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How a Mother Weaned Her Girl from Fairy Tales: and Other Stories
Elegant and brutal, the stories in Kate Bernheimer's latest collection occupy a heightened landscape, where the familiar cedes to the grotesque and nonsense just as often devolves into terror. These are fairy tales out of time, renewing classic stories we think we know, like one of Bernheimer's girls, whose hands of steel turn to flowers, leaving her beautiful but alone. Kate Bernheimer is the author of the short story collection Horse, Flower, Bird and the editor of My Mother She Killed Me, My Father He Ate Forty New Fairy Tales and the journal Fairy Tale Review .
158 pages, Paperback
First published July 14, 2014
3 people are currently reading
733 people want to read
About the author
Kate Bernheimer
60 books263 followersKate Bernheimer is the author of three novels and the story collection Horse, Flower, Bird, as well as children's books. Among other books, she edited the World Fantasy Award winning My Mother She Killed Me, My Father He Ate Me: Forty New Fairy Tales and the forthcoming xo Orpheus: 50 New Myths.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 5, 2020
this teeny-tiny book opens with a walter benjamin quote:
The fairy tale tells us of the earliest arrangements that mankind made to shake off the nightmare which the myth had placed upon its chest.
and is itself full of teeny-tiny fairy tales, some of which are dark nightmares, and some which are luminous shakings-off of the nightmare.
kate bernheimer is the editor responsible for My Mother She Killed Me, My Father He Ate Me: Forty New Fairy Tales and xo Orpheus: Fifty New Myths, so she knows both her myths and her fairy tales, and she knows how to incorporate the magical into the realism to great effect, either charming:
As the town librarian, I don't have many opportunities for social contact - unless you count books. I live in a secret compartment behind the front desk: if you pull out the first volume of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women series, the entire wall swings completely wide open - and there's my apartment.
or creepy:
My shadow learned to walk when I learned to walk, and her first word was also my own. When I lost my teeth, she lost her teeth too. The Tooth Fairy left me a quarter; my shadow left me her teeth - under my gums. Over time they grew in. My shadow was mean, but I always found her a comfort. Besides, there was no getting away from her, that much I knew. As fast as I'd run, she'd run. Wherever I'd go she went, bigger or smaller depending on the hour, but always there like a friend or a horror. And her gray aspect slid toward me from the ceiling at night - a mirror of me made of shadows - even when my eyes were closed I could see her. She had a vague edge, a definite darkness.
my only complaint is that the second story quoted from above is the longest in the collection, and was already included in xo Orpheus: Fifty New Myths, which makes a very short book even shorter for those of us who already read it there.
but otherwise, a tight little collection of stories taking the familiar tone and shape of fairy tales, giving us new enchantments to enjoy and even managing to make pink a little terrifying.
come to my blog!
The fairy tale tells us of the earliest arrangements that mankind made to shake off the nightmare which the myth had placed upon its chest.
and is itself full of teeny-tiny fairy tales, some of which are dark nightmares, and some which are luminous shakings-off of the nightmare.
kate bernheimer is the editor responsible for My Mother She Killed Me, My Father He Ate Me: Forty New Fairy Tales and xo Orpheus: Fifty New Myths, so she knows both her myths and her fairy tales, and she knows how to incorporate the magical into the realism to great effect, either charming:
As the town librarian, I don't have many opportunities for social contact - unless you count books. I live in a secret compartment behind the front desk: if you pull out the first volume of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women series, the entire wall swings completely wide open - and there's my apartment.
or creepy:
My shadow learned to walk when I learned to walk, and her first word was also my own. When I lost my teeth, she lost her teeth too. The Tooth Fairy left me a quarter; my shadow left me her teeth - under my gums. Over time they grew in. My shadow was mean, but I always found her a comfort. Besides, there was no getting away from her, that much I knew. As fast as I'd run, she'd run. Wherever I'd go she went, bigger or smaller depending on the hour, but always there like a friend or a horror. And her gray aspect slid toward me from the ceiling at night - a mirror of me made of shadows - even when my eyes were closed I could see her. She had a vague edge, a definite darkness.
my only complaint is that the second story quoted from above is the longest in the collection, and was already included in xo Orpheus: Fifty New Myths, which makes a very short book even shorter for those of us who already read it there.
but otherwise, a tight little collection of stories taking the familiar tone and shape of fairy tales, giving us new enchantments to enjoy and even managing to make pink a little terrifying.
come to my blog!
