5 stars for this sinister, magical Nutcracker retelling!
Synopsis:
In the darkness of night, magic awaits…
Nottingham, 1906
Marietta Stelle longs to be a ballerina but, as Christmas draws nearer, her dancing days are numbered – she must marry and take up her place in society in the New Year. But, when a mysterious toymaker, Dr. Drosselmeier, purchases a neighbouring townhouse, it heralds the arrival of magic and wonder in Marietta’s life.
After Drosselmeier constructs an elaborate theatrical set for her final ballet performance on Christmas Eve, Marietta discovers it carries a magic all of its own – a magic darker than anyone could imagine. As the clock chimes midnight, Marietta finds herself transported from her family’s ballroom to a frozen sugar palace, silent with secrets, in a forest of snow-topped fir trees. She must find a way to return home before she’s trapped in Everwood’s enchanting grip forever.
"Be safe and strong. Never dull your sparkle for anyone else, flame fiercely into your own glittering future."
I am absolutely enamored with Midnight in Everwood! This book is so magical and absolutely stunning, both the story itself and this special edition from Waterstones. It started out a little slow for me and I was worried the story wasn't going to match the stunning exterior of the book. Luckily, about a quarter of the way in, it picked up and it was hard to put it down!
It's just wondrous. It's sinister and dark, yet also enchanting and full of delights. This Nutcracker retelling has wormed its way into my heart and I can see myself rereading it or listening to the audiobook every year.
The descriptions of everything in the book felt so vivid to me. From the gingerbread houses and storefronts to the marzipan streets and icy castle to the enchanted dresses and balls, I could envision it all. The different Nutcracker settings we know from the ballet captivate me no matter how many times I've seen the ballet and I was happy to see those settings take on new life and depth throughout the story. While I know not everything is happy and bright in Everwood, it didn't stop me from wanting to see it for myself.
The setting is only part of the story though. The heart and soul lie with Marietta, Pirlipata, and Dellara. While the book is written from Marietta's perspective, once she reaches Everwood and finds out there is treachery hidden behind the sugary sweetness, it becomes clear that Pirlipata and Dellara are going to have a big impact on her life. The women are all so different, but also so fierce in their own ways. The bond they end up having was a highlight for me. I love seeing strong women coming together to support each other (and not compete or tear each other down!) and turn their worlds upside down!
There were tons of real and make-believe foods described in this book. It was mouthwatering! I settled on making a spice cake from later on in the book. In reality, it was a ginger cake and I had every intention of making a ginger cake, but then I also added some cinnamon and nutmeg and I do not regret it. This time of year I want all the warm spices and I couldn't resist adding to the ginger. Since my mom is visiting for the holidays, I made the cake gluten-free so she could have some. It turned out moist and the warmth of the spices was just enough. I also made a cream cheese frosting and swirled in some salted caramel. It was seriously so good and did not last long! This would be a perfect cake to cut up and serve with tea or as part of a dessert table for your holiday celebrations!
Thanks for stopping by!
-Kim
Kommentare