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falconerreader's review against another edition
4.0
Such a great approach to the old stories. Galloway doesn't just reimagine plot and setting, she takes on a new point of view in each of these. Jack and the Beanstalk as told by the giantess? Rumpelstiltkin's side of the story? Rapunzel's "real"mom's life story? Lots of good stuff here. The last story confused me all the way up to the end, then I burst into laughter.
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Who knew Cinderella's prince just had a foot fetish?booksandbosox's review against another edition
2.0
I was not overly impressed with this collection of retold Grimm fairy tales; however, some were quite good. The one that sticks with me the most is the Jack and the Beanstalk retelling. I also recall the Red Riding Hood version, but not necessarily for a good reason.
lauriereadslohf's review against another edition
4.0
"The Name" is a dark take on Rumpelstiltskin. Telling the story from the viewpoint of a heartbroken man, the author really changes things up and gives you a new view on this old story. I enjoyed it a lot.
"Blood and Bone" is an odd twist on Jack and the Beanstock about a devastating disease and the disturbing ingredient needed to prolong the lifespan of the afflicted. It's another grim tale, to be sure, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the first. The choices made by the lead protagonist weren't well thought out . . .
"A Bed of Peas" isn't the fairy tale you may think it might be. This one wasn't my favorite because I felt a disconnect and disinterest to the characters and storyline. It also wasn't grim enough for me ;)
"The Good Mother" more than makes up for the lack of grimness in the previous tale and is a truly imaginative take on a classic fairy tale. Sad, desperate and a great little read.
"The Voice of Love" is about a doomed prince and a mermaid. It just didn't grab me.
The rest of these tales are variants of the same. Classic fairy tales told from a very different perspective and all were fascinating to me.
"Blood and Bone" is an odd twist on Jack and the Beanstock about a devastating disease and the disturbing ingredient needed to prolong the lifespan of the afflicted. It's another grim tale, to be sure, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the first. The choices made by the lead protagonist weren't well thought out . . .
"A Bed of Peas" isn't the fairy tale you may think it might be. This one wasn't my favorite because I felt a disconnect and disinterest to the characters and storyline. It also wasn't grim enough for me ;)
"The Good Mother" more than makes up for the lack of grimness in the previous tale and is a truly imaginative take on a classic fairy tale. Sad, desperate and a great little read.
"The Voice of Love" is about a doomed prince and a mermaid. It just didn't grab me.
The rest of these tales are variants of the same. Classic fairy tales told from a very different perspective and all were fascinating to me.
falconerreader's review
4.0
Such a great approach to the old stories. Galloway doesn't just reimagine plot and setting, she takes on a new point of view in each of these. Jack and the Beanstalk as told by the giantess? Rumpelstiltkin's side of the story? Rapunzel's "real"mom's life story? Lots of good stuff here. The last story confused me all the way up to the end, then I burst into laughter. Who knew Cinderella's prince just had a foot fetish?
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