The timeless tale of Rapunzel has been reimagined many times over the years. Disney’s “Tangled” film and Marissa Meyer’s sci-fi twist, “Cress,” stand out as notable adaptations. However, Christina Lauren’s “Tangled Up in You,” part of Disney’s Meant to Be series, attempts to translate this fairy tale into a contemporary young adult novel—but falls short of capturing that Disney magic.
Set in the modern world, the story follows Ren Gylden, a 22-year-old farm girl navigating her first year at Corona College. Raised in isolation with limited modern conveniences, a genealogy project leads Ren to discover possible biological relatives in Nashville. In an attempt to uncover her roots without alerting her overprotective parents, she ropes her classmate Fitz into accompanying her on a spring break trip. While their budding romance does offer some charming moments, much of the story’s essence feels lost in translation.
Key elements from “Tangled” undergo significant changes. Pascal morphs into a cat with minimal presence, and Maximus is now a finicky Ford Mustang. This transformation diminishes the delightful dynamic that made the 2010 film so enjoyable. The beloved ruffians of the Snuggly Duckling transform into cringe-worthy motorcycle thugs, while Ren’s parents, Gloria and Steve, exhibit minimal depth, contrasting sharply with the complex villainy of Mother Gothel.
The book also stumbles with consistency. Despite Ren’s sheltered upbringing, there are puzzling contradictions. She recognizes modern technology but misunderstands basic cultural references like Amazon. This inconsistency seems tailored for cheap jokes rather than genuine narrative development, resulting in a shallow and unsatisfying experience.
While the romance between Ren and Fitz is a highlight, with endearing moments that would make any hopeless romantic swoon, it doesn’t compensate for the lackluster side characters, uneven pacing, and stale humor. The novel’s efforts to update the classic fairy tale appear forced and fail to grasp the magic that made “Tangled” such an endearing story.
Ultimately, “Tangled Up in You” may leave fans longing for the enchanting world of “Tangled” rather than this modern, yet uninspired retelling. Your best bet might be to rewatch Disney’s animated hit instead.
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