June 29, 2023
quirky & strange & delightful! uncannily fairy-tale-esque à la Over the Garden Wall and Laika Studio stop motion films. particularly loved the pages in between each individual story that served as character introductions for the types of narrators (?) within this collection—the doodles of the girls reminded me of Yoshitomo Nara’s art, and I can’t stop thinking about them and all of their possibilities.
April 14, 2015
This might not have gotten read except for the fact that I had it in my bag when my Kindle had been popping up the low battery signal for over an hour. I figured I'd save the rest of my battery for the trip home and read a tale or two from this book instead.
I hadn't really done more than glance at the cover to see that it was a Bernheimer collection before checking it out from the library. I thought I'd only have time to read a couple of stories since it was already getting a bit late, but once I started, I realized it was much, much shorter than its thickness makes it appear. Each page has a single paragraph printed - whether that paragraph was two words long or half of a page. And given that all but two of the stories is less than fifteen pages long, you can guess how short the stories were!
Needless to say, I flew through this anthology with plenty of time to spare.
It's really well written, but I guess I was just expecting a bit *more* to the stories instead of what would be just a couple of pages worth of text in ordinary formatting. The extreme shortness left me really unsatisfied. If this were printed by any other publisher, I think it would only be 50-75 pages long!
Additionally, I kept waiting for the stories to connect in some way since they kept seeming like they might - but though they had similar characters and images, the stories just never joined up.
I hadn't really done more than glance at the cover to see that it was a Bernheimer collection before checking it out from the library. I thought I'd only have time to read a couple of stories since it was already getting a bit late, but once I started, I realized it was much, much shorter than its thickness makes it appear. Each page has a single paragraph printed - whether that paragraph was two words long or half of a page. And given that all but two of the stories is less than fifteen pages long, you can guess how short the stories were!
Needless to say, I flew through this anthology with plenty of time to spare.
It's really well written, but I guess I was just expecting a bit *more* to the stories instead of what would be just a couple of pages worth of text in ordinary formatting. The extreme shortness left me really unsatisfied. If this were printed by any other publisher, I think it would only be 50-75 pages long!
Additionally, I kept waiting for the stories to connect in some way since they kept seeming like they might - but though they had similar characters and images, the stories just never joined up.
July 18, 2018
The thing that really stands out about these stories to me is how overflowing with sadness they are. Lonely, melancholy, despairing--these are the words I would use to characterize Bernheimer's collection. It's not a bad thing, because she knows how to manipulate these feelings for maximum effect.
One thing I have noticed that appears to be dominating the fairy tale culture these days is the idea of flatness as an essential component of folktales. I agree with the philosophy, because when really are, for example, characters psychologically complex or situations explained fully and in great detail; it's clear that this flatness aesthetic is the goal in these stories, and it works for the most time, but there were occasions ("How a Mother Weaned Her Girl from Fairy Tales," for example) where it grated on me.
I will say that, stylistically, I wasn't really into the idea of every paragraph starting on a new page, but it doesn't take away from the content of the stories. "Professor Helen C. Andersen," "Babes in the Woods," and "The Old Dinosaur" are my favorites.
4/5
One thing I have noticed that appears to be dominating the fairy tale culture these days is the idea of flatness as an essential component of folktales. I agree with the philosophy, because when really are, for example, characters psychologically complex or situations explained fully and in great detail; it's clear that this flatness aesthetic is the goal in these stories, and it works for the most time, but there were occasions ("How a Mother Weaned Her Girl from Fairy Tales," for example) where it grated on me.
I will say that, stylistically, I wasn't really into the idea of every paragraph starting on a new page, but it doesn't take away from the content of the stories. "Professor Helen C. Andersen," "Babes in the Woods," and "The Old Dinosaur" are my favorites.
4/5
February 18, 2022
Short but fascinating and a little bit haunting. I liked the little details and images that recurred in multiple tales, and I loved the one-page "stories" that intruded every now and then.
However, I think anyone who is not interested in fairy tales will probably like this collection a great deal less than I did.
Favorites:
"Professor Helen C. Andersen"
"Oh Jolly Playmate!"
"Babes in the Woods"
However, I think anyone who is not interested in fairy tales will probably like this collection a great deal less than I did.
