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Description edit
Aza's singing is the fairest in the land, and the most unusual. She can "throw" her voice so it seems to come from anywhere. But singing is only one of the two qualities prized in the kingdom of Ayortha. Aza doesn't possess the other: beauty. Not even close. She's hidden in the shadows in her... read more
Ridiculously Simplified Synopsis edit
Summary edit
In the kingdom of Ayortha, who is the fairest of them all? Certainly not Aza. She is thoroughly convinced that she is ugly. What she may lack in looks, though, she makes up for with a kind heart, and with something no one else has–a magical voice. Her vocal talents captivate all who hear them,... read more (warning: may contain spoilers)
Characters edit
- Aza: The main character, who sings uncommonly well, is very ugly, and has a very special talent.
- Queen Ivi: The wife of King Oscaro. She is uncommonly pretty and cannot sing.
- Prince Ijori: King Oscaro's nephew and the heir to the throne. He is in love with Aza.
- Oochoo: Prince Ijori's dog, who loves Aza.
- King Oscaro: The king of Ayortha. He married Ivi.
- Sir Uellu: The royal choirmaster.
- Lady Arona: A woman who is an excellent singer and is Queen Ivi's first lady-in-waiting.
- Frying Pan: The royal cook
- Areida: Aza's younger sister who is also in the book "Ella Enchanted." She is friends with Ella.
- Ollo: One of Aza's two older brothers. Like the rest of his family, he is good at singing.
- Yarry: One of Aza's two older brothers.
- Ettime: The cook at the Featherbed Inn.
- Aza's Father: Aza's father, who runs the Featherbed Inn.
- Aza's Mother: Aza's mother.
- Imilli: The cat at the Featherbed.
- Skulni: A creature that resides inside of Queen Ivi's magic mirror.
- Master Uju: Add a description of this character.
- Count Amosa
- Lucinda
- Master Ogusso
- Peter
- Enole
- zhamM
- Elainee
- Olixo
- Mistress Audra
- Isoli
- Dame Ethele
- Master Ikulni
- Ebbe
- Izzi
Quotes edit
-
“Can a dragon judge ostumo?”
Areida -
“I was born singing. Most babies cry. I sang an aria.”
Aza -
“Daughter, we didn't need your note--or a prince's visit--to tell us you'd done nothing wrong. We know the daughter we raised. We fear for your future, but never for your character. You take our love and our trust wherever you wander.”
Father
Setting & Locations edit
- Ayortha: A kingdom.
- Gnome Caverns: This is where Aza takes refuge during part of the story.
- Amonta
- The Featherbed Inn: The inn which Aza's adoptive parents run.
- Sparrow Room: The room which Aza was found.
- Kyrria
- Great Hall
First Sentence edit
I was born singing.
Table of Contents edit
38 chapters with no names plus an epilogue.
Themes & Symbolism edit
- Singing: In the kingdom, everyone sings. Songs are believed to provide healing powers to the sick. Songs are an integral part at wedding ceremonies.
- Inner and Outer Beauty: The main theme of the book is beauty and the way other people react to it. Queen Ivi is viewed as very beautiful, but she is selfish and childish. Aza, though not attractive by common standards, has many positive qualities as well as an extraordinary singing voice. It displays quite pointedly the effect physical beauty can make, as well as how unattractiveness can influence people into inexcusable behavior.
Series & Lists edit
This book is in YD/Childern Fairy Tales retold. (community list)
This book is in Fairy Tale Retellings. (community list)
Authors & Contributors edit
- Gail Carson Levine (Author)
Other Contributors:
- Larissa Lawrynenko
- Larry Rostant (Cover Artist) - Photographer
First Edition edit
Original Language: English
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Canada
Country: Canada
Publication Date: 2006
ISBN: 0060734086
Page Count: 336
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Canada
Country: Canada
Publication Date: 2006
ISBN: 0060734086
Page Count: 336
Classification edit
- Library of Congress: PZ8.L4793
- Dewey: 813.54
Notes for Parents edit
Reading Level: Young AdultsThis book would be appropriate for young adults. It does include a little bit of romance. Also it is hard to comprehend if your child's vocabulary is not large. Gail Carson Levine changes a classic story tale (in this case, Snow White) and makes the main girl a heroine. She makes it clear that girls don't have to wait around for their prince to come. A few difficult words.
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