Disney syndrome (by Daniel Marques)

(Amazon UK link)

'Disney syndrome' is another book I downloaded a while ago for my Kindle, when it was free on special offer. I thought I’d read it on a lengthy coach journey. I wasn't expecting very much, but I was intrigued to know what the author thought was the result of watching too many Disney movies.

The subtitle of the book is, 'The effects of fairy-tales as a mind-programming tool'. The implication (stated explicitly in the synopsis) is that fairy tales per se, and Disney variations in particular, are dangerous and manipulative. The book tells us that we should not expose our children to any kind of fairy stories or films about princesses.

The author’s main premise in ‘Disney Syndrome’ seems to be that many women who started life by watching endless ‘princess’ movies become helpless. They want to be rescued by a prince, and are unable to cope with real life or relationships. Apparently many of them then grow up to be ‘dragons’, filled with hate and bitterness.

While no doubt there are some people like this, they’re hardly as common as the author suggests. I don't think I've met anyone remotely like this. I would agree that it's not constructive, necessarily, to watch the same movie over and over again. Certainly it's not a great idea for for small children to see much TV at all. But since most of us grew up with fairy tales, and many thousands of small girls watch Disney princess movies over and over without turning into the rather pathetic creatures described by the author, I don’t think the premise can be correct.

Moreover, while it was an interesting idea, it’s not developed by examples or even by explanation or research. The writing is ungrammatical, too. I assume the author does not have English as a first language, so it’s a pity he didn’t use a proof-reader. And it’s very short. Each ‘page turn’ in my Kindle moved forward about five or six percent of the book, and the last few pages are lists of the author’s other books.

All in all, I found myself bemused by this book, wondering what the point of it is.

Not recommended, and definitely not worth paying for.

Review copyright 2016 Sue's Book Reviews