Let It Go - Book Review

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Let It Go by Jen Calonita is a reimagined story of Disney’s Frozen that explores a compelling “what if” scenario: What if Anna and Elsa never knew each other? Part of the Twisted Tales series, which takes beloved Disney narratives and infuses them with alternate histories, Let It Go follows the two sisters as they navigate a world where they’ve been separated due to Elsa’s dangerous powers. This altered history invites readers to explore themes of identity, family, sacrifice, and self-discovery from new angles, challenging and expanding on the original storyline.

The novel begins with a pivotal change from the original Frozen storyline: when Elsa’s ice powers manifest in childhood, her parents—fearing for both her safety and that of Anna—decide to separate the sisters completely. Rather than growing up together in a strained but loving relationship, Anna and Elsa lead very different lives with no knowledge of one another. Elsa, burdened with the responsibility of her powers and the kingdom, grows up in isolation, while Anna, shielded from the truth, experiences a very different kind of loneliness, believing she is simply an ordinary princess.

This central twist of the story creates a ripple effect throughout the narrative. The reader sees Elsa and Anna grappling with identity in different ways: Elsa, feeling like a prisoner to her powers and responsibilities, and Anna, trying to find meaning in a life that feels strangely incomplete. By keeping them apart, the novel explores questions about how isolation affects personality and decisions, showing how much of our sense of self is influenced by family and companionship.

In Let It Go, Elsa’s story is steeped in an atmosphere of fear and restraint. She is raised in an environment where her powers are regarded as a curse or threat rather than a gift. With her parents reinforcing the importance of control and secrecy, Elsa’s childhood and adolescence are defined by solitude, self-denial, and an overwhelming sense of duty. Her fear of hurting others and of being “found out” becomes a defining element of her character, causing her to suppress her emotions and avoid connections.

As Elsa grows, she finds herself struggling to balance her royal duties with the burden of her powers. The story paints a picture of a young woman who feels constrained, not only by her abilities but by the expectations placed upon her. This internal conflict between duty and self-expression forms the backbone of Elsa’s journey, one that is both tragic and empowering. By showing Elsa’s emotional struggle and loneliness, Let It Go offers a deeper understanding of her character, illuminating how her journey is as much about self-acceptance as it is about controlling her powers.

The novel also delves into Elsa’s gradual understanding of leadership. With her parents’ guidance, Elsa learns about diplomacy, governance, and the sacrifices required of a ruler. Her isolation forces her to mature quickly, as she is the sole bearer of her powers and, eventually, the sole ruler of Arendelle. Her fears shape her into a cautious and disciplined queen, but also one who must grapple with an inner emptiness. This version of Elsa reveals a character who, while capable and dignified, lacks a fundamental sense of belonging, something she must confront to truly understand her identity.



In contrast to Elsa’s guarded life, Anna’s childhood in Let It Go is one of relative freedom but filled with questions. Without Elsa as a companion, Anna lacks the warmth and connection that defined her in the original story. Though her life in Arendelle is comfortable, Anna feels something missing, a void she can’t quite explain. Her adventurous and curious nature drives her to seek answers, creating a deeper, more introspective Anna who longs for purpose and connection.

Anna’s journey is marked by a sense of restlessness. In this alternate version, she becomes a character who questions her identity more openly, sensing there’s more to her life than she’s been told. This restlessness leads her to uncover secrets about her family and kingdom, propelling her on a path of discovery. As she learns more about her past, Anna becomes increasingly determined to find out the truth, leading her to confront her parents and the secrets they have kept.

Anna’s pursuit of the truth is a powerful expression of self-discovery, as she moves beyond her initial feelings of loneliness and frustration. Her courage, resilience, and refusal to be kept in the dark reveal a side of her that is not only curious but also fiercely independent. Let It Go allows readers to see Anna as more than the cheerful, spontaneous sister; here, she is also a determined young woman on a quest for self-knowledge and meaning.

One of the book’s climactic arcs is the moment Anna and Elsa finally come together. Their reunion is filled with tension, as they are essentially strangers with very different understandings of the world. Anna is shocked to learn about Elsa’s powers and the lengths their parents went to keep them apart, while Elsa grapples with the guilt and pain of hiding her abilities and her existence from her sister.

This reunion is not immediately harmonious; it is fraught with misunderstandings and resentment. The sisters must work through years of separation and mistrust, confronting the impact of their parents’ choices on their lives. This confrontation adds emotional depth to the narrative, as both characters struggle to reconcile their shared history with their newfound realities.

Through their reunion, Let It Go explores themes of forgiveness and acceptance. Anna and Elsa must come to terms with the choices that kept them apart and find a way to bridge the emotional distance between them. Their journey toward reconciliation highlights the power of family and the resilience of sisterhood, showing that love can overcome even the deepest divides.

A major theme in Let It Go is the importance of embracing one’s true self. For Elsa, this means learning to accept her powers as part of her identity rather than viewing them as a burden. Her journey toward self-acceptance is gradual and filled with setbacks, but it ultimately empowers her to lead Arendelle with confidence. By learning to trust herself and her abilities, Elsa finds a way to be both queen and sister, balancing her duty with her personal identity.

Anna, too, undergoes a journey of self-discovery, though hers is focused on finding purpose. Her determination to uncover the truth about her family and her relationship with Elsa pushes her to grow as a character. Through her experiences, Anna learns to trust her instincts and embrace her own strength. In the end, she becomes a crucial ally to Elsa, supporting her sister in both personal and political struggles.

Let It Go uses its reimagined narrative to explore the complex relationship between love and fear. Elsa’s parents, motivated by love, make choices out of fear that ultimately cause their daughters to suffer. The story suggests that love cannot thrive in an environment dominated by fear and secrecy, emphasizing the importance of honesty and trust in family relationships.

The book also tackles the idea of sacrifice, as both sisters must give up certain aspects of their lives to embrace their true selves and support each other. Elsa sacrifices her sense of security to reconnect with Anna, while Anna sacrifices her illusions about her family to confront the truth. This mutual sacrifice strengthens their bond and allows them to heal from the past.

Let It Go is more than just a retelling of Frozen; it is a deep exploration of family, identity, and the journey to self-acceptance. By separating Elsa and Anna, the novel creates a story that examines how isolation and secrets impact individuals and relationships. Jen Calonita’s narrative challenges readers to consider the costs of keeping parts of ourselves hidden and the courage it takes to reveal our true selves.

The story is both familiar and fresh, capturing the essence of the original characters while adding new layers of emotional and psychological depth. Elsa’s growth from a fearful queen to a confident leader and Anna’s journey from curiosity to determination create a powerful, resonant narrative that speaks to readers of all ages. This retelling of Frozen not only honours the themes of love and family from the original story but also offers a more nuanced perspective on what it means to “let it go” and embrace who you are.

In Let It Go, readers find an inspiring message about the power of love, forgiveness, and self-discovery, as Elsa and Anna prove that no amount of separation or secrecy can erase the bond they share. Calonita’s novel stands as a testament to the resilience of family and the strength that comes from embracing one’s true self, making it a meaningful addition to the Twisted Tales series.

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