Crib Notes-Fractured Fairytales

At some point in our lives, we have decreed that fairytales have tinkerbell like creatures flying around and happy endings. But if like me, you prefer the tales of the Brothers Grimm, these will be more to your taste. Tales with a twist, or for the twisted.

SNOW WHITE, BLOOD RED – Ellen Datlow

These are not the bedtime stories to usher the innocent into the realm of dreams. They are dark, disturbing, lush and even erotic. They will sink their teeth in.

Other anthologies by Datlow: Black Heart, Ivory Bones; Black Thorn, White Roses; Black Swan, White Raven; Ruby Slippers, Golden Tears.

THE BLOODY CHAMBER – Angela Carter

Subversive and sensual spins on familiar fairytales and legends with a gothic edge. A masterful reimaging for the lover of the supernatural.

MY MOTHER SHE KILLED ME, MY FATHER HE ATE ME – Kate Bernheimer

New stories sewn together from old skins, inspired by the classics. Contemporary authors such as Neil Gaiman, Joyce Carol Oates and Michael Cunningham offer a twist on our oldest literary traditions.

FAIRYTALES FROM THE BROTHERS GRIMM – Phillip Pullman

Pullman retells his fifty favourite Grimm’s stories. At the end of each he gives some personal commentary. Opening up a new window into and out of the everlasting appeal of the fairytale.