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The Stone Cage
A retelling of Rapunzel, told by Tomlyn, the cat, apprentice to Mother Gothel, the witch who kept the maiden in a stone cage at the top of a tall stone tower.
246 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 1963
293 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Stuart Gray
42 books41 followersNicholas Stuart Gray (23 October 1922, Scotland - 17 March 1981) was a British actor and playwright, perhaps best known for his work in children's theatre in England. He was also an author of children's fantasy; he wrote a number of novels, a dozen plays, and many short stories. Neil Gaiman has written that Gray "is one of those authors I loved as a boy who holds up even better on rereading as an adult". Many other modern fantasy authors, such as Hilari Bell, Cecilia Dart-Thornton, Kate Forsyth, Cassandra Golds, Katherine Langrish, Sophie Masson, and Garth Nix, cite Gray's work as something they enjoyed as children.
Perhaps his best-known books are The Seventh Swan and Grimbold's Other World. Gray often produced adaptations or continuations of traditional fairy tales and fantasy works, as in his Further Adventures of Puss in Boots. His The Stone Cage is a re-telling of Rapunzel from a cat's point of view. Over The Hills to Fabylon is about a city whose king has the ability to make it fly off across the mountains if he feels it is in danger.
Gray maintained a long-term collaborative relationship with set designer and illustrator Joan Jefferson Farjeon (sister of Eleanor Farjeon and Harry Farjeon); she supplied the costume and scenic designs for many of the theatrical productions of his plays, as well as the illustrations of his books.
---from wikipedia
Perhaps his best-known books are The Seventh Swan and Grimbold's Other World. Gray often produced adaptations or continuations of traditional fairy tales and fantasy works, as in his Further Adventures of Puss in Boots. His The Stone Cage is a re-telling of Rapunzel from a cat's point of view. Over The Hills to Fabylon is about a city whose king has the ability to make it fly off across the mountains if he feels it is in danger.
Gray maintained a long-term collaborative relationship with set designer and illustrator Joan Jefferson Farjeon (sister of Eleanor Farjeon and Harry Farjeon); she supplied the costume and scenic designs for many of the theatrical productions of his plays, as well as the illustrations of his books.
---from wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 27, 2011
This is a retelling of Rapunzel.
Nicholas Stuart Gray obviously adored cats, and had observed them well enough to be able to really write them. They're primary characters in most of his books, and in The Stone Cage, nearly the entire story is narrated by the witch's cat.
I think it's the most adult of Gray's books, because Tomlyn is such a cynic; every seemingly innocuous or even happy event is taken with a whole handful of salt. And with good cause; Tomlyn's lived his whole life in company with a wicked witch - as he puts it, "I was only a kitten when madam trapped me, and I lived in her cottage for more than a hundred and sixty years. Sometimes it seemed longer" - who's about to trick a foolish but well-meaning man into giving her his newborn baby. And that's going to change everything for the witch's familiars (Tomlyn and Marshall, her raven).
There are genuinely magical and dangerous moments in this book, as well as humor, adventure, charm. Child-care doesn't come naturally to a wicked witch; witness the cradle that croaks "Never grow up... never grow up..." when you rock it.
Thank goodness Rapunzel has a cat and a raven looking out for her.
Nicholas Stuart Gray obviously adored cats, and had observed them well enough to be able to really write them. They're primary characters in most of his books, and in The Stone Cage, nearly the entire story is narrated by the witch's cat.
I think it's the most adult of Gray's books, because Tomlyn is such a cynic; every seemingly innocuous or even happy event is taken with a whole handful of salt. And with good cause; Tomlyn's lived his whole life in company with a wicked witch - as he puts it, "I was only a kitten when madam trapped me, and I lived in her cottage for more than a hundred and sixty years. Sometimes it seemed longer" - who's about to trick a foolish but well-meaning man into giving her his newborn baby. And that's going to change everything for the witch's familiars (Tomlyn and Marshall, her raven).
There are genuinely magical and dangerous moments in this book, as well as humor, adventure, charm. Child-care doesn't come naturally to a wicked witch; witness the cradle that croaks "Never grow up... never grow up..." when you rock it.
