Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister

By: Gregory Maguire

Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin

Gregory Maguire proves himself to be “one of contemporary fiction’s most assured myth-makers” (Kirkus Reviews) with Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister, his ingenious and provocative retelling of the timeless Cinderella fairy tale.

Perhaps best known for his dark and breathtaking Oz series The Wicked Years—including the novel Wicked, which inspired the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical—Maguire is a master at upending the ordinary to help us see the familiar in a brilliant new light.

This audiobook includes an interview with the author.

©1999 Gregory Maguire (P)2000 Recorded Books

Meh

First listen following Wicked. It simply didn’t meet my expectations. It was drawn out and not nearly as engaging as i expected. It was just fine but not excellent.

nice perspective

good story, was not really into it at first but was very much attached at the end

Good Book, Excellent Narration

This was the first book by Maguire that I ever read. I liked it very much both then and now. To my personal taste, none of his other books have been nearly as good; I remain somewhat bewildered by the massive success of “Wicked.”

The narration is absolutely fantastic in every way. Pacing, inflection, voicing of the characters, etc. Narration can make a merely-OK book a pleasure to listen to, and it can absolutely ruin an excellent book. I will definitely look for other books read by Jenny Sterling.

Absolutely Wonderful As Usual!!

Love him and all he writes!! I'm never disappointed! Keeps me always wanting more!! Can't wait to see what's next!!

The Other side of the Cinderella Tale

An enchanting read. Completely unexpected from beginning to end. Delishous. I could not put it down.

A Very Human Story!

I love Gregory Maguire! It’s always fun to read one of his books and imagine the stories you already know and love from a different view point. His characters are not what I would call lovable, but they are incredibly human. He doesn’t dress them up as overly virtuous or righteous, their motives and actions show you who they are for better or worse. I think that leaves a bad taste in many peoples mouths. I find it endearing, because much like real life, you have to learn to like his characters for who they are. You take the good, the bad, and wrestle with if it is worth knowing them.
In most stories the hero’s are so very clear cut, there’s no doubt in your mind they will always do the right thing, and the villains are so exaggerated, you know in your soul they are evil to their very core. Gregory Maguire takes you from these ideas of good vs evil and the clear understanding of what is black and what is white, leaving you in a world of perpetual grayness, that is truer to real life.
Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister is worth a read, if for no other reason than to remind us all how complicated and subjective the ideas of good and evil are.

P.S.
I would have given it 5 stars, but I’m always so melancholy after reading one of his books...it makes me spiteful.

don't expect another story of OZ.

After reading His other books based in the land of oz I was looking forward to this new story. But unfortunately I was disappointed this is not up to its former glory in story telling

favorite

loved it. I actually read the book years ago. Still love
it. will listen again

one of my favorite stories

I've read the book several times years ago and just recently listened to it on audible. The ending always makes me cry. This is an amazing story. I would love to watch this as a play.

Love this version

This is my second time reading/hearing this book, and I'm sure it won't be the last! Thinking about rereading "wicked" after listening to the interview at the end.