A Modern Cinderella

"A Modern Cinderella" by Amanda M. Douglas is a novel written in the late 19th century. This fictional tale reinterprets the classic fairy tale by introducing Marilla Bond, a young girl who works as a nursemaid for the Borden family. The narrative explores themes of hardship, hope, and the transformative power of imagination as Marilla navigates her responsibilities and yearns for a happier life, epitomized by her dream of attending a ball. The opening of the novel introduces us to Marilla, who is living as a bound-out girl, working under the supervision of Bridget and caring for the Borden twins and their troublesome sibling, Jack. Her Cinderella-like existence is filled with mundane chores, but it is brightened by the warmth of memories and the playful imagination in her heart. One night, while taking a brief respite near the stove, Marilla dreams of meeting a fairy godmother who transforms her reality, allowing her to experience a magical ball. This dream highlights her longing for joy and the semblance of a more enchanting life, setting the stage for her journey towards self-discovery and aspiration amidst her everyday struggles. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Amanda Minnie Douglas was an American writer of adult and juvenile fiction. She was probably best remembered by young readers of her day for the Little Girl and Helen Grant series published over the decades flanking the turn of the twentieth century.