Water Song:

The Retelling of "The Frog Prince"

By: Suzanne Weyn

Genre: Retold Fairy Tale/Historical Fiction

Pages: 194

Published: 2006

Told in: Third Person

Series: Once upon a Time

In a nutshell:

Belgium was supposed to be a safe place for Emma and her mother, but when WWI is brought right to their doorstep Emma finds herself alone. Everything changes when she finds a wounded American soldier, Jack, seeking refuge in her well the same day a German army decides to camp on her estate. Now Emma is a prisoner pretending to be married to this strange frog-like man.

What you may enjoy:

This is a fun, light read. It has a unique twist and great ideas on the original “Frog Prince” story. The story has so much diversity with characters from very different cultural and racial backgrounds. Jack, the “frog prince” is an entertaining, lovable protagonist and Emma’s personality rounds out the story.

What you may NOT enjoy:

At times the dialogue and inner monologue is forced. It’s a good idea that could have been executed better. There are slow and disappointing moments that Weyn could have done a lot more with. Also, many find Jack’s consistent request for a kiss annoying and uncalled for.

Warnings:

Violence and Disturbing Images:

Woman dies in an explosion, bleeding mentioned; bombed dropped in a field; shooting can be “heard” throughout the book; people screaming in pain; men in pain from poisonous gas; boy thrown from the impact of a bomb; possibility of being tanged in barbed wire, mentioned; poisonous gas burns man’s skin; man trips and is knocked unconscious; man’s eyes swollen shut; man’s skin is peeling off; ship blown up by a torpedo; girl threatened to be shot several different times; girl almost drowns; boy shot through the shoulder, mentioned; boy and two men tortured, mentioned; boy shot and pushed into a pond; two men killed, mentioned; girl shot in the arm; bullet grazes a girls head.

Sex and Nudity:

Girl and guy kiss; guy kisses girl; girl “showers” guy in kisses

Language and profanity:

Mentions cursing in French, G*d, G*d

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