Heartless

Have you ever wondered why the villain from Alice in Wonderland is so ruthless and cold? If you’re interested in the story behind how the Queen of Hearts came to be, read this novel! Heartless by Marissa Meyer is about a story many overlook. The heroes and princesses often get all the focus; the villains don’t have a voice. But have you ever sat back and questioned what made the villains that way? If so, or even if you didn't question this until now, read this overview of the book on the imagined upbringing of the Queen of Hearts and my opinions in it! 

Catherine Pinkerton (known as the future Queen of Hearts) just wanted to be a baker. Flour coating her apron. The scent of sugar in the air and whipped frosting on the counter. Her dream was simply to open up her own bakery. But life didn’t give her that. It gave her grief, revenge, heartbreak, and most of all, pain. The universe didn’t care what she actually wanted, instead giving her what it thought she deserved. 

In the magical land of Wonderland (specifically the Kingdom of Hearts), Cath meets Jest, a mysterious court joker, in the palace gardens, during the night of the Black and White Ball. They’re instantly drawn to each other like moths to a flame. They soon fall in love, and it’s a happily ever after!! Just kidding. Cath doesn’t know that Jest is actually from the Kingdom of Chess, on a secret mission to steal her heart. He was sent to steal the future Queen of Hearts’ heart, which little does she know will be hers. 

Catherine’s parents heavily encourage her to marry the King of Hearts because it would do good for the family name. However, she does not wish for that kind of life, and she has no feelings for the king at all. She tries to tell them this, but they disregard her, showing their disappointment. 

After a horrible incident, Catherine is left heartbroken. However, she doesn’t use this pain to sulk, but to plan her revenge. Due to her parents' pressure and her grief, Catherine finally decides to marry the King of Hearts. After this, she becomes the ruthless Queen we all know her as, the last line in the book being the Queen of Hearts saying, “Off with his head.” Read this book to find out who she was referring to! I really loved walking through the fantasy that was the infamous Queen of Hearts’ past.