doubt and fears about her supposed inability
to love. Seeking adoration, she strives
to become queen and stepmother to young Lynet. That innocent girl chafes at the
pampering and protection insisted upon by her father, King Nicholas. As Lynet
grows, she and Mina become close, but they do not share their most significant
secrets: both are a result of experiments by Gregory, Mina’s father. Mina’s
heart is made of glass and does not beat; Lynet was formed from blood and snow
in the image of the dead queen.
Distorted perceptions and reflections of others’ desires
abound in this book. There is plenty of adventure, too, when Lynet eventually
flees the restrictions placed upon her and the two girls – now women – learn more
about their own histories, their own strengths and their own capabilities for
independent action. Although it felt a bit slow in parts, I have already been
recommending the very unique and original GIRLS MADE OF SNOW AND GLASS
and I look forward to the likely movie. This newly published title received
starred reviews from Kirkus and School Library Journal.
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