Favorites:
"Professor Helen C. Andersen"
"Oh Jolly Playmate!"
"Babes in the Woods"
February 1, 2016
I got a signed copy of this for Christmas from my amazing partner, complete with a poem inside :). This was bound to set me up for liking the book immediately.
The title intrigued me outright, simply because I'm a mother of a young girl and always try (and usually fail) to tell a good bedtime story on the spot. My daughter makes up some pretty magical stories on her own, and I've taken to writing them down and expounding on them a bit. I always surprise myself with how quickly they take a turn toward the disturbing, and the sad- not generally aesthetics we associate with children's books.
I think that's one of the reasons why I loved everything about this book. It was like a little porcelain figurine extracting its own heart and holding it curiously in its hand. Bernheimer is unflinchingly honest about her characters, about their worlds, shortcomings and despair.
I'll definitely be picking up some more of her work.
My favorite part:
"I'm yours. I am the girl with flowers for hands. It wasn't always this way but when I met you, I knew that I was yours, and so when I planted a garden I made sure to do it just right. It meant considering the angle of light. It meant taking things on- things you never intended. If things seem a bit gloomy, please don't be sorry. This is really a wonderful thing. Flowers are heavy, like boulders, when looked at just right. Because I am yours I am rosy- and trust me, I am quite strong. Everything dies: I'm not too young to know that particular story. I can hold the entire world up with my flowers. I love you. That is the beginning and end."
The title intrigued me outright, simply because I'm a mother of a young girl and always try (and usually fail) to tell a good bedtime story on the spot. My daughter makes up some pretty magical stories on her own, and I've taken to writing them down and expounding on them a bit. I always surprise myself with how quickly they take a turn toward the disturbing, and the sad- not generally aesthetics we associate with children's books.
I think that's one of the reasons why I loved everything about this book. It was like a little porcelain figurine extracting its own heart and holding it curiously in its hand. Bernheimer is unflinchingly honest about her characters, about their worlds, shortcomings and despair.
I'll definitely be picking up some more of her work.
My favorite part:
"I'm yours. I am the girl with flowers for hands. It wasn't always this way but when I met you, I knew that I was yours, and so when I planted a garden I made sure to do it just right. It meant considering the angle of light. It meant taking things on- things you never intended. If things seem a bit gloomy, please don't be sorry. This is really a wonderful thing. Flowers are heavy, like boulders, when looked at just right. Because I am yours I am rosy- and trust me, I am quite strong. Everything dies: I'm not too young to know that particular story. I can hold the entire world up with my flowers. I love you. That is the beginning and end."
Read
July 19, 2023This was a fascinating collection of short stories. It’s a quick read, which isn’t what you would think looking at the outside of the book. Each story had a fairytale-like quality to them. However, there’s a darker undertone to some of these stories. A feeling that felt common was loneliness. A lot of these short stories had characters in isolating situations, which was very sad. I do find it fascinating to see the ways the stories connected. There were transition pages with little illustrations, and I think they were connected to certain stories.
-Patron J.L.
-Patron J.L.
April 5, 2019
This is a daring book for a daring reader. Bernheimer walks through and challenges fairy tales taking the reader into the fantastic world of the scariest reality. Classic stories are addressed with contemporary resources: minimalism, rawness, plot-twists, to remind us that fairy tales are in fact poetic realism.
This is a strange book that intertwines humor with darkness, dinosaurs with loneliness, motherhood with alcohol. I do feel, however, that sometimes I did get lost, either I did not pick enough breadcrumbs or the child on me refused to enter into this, nevertheless, beautifully written fairy world.
This is a strange book that intertwines humor with darkness, dinosaurs with loneliness, motherhood with alcohol. I do feel, however, that sometimes I did get lost, either I did not pick enough breadcrumbs or the child on me refused to enter into this, nevertheless, beautifully written fairy world.
July 3, 2019
Another wondrous collection of dark and haunting fairy tales from Bernheimer. Much like Horse, Flower, Bird (2010), this collection is formatted into sparse prose poem-y fragments. Some pages have a sentence or two, while others cover the entire page. It's an engrossing collection of stories, one ideally read by candlelight after midnight.
April 11, 2018
startling stories of myth and mundane, very enjoyable.
