Briar Rose :: essays research papers

Jane Yolsen produces a powerful and locomote novel that deftly blends the legend of Sleeping Beauty with the historical calamity of the Holocaust. To Rebecca, Sylvia and Shana, "Briar Rose" was simply a bed time floor but in all reality the write up they grew up with was an literal event in Gemmas life. Although Gemma always identified strongly with Briar Rose, the sleeping princess, no one had thought it anything but a bedtime story. But when a mysterious box of clippings and photos turns up after Gemmas death, hinting that the accepted version of Gemmas origins is untrue, Becca begins examine the real story, which bears striking resemblances to Gemmas fairy tale. Becca then sets off on a journey to Europe to discover her grandmothers true identity. I felt this track record was more for adults than for modern adults. It was complicated and probably difficult for a three-year-old teen to follow. It had language that may not suitable for a young adult. Such as a lin e like, "Stan expertly braked and simultaneously dark the wheel slightly to the right. "Asshole" he muttered." (Jane Yolen, 67). It was a remarkable book. I usually dont enjoy reading what I "have" to, but I truly adored this book. When I first started the book I wasnt really enthused but once I read the first four chapters (for the cooperate time) I started falling into the novel. I became so emotionally involved with the characters and the story that I had to finish it. It made me recall everything I had learned in history class about(predicate) the Holocaust. At that time it did not look to "click". Now that I read this story and all of its dire horrors it all comes rushing back. Now that I think about it, this is rattling a great book for young adults to read. It teaches them a little about the holocaust and the terrible tragedies that had occurred. It even teaches them a bit about homosexuality. though the gays were not treated very well i n Yolens novel. I love the detail that Yolen put into "Briar Rose". It felt like I was actually there, staring down at the mountain of bodies below. Smelling the putrid smell of week old rotting corpses. Sleeping in a trench covered with branches and leaves, with nine to thirteen other escapees, aching for a shower and food in my stomach.