Tag Archives: Retellings

Precious by Nalo Hopkinson

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Precious
Author: Nalo Hopkinson
In: Silver Birch, Blood Moon (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Fairy tales, Retellings
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 1999

Thoughts

I often wonder just what happens after the happily ever after in fairy tales. Marriage is honestly not the ending, but just the beginning of another chapter in life. And, although I like to imagine sometimes that the happily ever after moment and joy continues, I’m not always that optimistic. I like that Hopkinson took this idea and emphasised that sometimes we have to recreate our own happily ever after.

The name of the original fairy tale completely eludes me, but Precious / Isobel is a very familiar character. I love that originally, having diamonds, flowers and precious jewels fall from her lips was considered a gift. Yet, it ultimately turns into a curse. And, although her husband ‘saved’ her from servitude to her family, it was ultimately Isobel herself who was able to save herself from her curse and craft a whole new life for herself.

The rage of women and the frustration that we sometimes feel when we are constantly overlooked and ignored seems to be a bit of a note that I’m finding in stories lately. I love that Isobel is able to use this anger to actually release herself. Her final rant and moment of release was beautiful, and definitely a moment that I will continue to remember with fondness.

<- Clad in GossamerThe Sea Hag ->

Image source: Wikipedia

Phantoms of the Midway by Seanan McGuire

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Phantoms of the Midway
Author: Seanan McGuire
In: The Mythic Dream (Dominik Parisien & Navah Wolfe)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Ghosts, Mythology, Retellings
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I spent this whole story trying to figure out which myth this short story was based on. And then, I realised that it was about Hades and Persephone. Which completely makes sense, but rather than being based on romantic or sexual love, it’s about a mother’s love.

I love that Aracely and Joanna have so much potential at the turning point of seventeen. And even though they’re both dead, that potential is somehow expanded, not diminished. But, they also have a reality and a life to grow into. One that they both grasp with eyes wide open.

There is something eerie and haunting about this story from the very beginning. And, it isn’t until the end that I could quite put my finger on why. On the one hand, it’s sweet and a reminder of the lengths that a mother will go to to protect her child. On the other, it’s a little bit creepy the lengths that a mother will go to to protect her child…

<- The Mythic DreamThe Justified ->

Image source: Simon & Schuster

Vanishing Virgin by Harvey Jacobs

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Vanishing Virgin
Author: Harvey Jacobs
In: Silver Birch, Blood Moon (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Fairy tales, Magic, Retellings
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 1999

Thoughts

This short story had a very English, kind of carnie vibe to it. I love that it was a unique view of fae and Houdini and the joys of magic. Plus, it was a time that I find kind of intriguing, one that reminded me of The Greatest Showman.

I love how at the beginning of this story, it focused on Dr Ohm, who you thought was the main character. And then, it jumped to Molly. And, ultimately, it was about her happily ever after, not his. The flicking between who the protagonist was was kind of subtle, and although it’s obvious that it happened, it’s not obvious when it happened.

Houdini, magic and the fae, this is a really good mix of themes and plot lines. I absolutely adored this tale and enjoyable adventure. I love that Molly got a loving and happy ending, and even Dr Ohm had an ending that was enjoyable.

<- Glass CoffinClad in Gossamer ->

Image source: Wikipedia

The Lemming Factor by Isobelle Carmody

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for green monkey dreams isobelle carmody book cover

Title: The Lemming Factor
Author: Isobelle Carmody
In: Green Monkey Dreams (Isobelle Carmody)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Family, Retellings
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Year: 1996

Thoughts

Something about this short story made it feel like everyone was just… charging towards their death. Which kind of makes sense, since its a story called The Lemming Factor. And even, with the uncertain ending to this, I still felt like the majority had literally been running towards their death.

The Lemming highlights how damaging it can be to only look out for yourself. And how the great importance of loyalty and family is what often carries us through. I love that one of those who was thought to be the ‘winners’ of the race, was more focused on their family.

I felt like there were so many meanings to this story. And many possible interpretations. But, even if you’re not trying to unravel the hidden meanings, the very simple act of running after the pied piper provided and entertaining read.

<- The BeastThe Monster Game ->

Image source: Allen & Unwin

Forbidden Fruit by Roshani Chokshi

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Forbidden Fruit
Author: Roshani Chokshi
In: A Thousand Beginnings and Endings (Ellen Oh & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Asia, Mythology, Retellings
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I don’t know the original fairy tale that this is based on, but I definitely loved this retelling. It was everything I love in a good fairy tale – it’s cute and kind of sweet. But with a tragic backstory that made me kind of sad. I definitely plan on adding more of the writing of Chokshi to my TBR now.

This short story had such a sad ending, one that shows just how much miscommunications can hurt. My heart broke a little at the ending. Particularly since it brewed resentment and hurt. But, it had that bittersweet feeling of love and beauty.

I honestly thought that the man would betray the mountain. But, it was actually pride and greed from others that destroyed their happiness. A reminder that sometimes the gods shouldn’t come near humans. And that sometimes fairy tales don’t have a happily ever after.

