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Fearie Tales: Stories of the Grimm and Gruesome
Two hundred years ago two brothers, Jacob and Wilhelm, collected together a large selection of folk and fairy tales and published them as Kinder- und Hausmärchen (Children's and Household Tales). So successful was the first collection of 88 stories that they kept adding more to subsequent editions. Since then, the tales of the Brothers Grimm have been translated into upwards of a hundred different languages and are known and loved throughout the world. Now award-winning editor Stephen Jones has tasked some of the brightest and best horror writers in Britain, America and Europe with reinterpreting some of the traditional Hausmärchen, putting a decidedly darker spin on the classic stories.
430 pages, Hardcover
First published September 26, 2013
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About the author
Stephen Jones
281 books347 followersStephen Jones is an eighteen-time winner of the British Fantasy Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
March 10, 2019
Страхотен сборник, останах изключително доволен. Подбрани приказки на братя Грим, и всеки автор прави версия на въпросната приказка, която е неочаквано свежа. Много силна компилация - сред авторите са Рамзи Кембъл, Нийл Геймън, Танит Лий (кавър на Рапунцел), Майкъл Маршал Смит, Маркус Хайц, Кристофър Фаулър (егати извратената версия на Пепеляшка беше това!), Брайън Лъмли (единственият разказ, който е само добър, а не върховен, макар и лъвкрафтов), Реджи Оливър, Анджела Слатър, Брайън Ходж и за финал - Линдквист, който е с версия на Румпелщилцхен. Единствена забележка - шрифта ми дойда малко по-дребен, отколкото би трябвало.
Горещо препоръчвам, на всички фенове на хоръра, фентъзито и приказките.
Горещо препоръчвам, на всички фенове на хоръра, фентъзито и приказките.
March 31, 2026
This anthology was a bit disappointing as I didn't find any of the stories very imaginative or scary, and if anyone laid the groundwork for terrifying fairytales, it was the brothers Grimm. There were several stories that I skipped through because I found the writing to be just too drawn out and forced. I definitely think there are better (and much scarier) takes on these stories out there.
December 30, 2013
When I was younger and more patient, I'd read every story in an anthology. Now, as a grumpy old woman, I only read the stories by authors whose work I've enjoyed previously, or is on my wishlist. Such is the case with Fearie Tales...
In Come Unto Me, John Ajvide Lindqvist has created a wonderfully Gothic, scary read, featuring a type of fairytale character I've never before encountered. There's some freaky shiz going on here, and it's fascinating stuff. Best of all, it tides us over until the author's next novel is released in English, whatever and whenever that may be. Bring it on!
In Come Unto Me, John Ajvide Lindqvist has created a wonderfully Gothic, scary read, featuring a type of fairytale character I've never before encountered. There's some freaky shiz going on here, and it's fascinating stuff. Best of all, it tides us over until the author's next novel is released in English, whatever and whenever that may be. Bring it on!
November 6, 2023
This is a stellar anthology with gorgeously chilling fairy-tale adaptations penned by a truly impressive cast of authors. Some tales are more loosely-based than others but all have the necessary motifs required for a journey into the forest. I enjoyed every minute.
December 20, 2017
Dark Fantasy short story anthology based on the fairytales of the Brothers Grimm. Although there were a few stories I thought were just OK, most of the stories get a 3 or 4 star rating. Lots of unique, creepy stories that are definitely not for children. Recommended.
February 24, 2014
Not just for horror fans…
Stephen Jones is a multi-award-winning writer and editor of horror stories and anthologies. For this one, he has asked some of the best of today’s horror writers to come up with a modern spin on some old folk and fairy tales – most but not all are taken from the Grimms’ collections. These are not in the main re-writings of the old stories but instead are imaginatively inspired by some aspect of them. Some are in traditional fairy tale settings and some in the modern day. The stories range from only a few pages up to almost novella-length, and a short author bio is given at the end of each.
Each new story is preceded by a version of the original story that inspired it and, although I can’t find anything in the book to confirm this, I assume these original stories have been re-written or at least re-edited specially for this book, probably by Jones himself, since no-one else is credited for it. And very well re-written they are too, in standard modern language but without the intrusion of anachronistic modern slang. Although they’re really only there as a taster and prompt for the new stories, I found these versions of the originals a pleasure to read in themselves.
The meat of the book however is in the new stories. As with any anthology, both approach and standard varies a little from story to story, but overall I found all of the stories to be above average for the genre and some are really excellent. Some of my favourites were Neil Gaiman’s entry, Down to a Sunless Sea – not a supernatural story as such, but spun very imaginatively from the old tale of The Singing Bone; Michael Marshall Smith’s clever and amusing twist on The Three Little Men in the Wood; Brian Lumley’s Lovecraftian tale of an aeons-old alien; and Angela Slatter’s brilliantly scary story of a brothel-keeper’s daughters – a take on The Robber Bridegroom.
I’ve only highlighted these three, but could easily have picked another half-dozen or so that I also greatly enjoyed. And amongst the names that might only be familiar to horror fans, there are some that are known much more widely - Gaiman, of course, Christopher Fowler of Bryant and May fame, and Joanne Harris, best known perhaps for Chocolat.
Yes, there are a few less good stories in the book, or at least that appealed less to me, but I thoroughly enjoyed the collection as a whole. Some are scary, but there’s no gore-fest or chainsaw massacre in here – the horror is in the atmosphere created by some fine writing and a lot of inventiveness. A word of caution - Jones makes it clear that this book is aimed at adults, not children, and I would endorse that. But I certainly don’t think they’re only for dedicated horror fans either – this quality of writing and imagination deserves a wider audience than that. Highly recommended.