Thank goodness Rapunzel has a cat and a raven looking out for her.
April 2, 2012
My all-time favorite book, my first book love, read many times over many years.
Each page is a morsel of literary divinity to be savored slowly, deliberately and with exquisite relish. The story told through the eyes of the witch's cat intrigues and compels.
I never, ever praise any literature whatsoever as highly as I do this one. My life's dream would be to translate this extraordinary masterpiece to film. Nothing surpasses.
Read it and be transported to a fantastical place where your indulgence in fairy tale lore and intelligent twists can burst from the pages as you read. This story will charm a place into your heart forever.
Each page is a morsel of literary divinity to be savored slowly, deliberately and with exquisite relish. The story told through the eyes of the witch's cat intrigues and compels.
I never, ever praise any literature whatsoever as highly as I do this one. My life's dream would be to translate this extraordinary masterpiece to film. Nothing surpasses.
Read it and be transported to a fantastical place where your indulgence in fairy tale lore and intelligent twists can burst from the pages as you read. This story will charm a place into your heart forever.
April 21, 2024
A magical retelling of Rapunzel, told from the perspective of the witch's enchanted but sardonic cat, Tomlyn. The relationship of the witch, Tomlyn, and Marshall the raven and how the arrival of Rapunzel changes them makes this a fascinating story.
My review:
https://perfectretort.blogspot.com/20...
Not just for cat lovers!
My review:
https://perfectretort.blogspot.com/20...
Not just for cat lovers!
October 8, 2011
A wonderful classic children's fantasy which retells the Rapunzel fairy tale from the point of view of the witch's cat. The book which first made me think about writing my own Rapunzel retelling, when I was only 12.
May 25, 2015
This book is a retelling of the story Rapunzel though the eyes of the witch's cat.
I first read the story as a child and was instantly captivated. Nearly 15 years later, it's still my favourite book from my childhood and holds such dear memories for me. It's a pity it's out of print.
I first read the story as a child and was instantly captivated. Nearly 15 years later, it's still my favourite book from my childhood and holds such dear memories for me. It's a pity it's out of print.
December 16, 2015
Have been meaning to rate this book for ages but kept forgetting.
The Stone Cage is easily in my top 5 favourite books. I say that about lots of books but this one really is.
It is an absolute masterpiece of storytelling, written by a fabulous author at the peak of his powers. The main narrator, Tomlyn, is wonderfully articulate and cynical and perfectly embodies the aloofness, dignity and conceit we assume cats to have when we anthropomorphise.
His relationship with Marshall the raven as they survive, and later become co-conspirators under the dread regime of Mother Gothel, is at times funny, at times gripping, and ultimately heart-achingly sad – yet manages also to be uplifting.
This is powerful writing. To conflict the reader with such powerful pathos and joy at the end of the novel is the kind of result most writers can only dream of. I’m a hard-bitten crime writer in my fifties and even I tear up a little just thinking about the last chapter of The Stone Cage.
I give it my highest recommendation.
The Stone Cage is easily in my top 5 favourite books. I say that about lots of books but this one really is.
It is an absolute masterpiece of storytelling, written by a fabulous author at the peak of his powers. The main narrator, Tomlyn, is wonderfully articulate and cynical and perfectly embodies the aloofness, dignity and conceit we assume cats to have when we anthropomorphise.
His relationship with Marshall the raven as they survive, and later become co-conspirators under the dread regime of Mother Gothel, is at times funny, at times gripping, and ultimately heart-achingly sad – yet manages also to be uplifting.
This is powerful writing. To conflict the reader with such powerful pathos and joy at the end of the novel is the kind of result most writers can only dream of. I’m a hard-bitten crime writer in my fifties and even I tear up a little just thinking about the last chapter of The Stone Cage.
I give it my highest recommendation.
March 10, 2011
This short play reinterprets the story of Rapunzel from the point of view of the witch's cat.
