title: Lady Tremaine
author: Rachel Hochhauser
publisher: St. Martin's Press
publication date: March 3, 2026
pages: 352
peppers: 2 (on this scale)
warnings:
- discussion of death
- violence
- incest
- cruelty
summary: Every version of Cinderella you've ever heard centers Ella, canonizes Ella, shows Ella in the best light. This version gives Elin's stepmother voice, and she's strong and smart and caring. She's been through a lot and survived. It's worth your time to read her telling of events.
tropes:
- rags-to-riches
- hiding the truth
- people who are not what they seem
- karma
what I liked:
- clever retelling
- changed the way I think about a story I know well
what I didn’t like:
- could have been shorter
overall rating: 4 (of 5 stars)
As always, you can click on the photo above if you want to buy the book.