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english_lady03's review against another edition
2.0
I have never given a book by this author such a low rating before, and there are various reasons for this, and I hope readers will have the patience of allowing me to lay these out.
Story-wise The Peasant's Dream is OK. Just OK. Rather like some of the other books in this series, and there was a lot of repetition. Being told over and over again how the characters felt, should feel or what would happen if they did this that or the other. The characters, I felt were too perfect, and even attempts to make them appear flawed did not work.
There were a few historical inaccuracies. I was prepared to tolerate the anachronistic references to a Ball (which almost certainly weren't a thing until the 17th century) because its a Cinderella retelling, but picnic baskets in the 15th century. When the very word is not recorded until 1690?
The claim that only men could get marriages annulled really riled me though. Nope. Wrong. Women could, and did, initiate annulments in the Medieval period. The most notable example would be Eleanor of Aquitaine who divorced her first husband King Louis of France, to marry Henry Plantagenet, who soon after became Henry II of England, but there were others.
Aside from these though, there were various aspects of this book that I found offensive. Although many don't just apply to this novel, but to others in this long series.
- The negative aspects and characteristics of women are consistently either denied or condoned. Obviously selfish, rude or spoiled females are told they are not selfish or spoiled. In a previous novel by this author the heroine literally stomps her foot when she can't get her way: only to be still told she's not selfish.
Instead, the men are made to apologize for calling out the women's negative behaviour, and they are the ones who have to change. There is no impetus on women to do so. I mean what is even happening there? Women are not perfect. I know that's a shocker for some, but its the truth.
- In this novel, it goes further, and the negative actions of female characters are actively blamed on men. So for example, Frederick's mother's premarital liaison is blamed on the man. It is made out that he seduced her and took advantage of her: even though it was previously stated that she wanted it, encouraged his attentions and their relationship was consensual.
Nope. You cannot just change the goalposts halfway through like that and make out that he near enough raped her, when it's obvious from everything she said and what we were told that he did not. That there was no coercion and she was a willing participant.
Women are capable of having consensual premarital sex. Not all girls are good girls. Not all girls are led on by wicked evil men.
Actually, I would say this is quite sexist in itself, because it removes all independent agency from women and girls, suggesting they can only ever be the passive and naive patsies of ill-intentioned males.
What is worse however, is when the abusive actions of Frederick's teenage sisters are blamed on their father.
It is said that the sisters were really good, sweet little things who did not know what they were doing or could not help it because they were scared. Baloney. They are old enough to be held responsible for their actions.
This smacks of the feminist narrative that females cannot ever be abusers. Which is a blatant falsehood, and a pernicious one at that. As any victim of a female abuser (including myself) could tell you. Making excuses for abusers in this way is beyond the pale.
- Leading on from this, I notice that this author has began rewriting certain fairy-tales so they have male antagonists instead of female ones. This is certainly going to be the case with the next one, in which the evil stepmother is removed, and replaced with (yet another) evil and abusive father.
Since The Golden Braid (in fact, perhaps even earlier) there have been no abusive or even moderately unpleasant female characters in Mrs Dickerson's books. Instead the old and tired cliche of the abusive male has been used.
Which is further evidence that she is buying into the narrative that women cannot be abusers, as far as I am concerned.
Perhaps the abuse storyline is intended to make the stories more 'relevant'. It is certainly not the first Christian Fiction novel to include such. Yet it is neither stunning nor brave to make out that only people of one gender can be the perpetrators of this kind of behaviour.
Unless and until we can acknowledge the ignored victims of female abusers, and admit that women can be the perpetrators thereof we cannot truly make a difference for everyone. In fact, I would argue, we are doing harm.
This narrative that only men abuse and women can only be victims is not only wrong, it is grossly offensive to the victims of abusive mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, female caregivers, teachers, siblings and relatives. To the many victims of abusive and controlling women. In fact, its a form of gas-lighting, denying our reality and experiences by suggesting they could not happen.
