Ella Enchanted

By: Gail Carson Levine

Narrated by: Eden Riegel

That fool of a fairy Lucinda did not intend to lay a curse on me. She meant to bestow a gift. When I cried inconsolably through my first hour of life, my tears were her inspiration. Shaking her head sympathetically at Mother, the fairy touched my nose. "My gift is obedience. Ella will always be obedient. Now stop crying, child." I stopped.

So begins this richly entertaining story of Ella of Frell, who wants nothing more than to be free of Lucinda's gift and feel that she belongs to herself. For how can she truly belong to herself if she knows that at any time, anyone can order her to hop on one foot, cut off her hand, or betray her kingdom--and she'll have to obey?

Against a bold tapestry of princes, ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, and fairy godmothers, Ella's spirited account of her quest to break the curse is a funny, poignant, and enchanting tale about an unforgettable heroine who is determined to be herself.©1998 Gail Carson Levine; (P)1998 Random House, Inc., Listening Library, An Imprint of Random House Audio Publishing Group

Be careful what you wish for

This is an utterly charming book. The premise is pretty well known by now: what happens if you are under a spell that compels you to do whatever anyone else orders you to do? Surely most of us have wished we could compel obedience at one time or another. Levine works out the consequences of this within the framework of the Cinderella story. There is a sufficient amount of silliness to hold the interest of young people. But there are also undercurrents of deep seriousness and sadness, which gives the book an interest to not-so-young people as well. I don't know that the law of unintended consequences was ever so well presented in a work of fiction.

My favorite childhood book just got better

I've always loved this book, but the narrator really helped it shine! The way she handled all the languages sounded comfortable and natural.

Creative and witty

Great story for all ages. Creative storyline and entertaining to listen to. A must read.

one of my favorites

this is one of my favorite stories from when I was young, I've listened to it countless times. admittedly I liked the readers voice much better when I was a little girl myself but I still think it is appropriate for the story and that she does a really wonderful job, although she does sound very young. the story itself is my favorite version of Cinderella and is so much better than the movie version that is only very loosely based on this wonderful book. of course this is a book written for kids and the sorry is not overly complex but at least it has very few of the conventional tropes and features a willful and smart heroine who saves herself and everyone else. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a great kids book or anyone looking for a simple, sweet story.

The Best Book Ever

This is my absolute favorite book in the history of books! I disagree with everyone who is criticizing the narrator, she was fabulous, and the kid-like voice makes sense because Ella is a child. The plot is so amazing and intriguing! I have read this novel at least 5 times and the audiobook at least twice as much! Definitely a favorite!