You'd be surprised at how much criticism Cinderella gets online and even from professional critics. When I took a fairytale class, the Disney Cinderella was screened for us, and many people were pleasantly surprised because they didn't realize how strong her character was. They just relied on their memories from when they first saw the film in their childhoods or from how Cinderella is portrayed in the DP franchise. But many of these naysayers mentioned how they couldn't understand why Cinderella wouldn't just leave and find employment as a maid or seamstress. They felt either she deserved to be abused then because she was "obviously" a doormat who willingly took the abuse or that clearly she wasn't really being mistreated after all since "it wasn't bad enough for her to leave." Nevermind, that in the Victorian era (not to mention even many places today) women, and especially unmarried women, didn't really have the means to just pack up and go. I really hate when people subject these classic characters to modern-day values that often don't even apply.Disney Duster wrote: What kind of awful people say that?!! Anyway, yes I can see how it does fit with the criticism, but I also see it as a logical step. I guess it flows naturally enough for me. Though I suppose you could say it does not fit her character from the first film who never left? I guess I see it as after a while, you have finally had enough and must leave? If you still don't think it fits her character, see what I say below.
As for the awareness of magic in the kingdom, you are completely right, but I find this whole series rather far from how the original films really are so I guess I would still enjoy this "wrong" and "what if" story?
That's true. From what I've read of the previous books, almost all of them heavily diverge from the original films, even in general characterization for the main princesses and princes.