<- A Thousand Beginnings and EndingsOlivia’s Table ->

Image source: Amazon

Clad in Gossamer by Nancy Kress

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Clad in Gossamer
Author: Nancy Kress
In: Silver Birch, Blood Moon (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Retellings
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 1999

Thoughts

This was an absolutely brilliant spin on the Emperor’s New Clothes. Honestly, there was a little surprise around every corner, and I was never completely sure of what to expect from one moment to the next. Yet, it still kind of captured the themes of the original, exactly what I tend to enjoy within a retelling.

I love that the Prince in this tried to upstage and destroy his brother, and in doing so, managed to destroy himself. Again, I was constantly surprised about what was going to happen next and how it was going to work out. But, mostly I just really enjoyed that the more you got to know and dislike the prince, the more you realised what a hole he was potentially digging himself.

There were so many layers to this short story, and I love that no matter how many times you read it, you’re going to find an extra moment to notice and interpret. I particularly loved how perceptions and interpretations can be so wrong. Specifically the Prince’s misunderstanding of the women within this story and how their actions were so seriously misunderstood.

I absolutely adored this short story, and thought that it was brilliantly executed. Definitely one that I’ll read again in the future.

<- The Vanishing VirginPrecious ->

Image source: Wikipedia

Longer Than the Threads of Time by Zoraida Cordova

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
A Universe of Wishes: A We Need Diverse Books Anthology by Dhonielle Clayton

Title: Longer Than the Threads of Time
Author: Zoraida Cordova
In: A Universe of Wishes (Dhonielle Clayton)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Fairy tales, Retellings
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Crown
Year: 2020

Thoughts

This short story was a fantastic, and very interesting Rapunzel retelling. And, even after finishing it (and thoroughly enjoying it), I’m actually not entirely sure who the villain is. It’s not a flipped on its head fairy tale in that Rapunzel is evil. But as you find out  more and more of the why and how of her entrapment in the tower… you realise she’s not entirely innocent either.

Danae (Cordova’s version of Rapunzel) begins this story as an innocent. And, even when you find out why she is trapped, I still thought of her as a bit of an innocent. I mean, being young and not having control over your actions doesn’t make you evil. But, then there’s the fact that she ends her entrapment by taking someone else’s sacrifice. And, when you look at it through that lens, is she really that innocent? I mean, she kind of set the lad up to be a victim here…

This short story was a somewhat dark and very unexpected Rapunzel retelling. I was pleasantly surprised upon reading it and would love to find out more about this magical world nestled in NYC. It was a dark and unexpected tale. One that I look forward to reading again in the near future.

<- The Beginning of MonstersHabibi ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Price by Patricia Briggs

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The Price
Author: Patricia Briggs
In: Silver Birch, Blood Moon (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Retellings
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 1999

Thoughts

I could pretty much guarantee, before even reading this, that I would love it. Because I tend to love all things by Patricia Briggs. The fact that it was a Rumpelstiltskin retelling just made it all that much better. Mostly because I don’t get to read many retelling of this fairy tale…

I love that this story gives you a bit of backstory about Rumpelstiltskin. Rather than just being a character who takes advantage of the Miller’s daughter, there’s how they actually met. In fact, a good portion of this is about how the two met, and then how they bonded. It makes a whole lot more sense than the original if you think about it.

I also love that this retelling got a happily ever after. Not all retelling do, and I thought this one was even better than the original. In fact, I kind of want MORE of their story and happiness…

<- CarabosseGlass Coffin ->

Image source: Wikipedia

Glass Coffin by Caitlin R. Kiernan

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Glass Coffin
Author: Caitlin R. Kiernan
In: Silver Birch, Blood Moon (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Retellings
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 1999

Thoughts

This was a very dark and twisty contemporary retelling of Snow White. Without the happy ending. Although, there was at least, the feeling of true love. In true Kiernan fashion, this was dark and twisted. But there was something ridiculously fun about that fact. Even while you were kind of sad at the turn of events.

I love that the seven dwarves are replaced by seven urchins (I’m sure there’s a better term for this, but that’s how it works in my head). With very few words, Kieran is able to show how each of them ended up here and what their burdens are. It also makes a weird sense how their decisions at the end of the story lead to such tragic outcomes.

There is violence and death in this story. Enough that it reminds you how kind of twisted the original Snow White is. But there’s this believability to this version which somehow makes it all darker and more twisted. Seriously enjoyable and a reminder of why I enjoy Kiernan’s writing so much.

<- The PriceThe Vanishing Virgin ->

Image source: Wikipedia

Kiss Kiss by Tanith Lee

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Kiss Kiss
Author: Tanith Lee
In: Silver Birch, Blood Moon (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling) & Redder Than Blood (Tanith Lee)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Feminism, Retellings
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 1999

Thoughts

I absolutely adored this Frog Prince retelling. It was kind of dark, a little bit twisted and definitely had a whole other approach than any other story of this sort that I’ve had the pleasure of reading before. Plus, I like dark, feminist twists to classic fairytales.

Even though this had some great feminist notes, but there wasn’t a good, happy ending. In fact, it was an incredibly tragic and annoying ending if I’m being honest. But also absolutely perfect.

This short story is a reminder that power corrupts. Even if you THINK a story is headed to a happy ending, the allure of power can be seriously consuming. A little heartbreaking in the end, but wonderful in its entirety.

<- Silver Birch, Blood MoonCarabosse ->

Image source: Wikipedia