I was sent this book through NetGalley and W. W. Norton & Company – thanks to them for sending me a copy! Aladdin is one of my favourite stories so I was super grateful to be able to get a copy.
Title: Aladdin (A new translation)
Author: Yasmine Seale (translated by), Paulo Lemos Horta ( edited by)
Genre: General Fiction, Multicultural Interest
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company, Liveright
Publication Date: 27th November 2018
Plot Overview:
Long defined by popular film adaptations that have reductively portrayed Aladdin as a simplistic rags-to-riches story for children, this work of dazzling imagination—and occasionally dark themes—finally comes to vibrant new life.
“In the capital of one of China’s vast and wealthy kingdoms,” begins Shahrazad— the tale’s imperiled-yet-ingenious storyteller—there lived Aladdin, a rebellious fifteen-year-old who falls prey to a double-crossing sorcerer and is ultimately saved by the ruse of a princess. One of the best-loved folktales of all time, Aladdin has been capturing the imagination of readers, illustrators, and filmmakers since an eighteenth-century French publication first added the tale to The Arabian Nights.
Yet, modern English translators have elided the story’s enchanting whimsy and mesmerizing rhythms. Now, translator Yasmine Seale and literary scholar Paulo Lemos Horta offer an elegant, eminently readable rendition of Aladdin in what is destined to be a classic for decades to come.
My Thoughts:
- Aladdin is one of my favourite stories from One Thousand and One Nights and I also love the Disney version so I loved being able to read a version of the story which I’d never heard of before. There are quite a few elements which differ from the story most readers would be familiar with so it had lots of new material.
- Seales version of Aladdin reveals a lot more about Aladdins back story and offers a different take on his origin story. The book is a lot darker than the Disney version, so it’s more suited to a Teen or Adult audience.
- The writing style is so beautiful honestly, and poetic in a way which really suits the story. You can picture Scheherazade spinning this magical tale, with such rich description and plenty of twists and turns.
Overall, the story was both engaging and offered a unique retelling of Aladdin, I think there’s something for new and old fans alike.
★★★★ – 4 Star Rating
Do you enjoy the story of Aladdin? If so, would this retelling be something you’re interested in? Would love to chat in the comments!
Until next time,
Rumaanah x
Rums the Reader 
I like how this Aladdin story is a unique alternative to Disney’s version. It’s interesting to see the little plot twists from the book. Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Aladdin is one of my favorite fairytales and I still have to find a favorite retelling! Love this review!
https://jendbibliophile.wordpress.com
That’s so lovely that the NetGalley and W. W. Norton & Company sent this to you! I’ve never read Aladdin but have always loved the film growing up. I can’t wait to see the new film they are going to release of this!
Alys / withlovealys.com
Gosh! So much more depth to Aladdin than I knew. Fantastic review style x
I like Aladdin and the musical added more backstory to his life too. This book sounds fab I’ll keep my eye out for it! Great review
Jess // foundationsandfairytales.wordpress.com
xx
Oooh you’re adding mroe and more to my list! I need to get this asap!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
This sounds so interesting, Aladdin isn’t one of my favourites movies but I think I’d enjoy this!
I loved this entry. I’ve been following your blog for quite some time, and I’m definitely hooked. Looking forward to your future content.
I would love if you could not only follow me back, but turn on my notifications so you know when I post!
Mena
menanwabenu.com 🌷💕
Rumaanah Aladdin is one of my favorite tales, ever since I saw it from Disney I was hooked! Now I’m older and understand Aladdin’s journey, I’m certain the darker elements from this book will reach a place in my heart a new way, which is truly inspiring.
Natonya | http://www.justnatonya.wordpress.com
Aladdin is a film I’ve watched countless amount of times – even had to analyze it for a university course I took! I actually haven’t read Aladdin at all, only ever saw the film. I love books that flow in a way that it’s poetic, and especially love a book with a lot of twists and turns! I’d be interested in hearing more of Aladdin’s backstory beyond the Disney version; this book is definitely going on my want to read list on goodreads!
Sahara
http://saharas-dreams.blogspot.com
I absolutely love Disney re-writes of novels and reading a different take on one of the classics you love so I’d definitely be interested in reading this one!