I did not request this title from any reviewing platform, and purchased the Audible version of my own volition.
Story-wise The Peasant's Dream is OK. Just OK. Rather like some of the other books in this series, and there was a lot of repetition. Being told over and over again how the characters felt, should feel or what would happen if they did this that or the other. The characters, I felt were too perfect, and even attempts to make them appear flawed did not work.
There were a few historical inaccuracies. I was prepared to tolerate the anachronistic references to a Ball (which almost certainly weren't a thing until the 17th century) because its a Cinderella retelling, but picnic baskets in the 15th century. When the very word is not recorded until 1690?
The claim that only men could get marriages annulled really riled me though. Nope. Wrong. Women could, and did, initiate annulments in the Medieval period. The most notable example would be Eleanor of Aquitaine who divorced her first husband King Louis of France, to marry Henry Plantagenet, who soon after became Henry II of England, but there were others.
Aside from these though, there were various aspects of this book that I found offensive. Although many don't just apply to this novel, but to others in this long series.
- The negative aspects and characteristics of women are consistently either denied or condoned. Obviously selfish, rude or spoiled females are told they are not selfish or spoiled. In a previous novel by this author the heroine literally stomps her foot when she can't get her way: only to be still told she's not selfish.
Instead, the men are made to apologize for calling out the women's negative behaviour, and they are the ones who have to change. There is no impetus on women to do so. I mean what is even happening there? Women are not perfect. I know that's a shocker for some, but its the truth.
- In this novel, it goes further, and the negative actions of female characters are actively blamed on men. So for example, Frederick's mother's premarital liaison is blamed on the man. It is made out that he seduced her and took advantage of her: even though it was previously stated that she wanted it, encouraged his attentions and their relationship was consensual.
Nope. You cannot just change the goalposts halfway through like that and make out that he near enough raped her, when it's obvious from everything she said and what we were told that he did not. That there was no coercion and she was a willing participant.
Women are capable of having consensual premarital sex. Not all girls are good girls. Not all girls are led on by wicked evil men.
Actually, I would say this is quite sexist in itself, because it removes all independent agency from women and girls, suggesting they can only ever be the passive and naive patsies of ill-intentioned males.
What is worse however, is when the abusive actions of Frederick's teenage sisters are blamed on their father.
It is said that the sisters were really good, sweet little things who did not know what they were doing or could not help it because they were scared. Baloney. They are old enough to be held responsible for their actions.
This smacks of the feminist narrative that females cannot ever be abusers. Which is a blatant falsehood, and a pernicious one at that. As any victim of a female abuser (including myself) could tell you. Making excuses for abusers in this way is beyond the pale.
- Leading on from this, I notice that this author has began rewriting certain fairy-tales so they have male antagonists instead of female ones. This is certainly going to be the case with the next one, in which the evil stepmother is removed, and replaced with (yet another) evil and abusive father.
Since The Golden Braid (in fact, perhaps even earlier) there have been no abusive or even moderately unpleasant female characters in Mrs Dickerson's books. Instead the old and tired cliche of the abusive male has been used.
Which is further evidence that she is buying into the narrative that women cannot be abusers, as far as I am concerned.
Perhaps the abuse storyline is intended to make the stories more 'relevant'. It is certainly not the first Christian Fiction novel to include such. Yet it is neither stunning nor brave to make out that only people of one gender can be the perpetrators of this kind of behaviour.
Unless and until we can acknowledge the ignored victims of female abusers, and admit that women can be the perpetrators thereof we cannot truly make a difference for everyone. In fact, I would argue, we are doing harm.
This narrative that only men abuse and women can only be victims is not only wrong, it is grossly offensive to the victims of abusive mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, female caregivers, teachers, siblings and relatives. To the many victims of abusive and controlling women. In fact, its a form of gas-lighting, denying our reality and experiences by suggesting they could not happen.
