Damsel — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
*A 2018 Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book*
A dark, twisted, unforgettable fairy tale from Elana K. Arnold, author of the National Book Award finalist What Girls Are Made Of
The rite has existed for as long as anyone can remember: When the king dies, his son the prince must venture out into the gray lands, slay a fierce dragon, and rescue a damsel to be his bride. This is the way things have always been.
When Ama wakes in the arms of Prince Emory, she knows none of this. She has no memory of what came before she was captured by the dragon or what horrors she faced in its lair. She knows only this handsome young man, the story he tells of her rescue, and her destiny of sitting on a throne beside him. It’s all like a dream, like something from a fairy tale.
As Ama follows Emory to the kingdom of Harding, however, she discovers that not all is as it seems. There is more to the legends of the dragons and the damsels than anyone knows, and the greatest threats may not be behind her, but around her, now, and closing in.
Frequently asked questions
Is Damsel appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The narrative includes significant violence, including sexual violence and abuse, as well as scenes where the protagonist is coerced into mistreating a pet and witnessing brutal acts. The book is described as a violent take on traditional fairy tales. The book is described as disturbing and gripping, with dark themes that explore the horrors of patriarchy and abuse, which may be unsettling for some readers. It includes elements of horror and psychological tension.
Does Damsel have violence?
The narrative includes significant violence, including sexual violence and abuse, as well as scenes where the protagonist is coerced into mistreating a pet and witnessing brutal acts. The book is described as a violent take on traditional fairy tales.
Does Damsel have scary content?
The book is described as disturbing and gripping, with dark themes that explore the horrors of patriarchy and abuse, which may be unsettling for some readers. It includes elements of horror and psychological tension.
Does Damsel have religious themes?
The book contains elements that explore themes of misogyny and patriarchal structures, with references to Christian ideology in the context of societal expectations. However, the framing does not promote religious beliefs but critiques them.
Does Damsel have racial/cultural content?
The search results do not indicate any explicit themes of race or racism as central to the plot of 'Damsel'.
Does Damsel have profanity?
No profanity is explicitly mentioned in the search results related to the content of the book.
Does Damsel have climate change?
No climate-related themes or discussions are present in the search results for 'Damsel'.
Does Damsel have sexual identity?
The book addresses themes of sexual violence and coercion, with explicit references to the protagonist's discomfort with unwanted sexual advances. The narrative critiques the oppressive nature of traditional romantic tropes.
Does Damsel have gender roles?
The book critiques traditional gender roles and explores themes of misogyny and the expectations placed on women. It presents a narrative that challenges the notion of women as passive figures in fairy tales.
Does Damsel have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes or characters are mentioned in the search results for 'Damsel'.
