Fishbone Cinderella fascinates the reader from start to finish. Elizabeth Lim’s fairy tale for adults offers the same moral lessons found in children’s fairy tales by the Brothers’ Grimm as well as those proffered in Greek and Roman mythology. Yet Lim manages to present a modern tale with just a trace of suspension of disbelief needed.

Fishbone Cinderella is a saga of a Chinese family from the early nineteen forties through the nineteen eighties. Much happened during this time. Japanese forces during World War II plundered Mainland China and made inroads in Hong Kong. However, survival of this war only led to inner battles on the mainland as communists followed in the wake of the Japanese. This becomes the heart of the story.

Lim provides a family tree at the beginning of the book which is quite helpful. The story focuses on Ha Yut Ying, a young girl at the time of the invasion. Her relationship with her mother and paternal grandmother is superseded by her aunt and stepmother when she is sent to Hong Kong to live with her father during the Civil War. (Every fairy tale needs an evil stepmother.) Ha Yut Ying comes of age during this stage. Thus, the reader watches Ha Yut Ting, now called Helen, experience the struggles of leaving childhood behind.

Additionally, Helen must come to terms with the gift (or curse) of invisibility. Just as her mother learned the agony of foretelling the future, Helen struggles with the thought of a demon from within. Fortunately, she finds an ally in her younger stepsister Lily.

The author blends the ancient Chinese tale of Yeh-Shin with the chronicle of Ha Yut Ying. The love of her life, Tommy, first introduces Yut Ying to the fairy tale. Unfortunately, he chooses another to be his first wife while offering Yut Ying the position of second wife. Naturally, a heart-broken Yut Ying declines and moves on.

In an effort to escape Hong Kong and her misery, Yut Ying enters a marriage of convenience. Fully adopting the name Helen, she relocates to the United States with Phillip. They have three beautiful daughters. And in a pattern as old as time, she struggles in her relationship with the middle daughter. Marigold reminds Helen of Lily with both her looks and her studious ways. But Marigold also has a gift (or curse). So, she is truly her mother’s daughter. And the next generation follows the first. Will the cycle ever be broken?

Elizabeth Lim presents a modern fairy tale rich in morals. Fishbone Cinderella satisfies on so many levels; culture, family and history. And yes, happy endings. Not only will this book be on the end of the year list of best books, it will also be under the Christmas tree. I can’e wait to share it with family and friends.