I did not request this title from any reviewing platform, and purchased the Audible version of my own volition.
kelsiegentry11's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
4.0
The moment I saw this book on Netgalley I just had to request it even though, according to my own rules, I wasn't allowed to claim another book. But I was also one of the lucky ones who got to read the 10th book in this series and I really enjoyed the mix of a fairytale retelling, original twists and a little bit of faith in God. And since Cinderella is one of my favorite fairytales ever, I had high hopes for this one.
But it took me a little while to get used to the writing style again. The writing is quite simple and in a way I'm not entirely sure if it matches the characters and their age. They sound a little too young. However, the writing style did make this book an easy read and I can say that once I gotten used to it, it bothered me less and less.
Mostly because the plot was really gripping and well done. The elements of the Cinderella story are quite recognizable, but they are also twisted in such a way that they feel fresh and new and original. And that's not just because of the gender swap. It's also because Dickerson really made sure the elements fitted in naturally AND changed a few small things. One of the most satisfying things was that all of her characters, sooner or later and in one way or another, eventually took charge of their own life and happiness.
And that's what I wanted and rooted for. The characters might not be that layered or complicated, but they were endearing and charming. It was easy to care about them and care for them. And that also made it easy to understand what they saw in each other, what they were looking for and finding and what they were fighting for. And the way they express their faith in God and pray also has a lot in common with how I feel about Him. It's a rare thing to encounter in books, but I totally understand not everyone might like and appreciate it as much as I do.
The end result is a story that captures the heart, soul and feel of the original Cinderella story and yet is exciting, fresh and new too. I'm really glad I got the chance to read this book already and I'm surely gonna catch up with the first nine books. The cameo's and mentions in this one really made me long to read all their stories.
But it took me a little while to get used to the writing style again. The writing is quite simple and in a way I'm not entirely sure if it matches the characters and their age. They sound a little too young. However, the writing style did make this book an easy read and I can say that once I gotten used to it, it bothered me less and less.
Mostly because the plot was really gripping and well done. The elements of the Cinderella story are quite recognizable, but they are also twisted in such a way that they feel fresh and new and original. And that's not just because of the gender swap. It's also because Dickerson really made sure the elements fitted in naturally AND changed a few small things. One of the most satisfying things was that all of her characters, sooner or later and in one way or another, eventually took charge of their own life and happiness.
And that's what I wanted and rooted for. The characters might not be that layered or complicated, but they were endearing and charming. It was easy to care about them and care for them. And that also made it easy to understand what they saw in each other, what they were looking for and finding and what they were fighting for. And the way they express their faith in God and pray also has a lot in common with how I feel about Him. It's a rare thing to encounter in books, but I totally understand not everyone might like and appreciate it as much as I do.
The end result is a story that captures the heart, soul and feel of the original Cinderella story and yet is exciting, fresh and new too. I'm really glad I got the chance to read this book already and I'm surely gonna catch up with the first nine books. The cameo's and mentions in this one really made me long to read all their stories.
riellareads's review against another edition
4.0
The final book in a beautiful historical fiction series, The Peasant’s Dream is a sweet and engaging story! I have been waiting for this book for months! Ms. Dickerson’s fairytale retellings have been some of my favorite books, and I have read all of her Hagenheim books.
Finally, we get to Adela, the baby of the family. She has grown up loved and protected. She knows that she has lived a quiet and blessed life. However, after she sneaks out of the castle to go to the market, she meets Frederick. Frederick is a poor farmer and aspiring carpenter. He has a talent for it and upon being noticed by the local cathedral, is asked to carve their doors. At the market, he meets Adela and is charmed by her sweetness and kindness, however he is unaware that she is the duke’s daughter. As they continue to meet and grow in their friendship, their relationship is shaken by an attempt on Adela. In tulmolt, she resigns herself to her noble suitor,while Fredrick must discover who he is and what he will sacrifice for love.