Mother Gothel wants a baby to bring up as her assistant witch. Unbeknownst to her, and never guessed at because she is dumb as a post, Tomkyn the cat has learned magic and enchanted Rapunzel so that she becomes stupid in the presence of magic. I wish Grey had handled this spell with a little more subtlety, since it makes Rapunzel a rather boring character. This was probably deliberate, to keep the focus on the two animals who are really the main characters. I found the raven who wants to be a scholar the most sympathetic.
Mother Gothel wants a baby to bring up as her assistant witch. Unbeknownst to her, and never guessed at because she is dumb as a post, Tomkyn the cat has learned magic and enchanted Rapunzel so that she becomes stupid in the presence of magic. I wish Grey had handled this spell with a little more subtlety, since it makes Rapunzel a rather boring character. This was probably deliberate, to keep the focus on the two animals who are really the main characters. I found the raven who wants to be a scholar the most sympathetic.
March 6, 2018
A beautiful, magical tale of Rapunzel, told through the eyes of Tomlyn the cat. One of the best books I've ever read, and it has been a long hunt to acquire a copy as it is so rare now.
For a child, this is such a believable and unforgettable story - it's almost a crime that it is out of print.
Yet that is what makes those of us who own it so much more blessed.
I say to everyone who loves magical stories, find a copy, even if it takes your whole life.
For a child, this is such a believable and unforgettable story - it's almost a crime that it is out of print.
Yet that is what makes those of us who own it so much more blessed.
I say to everyone who loves magical stories, find a copy, even if it takes your whole life.
January 4, 2024
I read this because Neil Gaiman said The Stone Cage is one of his favorite books, and I was not disappointed. This is a magical retelling of Rapunzel, mainly narrated by the witch's sardonic feline familiar, Tomlyn. Tomlyn reluctantly gets drawn into the sentimental efforts of his fellow familiar, Marshall the raven, as the two of them work to prevent the deceptively acquired baby Rapunzel from transformation into a dark sorceress. Their adventures are made even more colorful by the fact that both the familiars can perform magic themselves, unbeknownst to to their mistress, Mother Gothel. It all comes to a highly unlikely, but thoroughly satisfying ending, making it a wonderfully enchanting read. I definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in fairy tale retellings, magical animals, or young adult fantasies in general. I sincerely hope that some savvy publisher will choose to republish this currently out-of-print book... soon!
July 19, 2024
“…her eyes were pale blue. Sometimes they seemed as deep as a well, with thoughts swirling in them like fishes. At other times, they were shallow, and nothing could live in them at all. And then it was best to keep away. She was never reliable, but when her eyes went dull she was at her worst, and anything could happen.”
“Anything can happen,” said Marshall, “at any time. It is a primary rule of life, that nothing goes by rule. If there is one absolute and eternal certainty, it is that nothing whatever is certain.”
—
Endearingly optimistic in parts, but the storytelling is a bit scattered in this book.
“Anything can happen,” said Marshall, “at any time. It is a primary rule of life, that nothing goes by rule. If there is one absolute and eternal certainty, it is that nothing whatever is certain.”
—
Endearingly optimistic in parts, but the storytelling is a bit scattered in this book.
November 12, 2017
Superb. This is the type of book to create a love of books for life. When read while I was young it still stays vividly with me to this very day.
pbs-wishlist
July 20, 2022because raven and cat are main characters
wished on paberbackswap
wished on paberbackswap
December 22, 2024
This was a childhood favourite I hadn't seen in years. After a discussion with my now adult children, they got me this copy as a gift. It doesn't quite have the same resonance it did for me as a child but it's still a great story and I will look forward to reading it to my grandchildren. For me this will always be the "true" story of Rapunzel.
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June 12, 2008Retelling of Rapunzel.
September 27, 2014
Part of my past - and my present. I am the cat. I am the raven. I am the witch.
February 13, 2013
I first read this when I was 11 and loved it. The second time I was 17 and I loved it then too. It's the Rapunzel story from the perspective of the witch's cat. A great book!
May 20, 2016
Love, Love, Love this book.
Classic retelling of 'Rapunzel',but from the witches Cats point of view.
I looked for a copy of this for 20 years!
Finally found one.
Classic retelling of 'Rapunzel',but from the witches Cats point of view.
I looked for a copy of this for 20 years!
Finally found one.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews