I picked up this book while on vacation since I have heard a lot of good reviews about Maguire's books. I was fairly excited when I started reading it since I love anything related to Cinderella or fairytales. At first this book proved to be quite interesting. I liked the way Maguire immerses his readers into the story. However after a few chapters the book began to lose its appeal. I found it to be boring and dragged on endlessly. I only managed to read halfway before I decided to stop. I just couldn't bear it any longer and felt that I was wasting my time. The characters slowly became less interesting as the story progressed. Even though I wasn't impressed with this first book I read from Maguire, I'm still willing to give Wicked a try. Maybe that will capture my attention longer than this one.

Not as good as Wicked but still worth the read.

Gregory Maguire, the author of Wicked, continues his tradition of retelling classic fairytales in Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister. Set in Holland in the 1700's during the tulip craze, Confessions is Maguire's version of Cinderella. However this version is told from the point of view of Iris, one of the Stepsisters.
It took me awhile, about 100 pages, to really get into this book and to see the story of Cinderella emerge. However it was worth following through on. The more I read, the more I started to like it. This novel has the true feeling of a fairytale and takes you away to a different world. It's interesting to see the point of view of the wicked stepsister, who in this version is not wicked at all, and to sympathize with her feelings of inadequacy about her looks in comparison to her more beautiful stepsister Claire (Cinderella).
The prose is almost poetic in the style and tradition of authors past. The characters are some of the best drawn I have seen in a novel in awhile as they jump off the page with true depth and emotion as if they are real people.
There has been much debate in the reading community over Maguire's novels. One person recommends his books, while another does not. I am glad I read this one as it was the first of his novels I have read and I know I will take a chance on another.

Story ***
Characters ****
Readability ***
Overall rating ***

I took this book to Cuba and enjoyed it so much I had it completed by the 4th day there! Knowing the story from a childs perspective, it is a fabulous treat to revisit the story as an adult with an adult version. If you like this book you have to ready "Wicked" it is fabulous too. You will never look at the original story the same way. Its like you now know the real truth. That and its just a great read!

It took a while before I started liking the book. I wasn't very impressed at the start, but the more I read, the more I liked it. It did take a while to figure out when the Cinderella part of the story was going to kick in - or even a reasonable facsimile! - but it did and I ended up really enjoying the book. Who knew I'd actually LIKE the ugly stepsister! If you are someone who gives up on a book after a certain amount of time, I say keep going on this one!

I am still in the process of trying to finish this book. This is my second attempt. I haven't read Wicked, but thought I'd try this one first since I love Cinderella. It's not that the book is poorly written, but I find that the start just isn't enaging. I do not want to read until the end.
To those who are interested in purchasing this particular one, wait until is really goes on sale or get it from the library. You money is better spent on another book.

Gregory Maguire has a way of transforming and twisting (in a fantastic manner!) the fairy tales we all read when we were 3 feet tall into these adult fairy tales that are so enjoyable to read.

Confession of an Ugly Stepsister is a prequel to the beloved story of Cinderella, the poor little sister who in the fairy tale is bossed around and treated unfairly by her two big, ugly stepsisters. In that fairy tale Cinderella was the victim, she was the center of the story, the stepsisters so hastily pushed aside. Maguire takes these two castaway stepsisters and speaks of their life before they came to be upon big riches and blunt attitudes. His story almost makes one sympathize with these sisters and realize why they are they way they are in Cinderella.

This book is a great read - for those of us that loved our fairy tales when we were children and for others that are willing to try!

I love Gregory Maguire! He's remade all of our favorite fairy tales Adult style! You'll know what story you're really reading, but be ready for all new twists and turns!

Not as pleased with this novel as I was with Wicked, but it was still worth reading. Not one of his best pieces of literature (if you would like to call it that). This book really has no thinking to it; it's more of a book that you can read over different spans of time and not be lost in the story. Nothing of what you’d call a “page turner”

I first discovered Gregory Maguire through my love for the musical "Wicked". After reading that book and this one, I've come to the conclusion that Maguire's style of writing is an acquired taste, it's kind of fantastical and sometimes unnecessarily descriptive.


However, the books that he writes can be enjoyed by everybody because of the familiar stories that he chooses to adapt. This is the case with "Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister" in which he writes about the story of Cinderella through the eyes of one of the infamous stepsisters.


The story is compelling and intriguing (partly because you already know how it's supposed to end and now you're wondering whether the formerly deemed "evil" character will get a happy ending too) and that fact propels you through some chapters and storylines that may seem a bit lagging.


This new take on the timeless tale does give some interesting new discoveries on the character of Cinderella ("Clara" in this version) and shatters some classic fairytale tropes.


If you liked Maguire's other novels (I personally think "Confessions" was better than "Wicked"), you will enjoy this one as well and if you haven't read his books before, this is the perfect one to start with!

I was telling my friend that I had no books to read while at work. She gave me Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister, I wasnt too sure about it at first but I thought what the heck I'll try reading it. Oh my Gosh once I started reading it I just couldnt put it down!!! It is by far one of the best books that I've read and it is one of my most favourite books. I recommed it to anyone who loves to read and another who doesnt. I dont think I will ever be able to look at the story of Cinderella the same again, it really makes you think about things. All I can say is it was an amazing book, and everyone should read it. I cant wait to read the rest of the books that Gregory Maguire has written!

My friend recommed this book to me, and oh my gosh it was sooo amazing. I dont usually read much but lately I've been reading more and more, and I've read Confessions twice now. I wasnt sure about it at first, but now its one of my favourite books. I dont think I'll look at the Cinderella story the same again. I cant wait to read more of Gregory Maguire's books.

This book i found very hard to get into. A few of my friends were reading it at the same time as me and i think they are all still stuck on page 90! If you can get past the first 100-120 pages it actually turns out to be a very good story. I liked this book better than Gregory Maguires 'Wicked'. Overall, it's a good read if you are willing to give it a chance.

what an amazing read.. it is captivating, yet also quite moving and
funny at the same time
this may be the best book i've ever read