Hmm...I'm still digesting this one, and I'm not sure what I'm supposed to take away from it. Boy, Snow, Bird is less a reinvention of Snow White, but rather a work of historical fiction in which certain characters are inspired by Snow White and her wicked stepmother. I'm most familiar with the Disney version of the fairytale and the Fables reinvention of the characters. So now I'm wondering...who's Bird? Is that Rose Red? Really? Or maybe it doesn't matter... 
 While there is a touch of magical realism, that aspect plays a small role and is left a bit open as to whether or not those experiencing these oddities might just be a bit mad. I think all that bit with the (view spoiler)[mirrors and reflections (hide spoiler)] is symbolic of...identity and self-perception, but...like I said, I didn't really walk away with some clear message. Might just be thick. 
 The book tells the story of Boy, a young woman who flees the big city and a wicked parent of her own to live in an artisan small town, and her offspring Snow (a step-daughter) and Bird (a biological daughter). The historical setting of the early to mid 1900s allows for an interesting exploration of race relations, gender roles, and sexual identity as these individuals push the boundaries of tradition and "acceptable" behavior for the times. And yet...no one seems happy. I started to lose interest by the middle of the book, then Snow and Boy started exchanging letters and telling stories. However, the most interesting bits by far involved the rat-catcher's return. 
 While I didn't love it, it's interesting reading it at the same time as listening to The Chaperone and reading Brown Girl Dreamingsince all three deal with similar time periods and/or issues.