Review of “Once Upon a Marigold” by Jean Ferris

“Once Upon a Marigold” by Jean Ferris is a modern fairy tale with a classic happy ending. The cover of my edition pretty much describes the story in one pithy phrase: “part comedy, part love story, part everything-but-the-kitchen-sink.” I’ll admit that it is not as deep as my usual book selections, but it makes for a very satisfying and peaceful read for those times when you’re just tired of suspense and deep plots.

“Once Upon a Marigold” is the story of a young orphan named Christian.  When Christian is rescued by a reluctant troll named Edric it is only because Edric feels sorry for Christian. Young Christian grows up with his adoptive father Edric, but he longs to have more association with other humans. He fills his spare time creating fantastic mechanical devices and new inventions.  But then one day he discovers the telescope, and from there he discovers the beautiful young Princess Marigold who lives in a castle across the river and down the valley.

Christian soon finds himself in a typical teenage crush.  He starts p-mailing Princess Marigold, across the river. Yes that’s p-mail, short for pigeon mail, not email. A romance buds, although Christian knows that he could never really be with Princess Marigold.

Eventually, though, Christian decides that he simply must find a way to be closer to Princess Mairgold.  So he leaves home and a worry Edric to find employment at the castle. He’s now closer to Princess Marigold, but he’s now painfully aware of Princess Marigold’s evil mother and her attempts to marry Princess Marigold off to highly displeasing suitors.

But when Christian uncovers a desperate plot and a trail of deception by Marigold’s mother, the Queen he realizes that it is time to reveal to Princess Marigold that he is not just an ordinary servant, but also the person who has been p-mailing Princess Marigold. “Once Upon a Marigold” ends in a classic grand finale that includes dog-powered flight and the pre-requisite marriage.

“Once Upon a Marigold” by Jean Ferris is a pleasant tale that offers an engaging respite from the typical suspense filled plot and storyline.  I feel that Jean Ferris has done an excellent job of defining her characters.  They are simple yet adorable such that anyone can relate to them.

Along the way “Once Upon a Marigold” is able to poke fun at your traditional fairytale, teach important lessons about being the person you really are, and entertain readers in wonderful form.  I highly recommend “Once Upon a Marigold” by Jean Ferris.