Odette

Thank you to #NetGalley for this ARC of #Odette

This not being my typical genre, it took a moment to gain perspective on the story. This novel is proposed as a modern day Swan Lake, however, the author truly offers something a bit unique. While Swan Lake itself is the center of what the plot weaves around, it is not at all what the fairytale being offered or rewritten. Duchen creates an entirely new narrative evolving around love, friendship, and trust with new characters and an altogether new ending. For what it is, this book is a enjoyable read, 4 stars.

The writing is fantastic, elegantly descriptive without being lurid, and the characters are nuanced. A lot of important social themes come up naturally, from pursuing your passions to xenophobia to philanthropy to moral dilemmas; a lot of it is well-trodden ground, but the topics are still extremely relevant and the tone isn't preachy. There's also much more emphasis on friendships than on romance, even while keeping the male-centered conditions of Odette's curse at the forefront of the plot.

Possibly my favorite thing about this story is the way it's been adapted: beyond simply retelling the fairy tale with a contemporary backdrop, Duchen has actually incorporated modern concerns and attitudes (leasing terms, bureaucratic paperwork/police concerns, the nature of interpersonal relationships, etc.), making the narrative unique and memorable. The ending was a little bit abrupt, but I think it works well with the tone and setup.

And the characters are terrific too. Mitzi is a complex protagonist, balancing Good Samaritan impulses with her own financial struggles, pursuing her career while trying to keep sight of her personal interests, worrying about her actor-hopeful little brother; she's easy to relate to and sympathize with. On the other hand, Odette displays the typical sheltered-princess-discovers-reality culture shock: she's innocent and wide-eyed and optimistic in a way that charms everyone around her, but this card is played sparingly enough that it's not grating — just enough to demonstrate how it influences her understanding of the world and her interactions with others. (There's potential "othering"/exoticism issues with her poor English, but in addition to being Russian she's a hundred-plus-year-old princess, so I wasn't bothered by it, but others may feel differently.) You can't help but want to protect her, just as Mitzi does, and to feel her longing for freedom warring with her love of flying.

A magical modern day retelling of Swan Lake , Odette by Jessica Duchen is an enchanting and entertaining read. Journalist Mitzi is shocked when a swan flies through the window of her rented apartment, but that is nothing compared to her stupefaction when night falls and she finds a strange young Russian woman and no trace of the swan. Despite her initial disbelief, she eventually comes to believe Odette's tale about a magical curse and an evil magician, and decides to help her, not just to navigate a strange world so different from anything she has known, but to try to find a way to break the curse.
The book is well written and I loved the way the story was updated , I thought the culture clash between Odette's life in Russia and her experiences in modern England was really well done, and added to my enjoyment of the book. I liked the pacing too, though I did feel that the ending felt a little rushed in comparison to the slower build up, which was especially evident in the first half of the book.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

I was lucky to receive a copy of this modern retelling of Swan Lake. This book is a fast, fun read. Mitzi, a freelance journalist, has her life change when a swan flies into her apartment. She later finds out that this swan turns into a young woman who has been cursed. Read the book to find out what happens!

This modern take on Swan Lake was unique and I enjoyed it more than I was expecting to. I found the ease of which current social themes evolved in the plot to be brilliant.

Such a unique, creative, and magical story! It took about 40 pages to get to the meat of the story, but once I was in it, I was committed and read it all the way through in one Afternoon. Positively delightful! .

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

When I was a child I was OBSESSED with the story of the Swan Princess and The Swan Lake. Every kind of version, storybook, movie, ballet, you name it - I was in love with it - and whilst i've grown older that love has not faded.

As soon as I saw the title 'Odette' I immediately knew what it was going to be about, I was instantly enthralled and upon reading the description I knew I HAD to read it.

Jessica Duchen has such a unique and magical way of weaving this classic tale, that we all know and love, into something new, exciting and engaging.

I couldn't put it down and just fell completely in love with the magical story telling from Jessica.

I cannot recommend enough, especially to those who adore the story of the Swan Princess/Swan Lake!

PHENOMENAL!!! As someone who loved the swan princess growing up (and still does) this book is a must. I was hooked from the first page to the end. If you want a new take on this story, Odette is a must.