CHARACTERS: 4/5
WRITING STYLE: 4/5
CLIMAX: 3.5/5
ENTERTAINMENT QUOTIENT: 4/5
Meg Cabot is a highly celebrated author. There is no doubt about that.
Her books are a big-time hit in the US, UK and other countries, but just how relevant is her flagship series, The Princess Diaries, to the Indian psyche? To find this out, I merrily delved into the book 1 of the series.
The book is based on the premises of a dream situation turned true, and though the dream may not be one on the top of mind of every girl, it is surely one which every girl must have dreamt of at least once in her lifetime.
So, what will happen when such a dream indeed turns into reality? Will you run towards it? Or run away from it? Will you be able to face the challenges it will throw in your face and emerge as a real woman of substance?
Well, most of us cannot answer this question, as we have never ever even minutely come close to such an opportunity. But the same cannot be said of the heroine of our story. To know more, just read on.
Amelia Thermopolis commonly referred to as Mia, is a fourteen-year-old school going teenager who lives with her reckless but loving mom. Like many teenage girls of her age, she has her own set of problems and issues.
But these problems take an entirely new turn when one day when she discovers the fact that she is the heir to the throne of Genovia, a small kingdom in the European region.
Thus, in a matter of one day, Mia becomes Princess Amelia Mignotte Grimaldi Thermopolis Renaldo of Genovia.
Wow..!! That seems cool… But Ouch..!! It also seems like a lot to process in a day for a simple fourteen-year-old teenager.
As Mia comes to terms with reality, she finds herself drawing the attention of the most popular kids in the school including Josh Richter, the school hottie and Mia’s all-time crush along with Michael Moscovitz, the lesser-known but sweet guy who also happens to be Mia’s best friend Lily’s brother.
So, when Josh starts showering all his love and attention towards Mia, what will she do? Who will she choose, Josh or Richter?
To find out who won the Princess’s adoration, you’ll have to go and read the book yourself.
Moving on to the other aspects of the book, I think that the book has an ability to strike a familiar chord with almost any girl irrespective of her age.
In reading about Mia’s story, a girl can most seamlessly feel like she is living her dream. I also liked the other characters of Lily, Michael, Mia’s Mom, Mia’s Dad and Grand’Mere.
With all their drama and humour they are sure a delight to read about. To top it all up, the cover of the book is absolutely gorgeous. It is one which no girl can possibly resist.
All in all, The Princess Diaries is a fantastic read with all the drama, humour and chick-lit quotient, a girl will ask for. So what are you waiting for ladies?
Go grab a copy for yourself and enjoy this beautiful piece of fiction.