There is no overt physical violence for readers to actually see in this tale. Though the ogres are feared enemies of all the kingdom's inhabitants, they do their deeds off the page. They talk about, more than act on, on their plan to dissect Ella for lunch.

Besides the fairy's curse, Ella's problems stem from the adults around her, the very people who should be helping her conquer her problems. Her mother, hoping to protect Ella from danger, commands her never to speak of the curse to another. This effectively cuts off assistance from anyone else. After her mother dies, her father has no sympathy for Ella's grief. Indeed he has no emotional ties to her at all. His treatment of her borders on emotional neglect. Ella's fairy godmother is no help to her either. Mandy refuses, even during Ella's frantic flight after the unmasking at...