Book Review – Rumaysa: A Fairytale by Radiya Hafiza
Rumaysa: A Fairytale by Radiya Hafiza
Fantasy | Middle Grade | 240 pages
Published on 1st April 2021 by Macmillan Children’s Books
Synopsis
For as long as she can remember Rumaysa has been locked away in her tall, tall tower, forced to use her magic to spin straw into gold for the evil Witch and unable to leave. Until one day, after dropping a hijab out of her small tower-window, Rumaysa realizes how she might be able to escape…
Join Rumaysa as she adventures through enchanted forests and into dragon’s lairs, discovers her own incredible magical powers and teams up with Cinderayla and Sleeping Sara!
My rating:
Review
I received this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
This is such a cute set of short stories. I am not sure I was expecting that, but they are all linked so really it’s one story with three distinct parts. And it works so well. It’s a slightly younger middle grade I think, and a very easy read (I think I read it in about 45 minutes), but very enjoyable.
For a start, the concept of a hijabi Rapunzel is LOVELY and I really enjoyed it. I also loved that she got to have faith and we see her praying. And honestly she is just fun – who doesn’t love a self rescuing princess?! Rumaysa is a simplified concept, but I think it absolutely does what it sets out to do.
We also get similar own voices short stories centred around Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, which show lots of different aspects. I particularly loved that Sara was fat. Their interactions with Rumaysa are super cute and fun.
These feel like a great way to show your kids that princesses don’t have to be white and thin, and to show that there are lots of ways to tell fairytales. Plus it’s beautifully illustrated throughout 💙
4 stars.
Buy Rumaysa: A Fairytale by Radiya Hafiza from Waterstones or Blackwells.
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One Comment
Asha @ A Cat, A Book, And A Cup Of Tea
Ooh, I’ve been so excited for this but I thought it was a YA fantasy novel! I actually think I like the sound of it better now – definitely one I need to read!