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Mother Knows Best summary
Brief summary
Mother Knows Best by Serena Valentino is a captivating retelling of the story of Rapunzel, delving into the complex and dark motivations of Mother Gothel. It offers a fresh perspective on the classic tale and explores the depths of maternal love and obsession.
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Mother Knows Best
Summary of key ideas
Understanding Mother Gothel's Origin Story
In Mother Knows Best: A Tale of the Old Witch by Serena Valentino, we delve into the backstory of Mother Gothel, the villain from the classic fairy tale of Rapunzel. The narrative begins with a young Gothel, who is abandoned by her mother and left to fend for herself. Following a series of unfortunate events, she is taken in by a group of witches who teach her the art of dark magic.
As Gothel grows older, she becomes increasingly obsessed with youth and beauty, leading her to seek out the magical golden flower, which she discovers has the power to keep her eternally young. Using her newfound dark magic skills, she finds and hoards the flower, using its powers to maintain her youthful appearance.
Gothel's Sinister Manipulation of Rapunzel
The narrative then shifts to the familiar tale of Rapunzel. In this version, we see how Gothel, now immortal due to the flower, discovers that Rapunzel's hair has inherited the magical properties of the flower. Seeing an opportunity to keep her youth and beauty forever, she imprisons the young girl in a tower and raises her as her own, manipulating her with lies about the dangers of the outside world.
Throughout the story, Gothel's possessive and manipulative nature becomes increasingly evident. She controls every aspect of Rapunzel's life, exploiting her magical hair for her own selfish gain. The classic tale of a mother shielding her daughter from the dangers of the world takes a dark turn, revealing the cruel reality of Gothel's intentions.
Confronting the Consequences of Gothel's Actions
As the story progresses, we witness the consequences of Gothel's actions. Rapunzel's curiosity about the outside world grows, leading her to question Gothel's explanations. When she finally escapes the tower and discovers the truth, she confronts Gothel about her lies and manipulation. Despite this, Gothel remains unrepentant, further cementing her status as a villain.
Ultimately, Mother Knows Best paints a complex and dark portrait of Mother Gothel, exploring her origins, motivations, and the lengths she is willing to go to preserve her youth and beauty. The book provides a thought-provoking exploration of the classic fairy tale villain, shedding light on the humanity behind her actions while underscoring the tragic consequences of her selfishness and vanity.
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What is Mother Knows Best about?
Mother Knows Best by Serena Valentino is a captivating retelling of the classic Disney stories, delving into the backstories of famous villains. In this book, we explore the untold tale of Mother Gothel from the movie Tangled. It reveals her own tragic past and the events that led her to become the manipulative and controlling mother figure we know. It's a fascinating exploration of how a villain is made, rather than born.
Mother Knows Best Review
Mother Knows Best by Serena Valentino offers a unique twist on classic Disney villain stories, exploring the depths of the Evil Queen from Snow White. Here's why this book is worth a read:
- Unveils the compelling backstory of the iconic character, shedding light on her motivations and actions.
- Interweaves fantasy elements with psychological depth, creating a richer narrative for readers to delve into.
- Keeps readers hooked with its unexpected plot twists and exploration of the complex relationships between characters.
Who should read Mother Knows Best?
Readers who enjoy dark and twisted fairy tale retellings
Those who are curious about the backstory of iconic Disney villains
People who appreciate complex and morally ambiguous characters
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Book summaries like Mother Knows Best
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Mother Knows Best FAQs
What is the main message of Mother Knows Best?
The main message of Mother Knows Best highlights the complexities of mother-daughter relationships.
How long does it take to read Mother Knows Best?
Reading Mother Knows Best takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is Mother Knows Best a good book? Is it worth reading?
Mother Knows Best is a compelling read exploring maternal influence. It offers insights into family dynamics and self-discovery.
Who is the author of Mother Knows Best?
Serena Valentino is the author of Mother Knows Best.
What to read after Mother Knows Best?
If you're wondering what to read next after Mother Knows Best, 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