I really enjoyed this book! I was a little nervous, because this is the last book and the others were so good, but it was great! I loved Frederick, he was so sweet! He was the provider for his family, and he tried so hard to care for them, especially his mother. Even though he loved carving, his priority was always to take care of his family. Frederick was a much gentler hero than most of the ones in this series. He was not a warrior, he was an artist. That connected him and Adela. She was gentle and more introspective. She was aware that she was well-loved and had many privileges, and struggled with the balance of that with her dreams. I loved how they encouraged one another and how knowing each other caused them to try things they might not before and be courageous.
This book was really engaging, it sucked me back into the world! I loved seeing Adela as a grown lady, though I would have liked to see the rest of her family more. Wilheim and Rose were lovely and noble as always, it is nice to see loving and good parental figures.All in all, this was a pretty satisfying conclusion to the series. I would definitely recommend it to those looking for a clean historical fiction novel, though I would recommend reading the other books in the series as there are mentions of the characters and stories in this book.
Finally, we get to Adela, the baby of the family. She has grown up loved and protected. She knows that she has lived a quiet and blessed life. However, after she sneaks out of the castle to go to the market, she meets Frederick. Frederick is a poor farmer and aspiring carpenter. He has a talent for it and upon being noticed by the local cathedral, is asked to carve their doors. At the market, he meets Adela and is charmed by her sweetness and kindness, however he is unaware that she is the duke’s daughter. As they continue to meet and grow in their friendship, their relationship is shaken by an attempt on Adela. In tulmolt, she resigns herself to her noble suitor,while Fredrick must discover who he is and what he will sacrifice for love.
I really enjoyed this book! I was a little nervous, because this is the last book and the others were so good, but it was great! I loved Frederick, he was so sweet! He was the provider for his family, and he tried so hard to care for them, especially his mother. Even though he loved carving, his priority was always to take care of his family. Frederick was a much gentler hero than most of the ones in this series. He was not a warrior, he was an artist. That connected him and Adela. She was gentle and more introspective. She was aware that she was well-loved and had many privileges, and struggled with the balance of that with her dreams. I loved how they encouraged one another and how knowing each other caused them to try things they might not before and be courageous.
This book was really engaging, it sucked me back into the world! I loved seeing Adela as a grown lady, though I would have liked to see the rest of her family more. Wilheim and Rose were lovely and noble as always, it is nice to see loving and good parental figures.All in all, this was a pretty satisfying conclusion to the series. I would definitely recommend it to those looking for a clean historical fiction novel, though I would recommend reading the other books in the series as there are mentions of the characters and stories in this book.
rosannelortz's review against another edition
3.0
As the youngest daughter of the Duke of Hagenheim, Adela is never allowed to venture outside the castle walls alone. Disguising herself as a serving girl, she sneaks out to the marketplace where she encounters Frederick, the longsuffering stepson of a loutish farmer who aspires to one day be a woodcarver. Continuing to conceal her identity, she wonders whether it would ever be possible for her to marry a commoner--or ought she to forget about Frederick and accept the suit of a visiting nobleman?
Commissioned to carve the doors for the town cathedral, Frederick finds that his dreams are coming true. But when the girl from the market turns out to be the princess from the castle, Frederick is devastated to think she has only been toying with his affections. A kidnapping plot goes terribly wrong, and Frederick, wrongfully implicated, finds himself thrust into the dungeons. Can Frederick prove that his intentions are true, rescue his mother and sisters from his evil stepfather, and uncover the secrets of his past?
This reverse Cinderella story has the hero coming from a lowly background while the heroine is of noble birth. The opening chapters were somewhat clunky in the character introductions and exposition, but once the story got underway, the plot was engaging. The pseudo-Medieval world carries on the milieu of Melanie Dickerson's other fairy tale retellings. Listed as a YA book, this title will probably appeal more to young teens than older ones.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Commissioned to carve the doors for the town cathedral, Frederick finds that his dreams are coming true. But when the girl from the market turns out to be the princess from the castle, Frederick is devastated to think she has only been toying with his affections. A kidnapping plot goes terribly wrong, and Frederick, wrongfully implicated, finds himself thrust into the dungeons. Can Frederick prove that his intentions are true, rescue his mother and sisters from his evil stepfather, and uncover the secrets of his past?
This reverse Cinderella story has the hero coming from a lowly background while the heroine is of noble birth. The opening chapters were somewhat clunky in the character introductions and exposition, but once the story got underway, the plot was engaging. The pseudo-Medieval world carries on the milieu of Melanie Dickerson's other fairy tale retellings. Listed as a YA book, this title will probably appeal more to young teens than older ones.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
introverteddragonscribbles's review against another edition
Having never read any of the other books that come before The Peasant’s Dream, it was fairly easy to fall into the world without having to know what happened beforehand. This is one of the amazing things about fairytale retellings/fairytale styled books. Also, then I wouldn’t have to read a whole eleven books before diving into this one. Which I only picked up to know what happens before my sister, who’s obsessed with the series. (Judge me all you want. I will stick to my sibling rivalry till the day I die.)
I have to say, I was surprised by the mere lack of action in this book. Like, there’s conflict, but not much else. A whole lot of picnicking and talking and walking and carving, but not much else in the first half of the book. I’m used to this in Contemporary, because that’s just the style of the genre. But not in fantasy. I mean, there isn’t really much emotional depth going on either. It’s almost like the author is so used to writing books with similar plots that she hasn’t really put any effort into making it interesting.
I’m not saying that it isn’t interesting. Frederick is the embodiment of every girl’s dream in his own quirky way, and Princess Adela is naïve in a sweet way. There’s also some character conflict on Frederick’s side of the story. But The Peasant’s Dream just didn’t grab me the way I hoped it would. The romance was too easy and the plot very predictable. I don’t know. Maybe I just have to be a Melanie Dickerson fan to get it.
But, hey, at least now I can chant, “I know what happens!” every time my sister brings up the series!
So, to wrap this up, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves sweet romance, fairytale-like stories, and anything Melanie Dickerson.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from NetGalley for review purposes only. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I have to say, I was surprised by the mere lack of action in this book. Like, there’s conflict, but not much else. A whole lot of picnicking and talking and walking and carving, but not much else in the first half of the book. I’m used to this in Contemporary, because that’s just the style of the genre. But not in fantasy. I mean, there isn’t really much emotional depth going on either. It’s almost like the author is so used to writing books with similar plots that she hasn’t really put any effort into making it interesting.
I’m not saying that it isn’t interesting. Frederick is the embodiment of every girl’s dream in his own quirky way, and Princess Adela is naïve in a sweet way. There’s also some character conflict on Frederick’s side of the story. But The Peasant’s Dream just didn’t grab me the way I hoped it would. The romance was too easy and the plot very predictable. I don’t know. Maybe I just have to be a Melanie Dickerson fan to get it.
But, hey, at least now I can chant, “I know what happens!” every time my sister brings up the series!
So, to wrap this up, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves sweet romance, fairytale-like stories, and anything Melanie Dickerson.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from NetGalley for review purposes only. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
annaaugustineauthor's review against another edition
4.0
The Peasant's Dream - a book review
•
In this last book of the Haeginhiem series, we meet Adela, the youngest daughter of Duke Wilhelm and Dutchess Rose. She desperately wants to discover what it's like to be a common person, hating that the servants think she is the spoiled youngest daughter of the duke.
•
Fredrick, a young woodcarver, wants to prove himself to his abusive father and rescue his mother and sisters from their life of fear. When he meets Adela in the marketplace, he is immediately drawn to her, and her to him.
•
But with her family hoping she'll accept the hand of Lord Barthold, and Fredrick being a poor peasant, will Adela and Fredrick ever find what their heart's yearn for?
•
Ahhhh Melanie did it again! And knowing that it's the last book with these beloved characters, I'm so sad! This book felt like saying goodbye, and even though I couldn't wait to finish it, it also felt like the end of an era.
