Amazon Category:  Poetry Publisher: CreateSpace.com ISBN-10:  1452874662 Type: Fiction Pages: 156 Copyright: Jan 1, 2010 ISBN-13: 9781452874661 A totally different version of the Cinderella theme in classical verse form. Romantic, amusing and sometimes bawdy, this very readable narrative poem won first prize at a Californian University in 1981. Also contains other unpublished work by the author. This is traditional rhymed verse that English teachers might well present to their older teenage pupils. When Baron Beaumont marries a plump widow, seventeen years after the death of his first wife in childbirth, he discovers his new wife comes with some appalling baggage: two very ugly daughters who are immediately jealous of the Baron's beautiful daughter, Ella Beaumont. When Ella's father is sent to prison for a crime he did not commit, the ugly stepsisters Ermentrude and Agatha De Ville take full advantage of the situation. Ella is demoted to the role of kitchen maid and prevented from attending the Royal Ball held in June. King Louis is hosting the ball to allow his shy son, Ferdinand, to meet some pretty girls. After the departure of the ugly sisters, a spirit appears to Ella, giving her an enchanted rose and a key to a locked bedroom. Ella's Aunt Althea arrives to assist her niece in attending the ball. There, Prince Ferdinand is captivated by her beauty and the mysterious Comte De Saint Germaine predicts some amazing events. Set in the later eighteenth century this extraordinary composition got five stars on Amazon Kindle and a great review by children's author Robin Landry     Excerpt Loud clanged the gong for guests to slowly wind Towards long tables topped with luscious fare Of brown-baked fowl with gourds of orange rind, Salmon and trout and soups all steaming there. The benches filled. Folks swarmed from everywhere. The King appeared, directing heads his way: "My subjects, may God bless you and prepare Your appetites to feast this Holy Day: Good health! Good luck! Now eat without delay! Where sits my son?" the white-haired King inquired. For Ferdinand was nowhere to be seen. A courtier coughed: "The Prince, Sire, has desired An empty seat be placed, as for a queen, Beside him. His delay was unforeseen." "Then send a messenger and let him tell My son we understand that he is keen To courteously escort one Mademoiselle, But here we have to do things by the bell!" No sooner said than Ferdinand was there With radiant Ella smiling at his side. Three hundred eyes watched this delightful pair Approach the King. The sisters, goggle-eyed, Heard people say:"I bet she'll be his bride!" "She's Ella's double!" Ermentrude declared. "A strong resemblance cannot be denied," Her sister muttered. "Hopefully we're spared That possibility - As if I cared!" But deep within, a knife churned in her gut. She knew her vengeance had been overdone, And she had acted like a spoiled slut, Committed crime and ruined mother's fun. She grabbed a plate of passing venison And stuck her knife into the still-pink meat. Her porky sister, such a simpleton, Chewed chicken thighs, while watching Ella greet The King, as Ferdinand stood patient by her seat.

Robin Landry - children's author
Brian Edward Hurst has written a most unusual retelling of the Cinderella story, and he did it as a poem. Hurst says that he channeled the story, but however it came about, it's just brilliant. This new version of Cinderella, (her name is Ella) is so clever and makes so much sense. It really stretches the mind. Like the Wicked books, Hurst opens up the story giving it depth and realism making the characters come to life. I hope he keeps writing-channeling-whatever it takes to spin more classics into literary gold.
When I Dream