Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Fairest of All summary
Brief summary
Fairest of All by Serena Valentino is a captivating retelling of the classic Snow White story, delving into the wicked queen's past and exploring the dark forces that shaped her into the villain we know.
Topics
Table of Contents
Fairest of All
Summary of key ideas
Understanding the Wicked Queen's Origins
In Fairest of All: A Tale of the Wicked Queen by Serena Valentino, we delve deep into the origins of Snow White's stepmother, the Wicked Queen. We learn that her name is Queen Evily and she was once a beautiful, kind-hearted girl. Her mother, who was also vain and obsessed with beauty, died when Evily was young, leaving her with an abusive father. Her father remarried, and Evily's life took a turn for the worse as her stepmother and stepsisters tormented her. This cruel treatment planted the seeds of envy and resentment in her heart.
Evily's life changes when she meets the kind and handsome King, and they fall in love. But their happiness is short-lived. After the King's sudden death, Evily is left to fend for herself in the cruel world of the royal court. She soon discovers that the courtiers are just as cruel as her stepfamily, and her only solace is her daughter, Snow White.
The Transformation into the Wicked Queen
As Snow White grows older, her beauty begins to remind Evily of her own painful past. Fearing that her daughter's beauty will lead to the same fate as hers, Evily becomes consumed by her obsession with beauty. She starts to dabble in dark magic, searching for a way to preserve her own youth and beauty. Her increasing obsession leads her to a magic mirror, which promises to show her the fairest in the land. However, when it starts to show Snow White's reflection instead of hers, Evily's obsession turns into madness.
Driven by her overwhelming jealousy and fear, Evily's transformation into the Wicked Queen is complete. She orders the huntsman to kill Snow White and bring back her heart as proof. This act sets the classic tale of Snow White in motion and solidifies Evily's place as one of the most iconic villains in Disney history.
The Aftermath and Continuation of the Story
After Snow White escapes, Evily's descent into darkness continues. She becomes increasingly obsessed with her own beauty, resorting to dark magic and potions to maintain her youth. The consequences of her actions start to catch up with her, leading to her eventual demise.
In the subsequent books in the series, we follow the origins of other Disney villains, such as the Beast from Beauty and the Beast, Ursula from The Little Mermaid, Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty, and others. Each villain's story is intricately woven into the larger Disney universe, providing a deeper understanding of their motives and actions.
Conclusion: A New Perspective on Classic Villains
In conclusion, Fairest of All: A Tale of the Wicked Queen offers a fresh perspective on the classic Disney villain, Queen Evily. We see her as a complex character, shaped by her traumatic past and consumed by her fears and insecurities. Serena Valentino's series provides a fascinating exploration of the origins and motivations of some of Disney's most infamous villains, inviting us to reconsider our understanding of good and evil in these timeless tales.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Fairest of All about?
Fairest of All by Serena Valentino is a captivating retelling of the classic fairy tale, Snow White. Delving into the backstory of the infamous Evil Queen, the book explores her descent into darkness and the events that led to her obsession with being the fairest in the land. With a unique twist and rich character development, this dark and enchanting novel offers a fresh perspective on a well-known story.
Fairest of All Review
Fairest of All (2009) delves into the untold story of Queen Grimhilde from Snow White, revealing her descent into darkness. Here's why this book is a captivating read:
- The exploration of the Queen's complex psyche adds depth and dimension to her character, making her more than just a villain.
- By unraveling her tragic past and motivations, the book humanizes the Queen, allowing readers to empathize with her journey.
- The twists and turns in the narrative, along with unexpected revelations, ensure that the story remains engaging and unpredictable throughout.
Who should read Fairest of All?
Readers who enjoy exploring the backstories of classic Disney villains
Those who appreciate a darker and more complex retelling of familiar fairy tales
Fans of Serena Valentino's unique and imaginative storytelling style
Categories with Fairest of All
Book summaries like Fairest of All
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Fairest of All FAQs
What is the main message of Fairest of All?
The main message of Fairest of All explores the dark origins of Disney's Evil Queen and the corrupting power of vanity.
How long does it take to read Fairest of All?
Reading Fairest of All takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in minutes.
Is Fairest of All a good book? Is it worth reading?
Fairest of All is a captivating read that delves into the complex character of the Evil Queen, making it a worthwhile book to explore.
Who is the author of Fairest of All?
Serena Valentino is the author of Fairest of All.
What to read after Fairest of All?
If you're wondering what to read next after Fairest of All, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susann Jeffers
- Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
- Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
- Carrots and Sticks by Ian Ayres
- Nudge by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein
- Inspired by Marty Cagan
- The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
- Winning by Jack Welch with Suzy Welch
- The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
- The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss