Abensa Egralve Uffubensu

 "And so, with laughter and love, we lived happily ever after" (232).

Do you have a book that you turn to when you're sad? My happy book is Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine, and I found comfort in Ella's journey once again while I was dealing with a small heartache. I always thought it was a wonderful interpretation of Cinderella, and I love how all the characters have a rich backstory, from the evil stepsisters, to Prince Charmont, Mandy the Cook/Fairy Godmother and Ella's best friend Areida. Everyone has a story, rounding out the plot of the novel.

When she was a child, Ella was given a gift (or a curse, depending on how you look at it), by the fairy Lucinda, and since then she has always had to obey any command anyone gives her. Her mother forbids her from telling anyone about the curse (not that she would), but when her mother passes away, there is no one who can help Ella defeat the curse. Her father eventually remarries, bringing Ella two stepsisters, Hattie and Olive, both content to use Ella in a horrible way.

Additional to the strong characters, Levine also has several languages that accompany the many creatures (ogres, elves, gnomes, etc..) and characters from other countries (such as Areida, who is from Ayortha). "Abensa egralve uffubensu" is Ayorthaian for "Thank you;" so abensa egralve uffubensu, Ella, for getting me through many tough times. 

Although Ella Enchanted is a children's novel, I highly recommend it for anyone in search of a good fairytale. 5 stars from me! And yes, the 2004 movie staring Anne Hathaway and Hugh Dancy is based on this novel. The movie is different from the book, but still enjoyable!

As always, I am your Opinionated Bookworm. If you have any comments, requests or recommendations, please comment below, email me (theopinionatedbookworm@gmail.com) or follow me on Instagram (@theopinionatedbookworm1).