Dark Shimmer

Reviewed by: Katherine L Radke - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 2, 2016

Review

"Dark Shimmer" by Donna Jo Napoli is a retelling of Snow White from the point of view of the "wicked queen" in the original, named Dolce in the book. It's not just a change in the point of view, but also in the setting (set in medieval Venice) and in the reason why the Dolce tries to kill Snow White (Bianca).

Raised on an island of little people, Dolce feels like a monster being taller than everyone. She becomes an apprentice to the island's mirrormaker (this is important later), but after her mother dies she flees the island and runs into Bianca and her father, Marin, on another island. Bianca's father falls for Dolce and they marry. Dolce continues to make small mirrors for ladies to gain favor, but the mercury poisoning makes her hear voices and do terrible things (like try to kill Bianca).

The history provided in the book is interesting, and based on the bibliography at the back, the author clearly did her research. Unfortunately, I didn't find the story all that interesting and felt that it dragged. Not a must buy.

Overall Book Score: good