Spotlight is a feature I do where I pick a topic or theme and then highlight some books that fall into that theme.
Fairy Tale Retellings
I LOVE fairy tale retellings. I find it endlessly fascinating to see the different ways authors can interpret the same stories. For this Spotlight List, I've gathered together a few fairy tale retellings that are based on stories that are retold less frequently and have been retold here in very unique ways.
Release Date: November 28, 2006
Publisher: Front Street Press
Pages: 216
Goodreads Page
A retelling of the Scheherazade tale, this one is set not set in the traditional Persian background. Instead, this version takes place in "generic English medieval village" during the time of the Black Plague. After following a hart, Keturah becomes lost in the forest where she meets Lord Death, who has come to collect her. Not wanting to die, Keturah strikes a deal with Lord Death: If she can find her true love in a day she will be allowed to live. Keturah relates her journey to Lord Death, capturing him in her story and prolonging her life for days with the telling of her tale. Along the way Keturah struggles to save her village from plague and teaches Lord Death a thing or two about love.
This was such a beautiful and unexpected gem. The lyrical writing transported me into the story, where Keturah's struggles captured my heart. The tale worked perfectly in this new setting. Added bonus: who knew Death could be so hot?
Release Date: March 30, 2010
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Pages: 288
Goodreads Page
This is a retelling of the fairy tale by the same name. Two sisters are each visited by a goddess and given a gift...or a curse. When one sister speaks, flowers and precious jewels fall from her lips. When the other sister speaks, toads and snakes appear. These gifts drastically change the sisters' lives and send them each down a new life path.
Though traditionally set in the "generic English medieval village," Heather Tomlinson resets the tale in a made up version of historical India. The change of setting is a stroke of genius and allows the story to go in a completely different direction. I loved it! This is one of those cases when the original seems like an ok attempt and the retelling feels like the way the story was meant to be.
Release Date: February 23, 2010
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 195
Goodreads Page
This is a retelling of The Princess and the Pea--a story I haven't seen retold too often. Though it seems like there isn't much for an author to do with this story, Debbie Viguie manages to spin a tale that is utterly delightful.
Violet discovers she is a princess and is sent to the Prince's castle to partake in a series of tests to win the Prince's hand in marriage. However, the tests are not what they seem. I completely loved Violet! She's such a sweet character. Though there is a love story here, my favorite part of the book was Violet herself and her interactions with the other princesses. I also loved reading along as Violet uncovered the true meaning of the tests.
Release Date: September 18, 2007
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
Pages: 320
Goodreads Page
This is a retelling of the Grimm fairy tale Maid Maleen. The original story takes place in the "generic medieval village" but Shannon Hale twists the tale around and sets it in a fictionalized version of Mongolia. The change in location is perfect, with the incorporation of Dashti's nomatic culture adding a depth and richness to the book that is as interesting to learn about as the actual story.
Now, I have to be honest here and say that I didn't actually like this book. The two main characters both irritated me. There's also something about Shannon Hale's writing style that doesn't click with me for some very disappointing reason. But take that with a huge grain of salt and don't let me turn you off from the book. Shannon Hale is positively adored by zillions of people and I can see this book being loved by fans of fairy tale retellings.
Release Date: February 28, 2006
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 179
Goodreads Page
I loved this book! This is a retelling of Rapunzel, but in this version Rapunzel is bald. Yes, bald! That may sound gimmicky or weird, but it actually works beautifully in the story. Cameron Dokey comes up with a fantastic way to make that plot device work while still retaining the main elements of the original story. The real strength, however, is Rapunzel herself, who in this version of the tale is a girl I totally love and want to be best friends with. Of course, there's also a sweet love story, but on top of that we also get a completely heartwarming mother-daughter relationship.
There are so many fairy tale retellings (luckily!) What are some of your favorites? Have you read any of these books? Feel free to add links to your reviews!
Want to see more Spotlight Lists?
More fairy tale lists:
Sleeping Beauty Retold
Little Red Riding Hood Retold
Click HERE to see more of my lists
Click to see some from Splash of Our Worlds
Want to see more Spotlight Lists?
More fairy tale lists:
Sleeping Beauty Retold
Little Red Riding Hood Retold
Click HERE to see more of my lists
Click to see some from Splash of Our Worlds
