A poor woodcutter, struggling to provide for his family, saves his master's life from robbers and is rewarded with a cottage and the right to cut wood for his own use. He and his family thrive, but their happiness is threatened by a pack of wolves. The woodcutter's brave sons venture into the forest to combat the wolves and discover a beautiful lady trapped in a pit. They rescue her, and she reveals herself as the Fairy Coquette, who offers to grant them wishes. The woodcutter wishes for wealth, while his wife desires a daughter. Their daughter, Rose, is born with the beauty of a flower but is cursed to alternate between her lovely form and that of a black girl due to a wicked enchanter's influence. As Rose grows, her brothers become greedy and abandon their family for wealth. Meanwhile, Rose encounters a prince who initially threatens her but later falls in love with her. After a series of trials, including the prince's cruel behavior and the death of his mother, Rose's true identity is revealed. The Fairy Coquette intervenes, lifting the curse and blessing Rose with a happy life alongside her true love, Mirto, while ensuring her family's prosperity. The story concludes with themes of love, loyalty, and the consequences of greed.
By Dinah Mulock · First published 1857 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Adventure, Young Adult