YOUNG ADULT SELECTION - TEEN (Please check Common Sense Media for information.)
I loved the academy award winning Spanish language film version of Pan's Labyrinth (Rated R - sorry girls and guys), but ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK. So be warned - there is some ugliness and horror in this book. -But It is a beautifully written story, and an excellent demonstration of how classic fairytales and folktales draw parallels between imaginary monsters, and the monsters in real life. Pans labyrinth is a combination of historical fiction and fantasy for grade 7+. Young Ophelia is taken to the Spanish countryside by her mother and new stepfather – a truly horrible man who is part of Franco’s military force. He is a real life monster fighting rebels during the Spanish Civil War. Upon arriving in the countryside, Ophelia learns she is really the daughter of the fairy king from another realm. A mythical faun directs her through a series of challenges to prove her worthiness to rule the fairy kingdom. There are multiple stories connected to this main story, so this is a book for a mature and committed reader. There are also some scary scenes with a child-killer monster, a horrible wound, and ugly military violence. Who said fairy tales are happily ever after?!? From the story: "You're getting older, and you'll see that life isn't like your fairy tales. The world is a cruel place. And you'll learn that, even if it hurts." You won't be disappointed if you dare to enter ... Pan's Labyrinth. Good Read's Reviews
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