I'm a little astonished that Gregory Maguire chose the light and optimistic path to take the story on. I suppose it's because he set out to make a children's book, but somehow I thought there would be darker undertones. And in fact, some darkness is inescapable with the very story this one is based upon, and it is present in his retelling. Still, overall the optimism and hope outweighs the gloom and sadness.