Ash (novel)
| Industry | Publishing |
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| Products | Books |
Ash is a young adult fantasy novel released in 2009 by Malinda Lo through Little, Brown and Company. This work offers a fresh take on the traditional Cinderella narrative, centering on Ash, a lesbian adolescent. The novel delves into Ash’s challenges following her father’s passing and her evolving interactions with her stepfamily, the enigmatic fairy prince Sidhean, and Kaisa, the King's huntress.
Plot summary
Aisling, known as "Ash," is a teenage girl whose mother once served as an apprentice to the local Greenwitch. After Ash’s father remarries and becomes seriously ill, her stepmother assumes control of their affairs, sells their residence to settle debts, and compels Ash into a life of servitude. Ash finds comfort in fairy tales and secretly ventures along a magical path that links her current home to her mother’s resting place.
Although Sidhean, the fairy prince, warns Ash to keep her distance, he nonetheless presents her with enchanted gifts when she continues to visit. Ash develops a strong connection with Kaisa, the King's Huntress, who introduces her to the intricacies of court society. Desiring liberation, Ash requests Sidhean’s assistance to attend both the King's Hunt and a royal ball, consenting to a perilous agreement that binds her to him.
At the ball, Ash shares a dance with the prince but soon recognizes she is ensnared by her commitment to Sidhean. She reveals her love for Kaisa, who returns her feelings. After suffering punishment from her stepmother, Ash is rescued by Sidhean, who discloses his history with her mother and the curse that causes him to fall for a human girl.
Ash uncovers her mother’s herbal spellbook containing enigmatic hints about dissolving her contract with Sidhean. Despite opposition from her stepfamily, she sneaks out to attend the Yule bonfire where she dances and shares a kiss with Kaisa. When Sidhean proposes releasing her if she spends one night in his realm—a night unlike any in the human world—Ash agrees.
Upon returning from Sidhean’s domain, Ash discovers signs of disturbance among her possessions but reunites with Kaisa at the castle. Freed from both financial burdens and Sidhean’s claim, Ash vows never to leave Kaisa again.
Critical reception
Publishers Weekly highlighted that Ash would "establish Lo as a gifted storyteller." A The New York Times critic described it as "a lesbian retelling of Cinderella" that is "conventional," yet also "somber and lovely." Booklist commended it as a "groundbreaking, gender-mixing retelling" of the classic tale. Conversely, Deseret Morning News expressed reservations about certain plot deviations from the original story and recommended that parents review the concluding chapter before offering it to teenagers.
The novel was shortlisted for multiple honors such as the Andre Norton Award, the William C. Morris YA Award, the Lambda Literary Award for LGBT Children's/Young Adult fiction, and the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award. Additionally, it received a nomination for best novel at the 2010 Northern California Book Awards and was recognized as a Kirkus Best Young Adult Novel.