October 29, 2019
Interesting read
July 30, 2021
Very odd and disturbing.
Not what I was expecting.
Not what I was expecting.
March 23, 2023
I had to right a book review on this for my Literary Publishing class and all I can say is, I wasn't a fan of this collection.
October 3, 2023
Very well written and creative fairy tales with no plot. Pretty meanderings.
January 11, 2024
Weird little book. I got the gist of it, but then again I didn’t see the connections with the fairy tales she used as reference.
July 19, 2016
In the title story of Kate Bernheimer’s collection, How a Mother Weaned Her Girl from Fairy Tales, we encounter a universe where dolls talk and little girls receive trays of lollipops and jelly beans as nighttime snacks. A universe, it would seem, of childhood fantasy. And yet, as with the other stories in the collection, that fantasy world also throbs with cruelty and suffering. We encounter a scheming parent. Doll on doll violence. A daughter deprived of her toys ends up comforting her own mother in an eerie role reversal. “At least we still have each other,” the daughter says, with the hauntedness of a much older soul. The trappings of fairy tales ground each story in the collection, but these familiar nods to “once upon a time” ultimately split at their seams, thrusting readers into the unknown, reminding us of the paper-thin line between chaos and control.
[ For my full review of Kate Bernheimer's story collection, visit https://heavyfeatherreview.com/2014/0... ]
[ For my full review of Kate Bernheimer's story collection, visit https://heavyfeatherreview.com/2014/0... ]
July 21, 2015
I would actually give this a 1.5 but since I can't give half stars one will have to do. I did not care for this book. It wa touted as a "Fairy Tale" Fairy Tales should have morals and points. I didn't understand this book it seemed many of the stories had no moral or points. So it wasn't really a "Fairy Tale" so much as a collection of short stories. I guess if this was written in the style of the "Romantic" period of writing maybe I could see it, but the Fairy Tales still needed a moral. (Romantic authors include the Grimms Brothers which if you read there tales all have morals. Rather something to teach you."
January 2, 2016
This was a lovely little curious read - recommended by Jen Campbell as it falls very much within the mythy/fairy taley/strangeness and the writing is absolutely gorgeous.
It's a collection of very short stories, and instead of paragraph breaks there's a whole page break. At first I wondered if this was a way to make a book out of short material, however in most instances the blank space following the devastating sentence or two gives your brain a moment or two to mark time and really let it sink in (not to mention try and figure out what you just read.)
I didn't love all of it, but I found it challenging in the right ways and I might have to revisit it a couple more times.
It's a collection of very short stories, and instead of paragraph breaks there's a whole page break. At first I wondered if this was a way to make a book out of short material, however in most instances the blank space following the devastating sentence or two gives your brain a moment or two to mark time and really let it sink in (not to mention try and figure out what you just read.)
I didn't love all of it, but I found it challenging in the right ways and I might have to revisit it a couple more times.
August 24, 2014
Really enjoyed this short collection. The stories herein are so musical and, if this makes sense, have a gentleness about their prose. It works well with the strange nature of the characters and what they encounter. Recommended reading for all those who enjoy the fable, modern and classic alike.
October 1, 2014
Not my favourite. I enjoyed "My Mother She Killed Me, My Father He Ate Me" that Kate Bernheimer edited but I was disappointed with this offering. The stories were lyrical and well written but the magic wasn't there for me.
December 14, 2024
Read for school. Boring and it felt it tried too hard to be philosophical. I did not understand the point. I put the book down after first few poems. Sorry to the professor who praised it highly that I didn't enjoy it.
July 25, 2014
Quite possibly my favourite Bernheimer book!
December 18, 2014
This is a little book of modern fairy tales--somewhat accessible, somewhat silly--and most definitely meant to be read as a meditation.
March 13, 2016
Takes a while to get into, but the stories are marvelous once you do. A very fast read too.
December 29, 2016
I enjoyed this little book of short tales. Filled with sadness and loneliness and just a little bit dark and terrifying.
I will certainly reread it when I'm not so tired!
I will certainly reread it when I'm not so tired!
October 2, 2024
The consolation of imaginary things is not imaginary.
-- "Babes in the Woods"
-- "Babes in the Woods"
November 24, 2015
What a strange, sad little book.
February 13, 2016
A quick read and another fairy tale retelling to enjoy. Darkness in most and sweet in others.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews