The Charmed Wife

by Olga Grushin
The Charmed Wife cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Fantasy
Technical:
  • ID: 1309
  • Added: 2025-10-04
  • Updated: 2025-10-04
  • ISBN: 9781529346374
  • Published: 2021-01-21
  • Formats: 7
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99

The Charmed Wife reimagines the classic Cinderella tale from the perspective of a woman who has endured years of abuse and hardship. After her stepfamily's demise, she marries the king, believing her suffering is over. However, her new life takes a sinister turn as she uncovers the dark secrets of her husband's past. The story delves into themes of power, revenge, and the complexities of love, offering a fresh and unsettling take on a beloved fairy tale. /n/n This novel blends elements of fantasy and psychological thriller, creating a gripping narrative that challenges traditional notions of happily ever after. The author's unique perspective and vivid storytelling make this a compelling read for those who enjoy dark, character-driven tales.

Reviews
Reddit - IReadABookAndAdoredIt · 2025-10-04
loved 4.50

The writing is beautiful, with vividly described worlds that immerse the reader. The reviewer loved the book for its enchanting and imaginative storytelling.

A Reddit reviewer from the IReadABookAndAdoredIt community expresses their love for The Charmed Wife, praising the author's gorgeous writing style. They are particularly impressed by the vividly described worlds that make the reader feel as if they are part of the story. The reviewer finds the book enchanting and imaginative, with a blend of fantasy and reality that is both captivating and thought-provoking. They highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and engaging read.

Quick quotes

    The writing is just gorgeous as well, the worlds that she creates are so perfectly described you feel as if you're there.

    I loved this!

    The blend of fantasy and reality is both captivating and thought-provoking.

Cannonball Read · debcapsfan · 2021-07-15
mixed 3.00

While some elements are enjoyable, the portrayal of Cinderella's naivety over the years can be painful to read. The book has moments of brilliance but also some challenging aspects.

Debcapsfan from Cannonball Read has mixed feelings about The Charmed Wife. They appreciate certain elements of the book, particularly the imaginative and dreamy style of the first half. However, they find the portrayal of Cinderella's naivety over the years to be painful and somewhat difficult to endure. The reviewer acknowledges the book's strengths, such as its thought-provoking imagery and humor, but also notes that it has some challenging aspects that may not appeal to all readers.

Quick quotes

    I did like certain elements of this book even though seeing Cinderella's naivete play out over the years is pretty painful.

    There is a section where the book really shines with its dreamy, fairytale style.

    The book has moments of brilliance but also some challenging aspects.

Culturefly · 2021-01-21
intriguing 4.00

The author's love for the tales she reimagines is evident, creating a blend of fantasy and reality that keeps readers guessing. The narrative is engaging and thought-provoking.

Culturefly's review highlights the author's evident love for the fairy tales she reimagines in this novel. The reviewer appreciates how Grushin weaves together fantasy and reality, creating a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The story's unpredictability and the author's skillful blending of genres are particularly praised. The reviewer finds the book to be a fresh and intriguing take on classic tales, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    There's a lot to like about The Charmed Wife.

    Grushin's love of the tales she toys with is plain to see.

    We never know which is going to win out, and that's part of the fun.

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