While Beauty Slept

By: Elizabeth Blackwell

Narrated by: Wanda McCaddon

I am not the sort of person about whom stories are told. And so begins Elise Dalriss's story. When she hears her great-granddaughter recount a minstrel's tale about a beautiful princess asleep in a tower, it pushes open a door to the past, a door Elise has long kept locked. For Elise was the companion to the real princess who slumbered - and she is the only one left who knows what actually happened so many years ago. Her story unveils a labyrinth where secrets connect to an inconceivable evil. As only Elise understands all too well, the truth is no fairy tale...

©2014 Elizabeth Blackwell (P)2014 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Blackwell, previously a reporter and romance writer, makes her historical fiction debut with a gripping tale full of romance, secrets, and promises made and broken. This beautiful, original reinterpretation of a classic story is engrossing and often surprising." ( Library Journal Starred Review)

"Narrator Wanda McCaddon clearly understands the emotional arc of Blackwell's story and gives a moving performance." ( AudioFile)

Loved it right up to the end

This re-envisioned telling of Sleeping Beauty satisfied both my need for depth in details and well done characters. Only the end, while the logical conclusion given the characters, felt like a let down. Perhaps it is just a matter of too much happy ending and not enough fulfillment of duty for my Puritanical soul.

While Beauty Slept

I really enjoyed this fairy tale and the narrator was so good. She really made the story come alive. Elizabeth Blackwell is a wonderful story writer. What imagination and details she puts into this story. How you get to know all the characters. The ending was a true delight.

OMGDNESS!!!!!

I absolutely adore this version of Sleeping Beauty! Elizabeth is a wonderful writer. I have other books by her. Wanda is one of my favorite narrators. She was the perfect choice for this story. They’re a great duo.

A Different Sleeping Beauty

Would you consider the audio edition of While Beauty Slept to be better than the print version?

Wanda McCaddon's narration was wonderful and brought the story to life

What did you like best about this story?

I liked this updated, revisionist interpretation of a fairy tale. The story retained the feel of a fairy tale but also had scenes of devastation and poverty that gave it realism

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, there were several emotional moments. ( I don't want to give any spoilers)

Love it

I’ve listened to this book several times, I just love it! What a great new twist to an old tale