•
This book started out feeling a lot like the Captive Maiden, and honestly I wasn't impressed. But after getting to the midway point, and seeing how Melanie retold the story of Jospeh with Fredrick, I fell in love with him!
•
In this last book of the Haeginhiem series, we meet Adela, the youngest daughter of Duke Wilhelm and Dutchess Rose. She desperately wants to discover what it's like to be a common person, hating that the servants think she is the spoiled youngest daughter of the duke.
•
Fredrick, a young woodcarver, wants to prove himself to his abusive father and rescue his mother and sisters from their life of fear. When he meets Adela in the marketplace, he is immediately drawn to her, and her to him.
•
But with her family hoping she'll accept the hand of Lord Barthold, and Fredrick being a poor peasant, will Adela and Fredrick ever find what their heart's yearn for?
•
Ahhhh Melanie did it again! And knowing that it's the last book with these beloved characters, I'm so sad! This book felt like saying goodbye, and even though I couldn't wait to finish it, it also felt like the end of an era.
•
This book started out feeling a lot like the Captive Maiden, and honestly I wasn't impressed. But after getting to the midway point, and seeing how Melanie retold the story of Jospeh with Fredrick, I fell in love with him!
100pagesaday's review against another edition
4.0
Adela, the youngest daughter of the Duke of Hagenheim longs for adventure and true love, just like her older siblings have found before her. When Adela hears that yet another suitor, the son of the Duke of Grundelsbach, Lord Barthold will be calling on her she decides to leave the castle unguarded and dressed as a peasant. While at the market, she meets Frederick. Frederick is a peasant who works tirelessly on his father's farm where his drunken father often beats Frederick and his mother. In his free time Frederick hones his wood carving skills and has found a job carving for the bishop of Hagenheim. Adela and Frederick ease into one another's company as they talk of art and their families. However, Frederick doesn't know of Adela's true identity and when some boys from the countryside hatch a plan to kidnap the Duke's daughter for some extra money, Frederick becomes caught up in their plan and his future as well as his relationship with Adela are compromised.
The Peasant's Dream is the eleventh book in the Hagenheim series. While reading the previous books will help fill in some details, it is not necessary to read them all in order to enjoy The Peasant's Dream. In this reversal retelling of Cinderella, Adela and Frederick are able to find love on their own and form a deeper and meaningful bond than simply meeting at a ball. There were enough elements from the Cinderella story to make it recognizable, but also plenty of new twists to add excitement and suspense. Adela and Frederick's character's both had depth and interesting backstories. I really enjoyed that they were able to bond over art and tales of their family even though they were from such different backgrounds. The suspense and excitement was kept heightened as the plan to capture Adela goes awry, Barthold's jealousy takes over and Lord Conrat begins to meddle further. One thing I didn't particularly enjoy was the addition of the overly religious themes. I understood its place in Frederick's wood carvings, but it seemed overbearing at points. Overall, The Peasant's Dream is a fast-paced, enjoyable fairy tale retelling and a pleasant addition to the world of Hagenheim.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
The Peasant's Dream is the eleventh book in the Hagenheim series. While reading the previous books will help fill in some details, it is not necessary to read them all in order to enjoy The Peasant's Dream. In this reversal retelling of Cinderella, Adela and Frederick are able to find love on their own and form a deeper and meaningful bond than simply meeting at a ball. There were enough elements from the Cinderella story to make it recognizable, but also plenty of new twists to add excitement and suspense. Adela and Frederick's character's both had depth and interesting backstories. I really enjoyed that they were able to bond over art and tales of their family even though they were from such different backgrounds. The suspense and excitement was kept heightened as the plan to capture Adela goes awry, Barthold's jealousy takes over and Lord Conrat begins to meddle further. One thing I didn't particularly enjoy was the addition of the overly religious themes. I understood its place in Frederick's wood carvings, but it seemed overbearing at points. Overall, The Peasant's Dream is a fast-paced, enjoyable fairy tale retelling and a pleasant addition to the world of Hagenheim.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.