“Almost There” Book Review – A different Princess and the Frog
Have you ever thought of what could happen if Tiana had accepted Facilier’s offer at the end of the movie? Almost There gives you just the answer, bringing you in a new story and a new adventure for Tiana, her family and friends.
THE STORY
What if Tiana had accepted Facilier’s offer instead of remaining a frog? What if she accepted to turn into a human thanks to his magic, as long as she would forever abandon Naveen? And what if she accepted to give him back the object as long as her father would live again?
Almost There brings us into a different New Orleans, where no one remembers of the event from the Princess and the Frog, and even less that James was never supposed to be there. Tiana is the only one who knows everything, her collaboration with Facilier never truly ended since her father was brought back to her life. She has a restaurant — not the one she wanted, but one nonetheless — and her father is alive again, cooking with her every day and bringing new customer to their place. Everything seems as perfect as it can get, despite the fact that a strange fog seems to surround New Orleans and strange events are happening around, including people disappearing. Tiana knows that something is wrong, though she can’t place her finger where. And Charlotte, dear Charlotte, is always by her side. Maybe even too much. Naveen was supposed to leave, go back to his kingdom. So why exactly is he still around with Charlotte, working for her father and trying to get close to Tiana every time he can?
She has promised Facilier to leave the prince alone. But how could she, when he is standing right in front of her, doing everything he can to stay together?
MY REVIEW
I loved loved loved loved loved it (and this line can definetly be put into a song). I finished this book so quick that I was so sad there was nothing else I could read about them. Tiana’s story is yet again one of my favourite and I loved how the story has gone forward without breaking too much from the animation. I’m saying too much because while everyone has — sort of — gotten their happy ending, my poor Louis ended up stuck in a half limbo with the animation giving a more proper ending for his character. I don’t want to explain too much, but I felt we might have found a better solution for him, though I also understand Facilier’s power vs Mama Odie — or someone else’s? — are much different. He got what he could and while bittersweet in my opinions, miracles can’t just happen. Life would be too perfect and James too is another proof.
Seeing James on page has been wonderful. The ending Tiana and Eudora got in the movie was imperfect, unable to fully say goodbye to him. But this book has allowed for a better closure, for a family to reunite for how long they could and for a daughter to see her father seeing the man she loved. How could I not cry about it? Especially when the story was almost done? I shed more tears than I thought it could be even humanly possible and drank more water than a plan even would.
My Dear Charlotte — forever you will be one of my favourite because she is just hilarious — has not and never will forget of her dream of marrying a Prince. That woman knows what she is worth and what she wants and will never take no for an answer. Does her dad disagree with her idea of adventuring to find love? Don’t worry, she knows how to go around his complaints and getting what she wants. I adore her friendship with Tiana, as blind as she can possibly be with the fact they are not the same and this book is also showing a little discussion about it between the two. Elle Woods and Charlotte might probably become friends in front of a coffee and beignet, discussing Law and Dogs and the colour pink. I can totally see it and will not accept otherwise.
Naveen, in the meaning, is just there yearning for Tiana’s attention even though she promised Facilier she would leave him alone. But how could she? Those two are THE couple that I don’t think anyone could hate and it’s so obvious that he would run to help Tiana even if she doesn’t want to. There’s no “You are doing it alone” but rather a “I know you could but I’m here” and please the fact they interacted as people and not frog, him being involved in her life and not his journey to become a human again was amazing. He was ready for her when she needed him and I just need a sequel of sort. Any sort. Please give me more of them.
Overall I have loved the book and totally advice you to read it. If you like the movie, Disney or the what if discussion surrounding their story you will definitely love the book. It’s a you-should-not-miss-it type of book and I would urge you to go, buy it, grab a coffee and some beignet and just immerse yourself into yet another magical adventure.
MIGHT CONTAIN LITTLE SPOILERS
- Mama Odie dear was not included in this book, but forever will be in our heart because they were in fact looking for her. However after saving them once and Tiana making a mess, she probably decided to go in Holiday. As she should, she knows when to rest.
- Tiana can do no wrong but there was one scene where I was so confused at why was she angry with a certain Mrs Rose. I mean she was under lots of stress so we should cut her some slack. But why was she mad at others when she was the one accepting Facilier’s offer? Green Flag to dear Mrs Rose because I would have given a remainder.
Also ps: I kinda want a musical about it.
Happy reading,
Marianna