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, Quercus.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
Stephen Jones is a multi-award-winning writer and editor of horror stories and anthologies. For this one, he has asked some of the best of today’s horror writers to come up with a modern spin on some old folk and fairy tales – most but not all are taken from the Grimms’ collections. These are not in the main re-writings of the old stories but instead are imaginatively inspired by some aspect of them. Some are in traditional fairy tale settings and some in the modern day. The stories range from only a few pages up to almost novella-length, and a short author bio is given at the end of each.
Each new story is preceded by a version of the original story that inspired it and, although I can’t find anything in the book to confirm this, I assume these original stories have been re-written or at least re-edited specially for this book, probably by Jones himself, since no-one else is credited for it. And very well re-written they are too, in standard modern language but without the intrusion of anachronistic modern slang. Although they’re really only there as a taster and prompt for the new stories, I found these versions of the originals a pleasure to read in themselves.
The meat of the book however is in the new stories. As with any anthology, both approach and standard varies a little from story to story, but overall I found all of the stories to be above average for the genre and some are really excellent. Some of my favourites were Neil Gaiman’s entry, Down to a Sunless Sea – not a supernatural story as such, but spun very imaginatively from the old tale of The Singing Bone; Michael Marshall Smith’s clever and amusing twist on The Three Little Men in the Wood; Brian Lumley’s Lovecraftian tale of an aeons-old alien; and Angela Slatter’s brilliantly scary story of a brothel-keeper’s daughters – a take on The Robber Bridegroom.
I’ve only highlighted these three, but could easily have picked another half-dozen or so that I also greatly enjoyed. And amongst the names that might only be familiar to horror fans, there are some that are known much more widely - Gaiman, of course, Christopher Fowler of Bryant and May fame, and Joanne Harris, best known perhaps for Chocolat.
Yes, there are a few less good stories in the book, or at least that appealed less to me, but I thoroughly enjoyed the collection as a whole. Some are scary, but there’s no gore-fest or chainsaw massacre in here – the horror is in the atmosphere created by some fine writing and a lot of inventiveness. A word of caution - Jones makes it clear that this book is aimed at adults, not children, and I would endorse that. But I certainly don’t think they’re only for dedicated horror fans either – this quality of writing and imagination deserves a wider audience than that. Highly recommended.
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, Quercus.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
November 26, 2013
Fearie Tales returns fairy tales to their roots, reminding us that these stories were originally not intended for children - unless you want to scare the crap out of them and make sure they don't do as their told lest the monster in the closet eat their toes. Like the Brother Grimm, this anthology collects fairy tales, specifically focusing on the darker aspects. The original stories are juxtaposed with variations by some of favourite authors including Garth Nix, Neil Gaiman, Michael Marshal Smith and more. I wouldn't necessarily say the stories are as gruesome as the cover suggests. "Haunting" is a more effective word that describes some of my favourite tales, such as Open Your Window, Golden Hair by Tanith Lee, a disturbing take on the story of Rapunzel. When paired with the absolutely creepy illustrations by Alan Lee, I may have found myself checking under the bed once or twice while reading this...
With thanks to Jo Fletcher Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
With thanks to Jo Fletcher Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2014
3,5 stars.
Fearie Tales is an anthology of short stories written by various authors, mostly inspired by the Brother Grimm’s fairy tales. I have to say that I do like the set-up of this book. The edited Brother Grimm fairy tales interspersed in this book set the dark tone. I do also like the addition of a bit of information on the authors after each short story. It is just nice to be able to read a bit on who these stories are coming from if you want to decide if you want to read more from them.
The illustrations by Alan Lee are amazing to look at and are certainly a great addition to many of the stories. They add to the dark and horror feel. There aren’t too many illustrations throughout the book. Honestly I think there aren’t enough.
My favorite short stories: Peckish, Look Inside, The Ash-Boy, The Artemis Line
It is difficult to rate an anthology. There will always be some stories that you will like and some stories that you will dislike. The rating was therefore mostly based on my overall feeling of this book. For me the stories itself were three stars overall but the drawings do add to the book so I upped it to 3,5.
Below this I have noted down some small thoughts on each story.
Find my Name by Rebecca Campbell
What I found interesting in this short story was the play on Rumplestiltskin. The overall story with the main character however did not completely pull me in. It was a good read but not one that I will remember in a few months.
Down to a Sunless Sea by Neil Gaiman
One of the short stories in this book, I found it a bit disappointing. I got the overall idea of the story but I got nothing very thrilling from it.
Open your Window, Golden Hair by Tanith Lee
As the title suggests, this story was inspired by Rapunzel. I really did think this was a great idea. However, for the most part the story felt long-winded and it took any feeling of suspense out of the story for me.
Crossing the Line by Garth Nix
This story started out with extremely long sentences in the first two pages. As in a good paragraph long. It made it very hard for me to get into the story as I had to reread these sentences a few times. It also was of a western setting which is not a setting that really appeals to me. The ending to the story though I found interesting and remarkable.
Peckish by Robert Shearman
Inspired by Hansel and Gretel, this story took a decisive creepier and darker turn than the original. It felt like this was something that could have happened though to those two. The story creeped me out, spoke to my imagination but also made me curious at every point as to which path it was going to take.
Look Inside by Michael Marshall Smith
What spoke to me the most in this story was the voice of the main character. It pulled me in and made me smile at moments. The idea of this story was also interesting and the somewhat open ending was creepy.
Fraulein Fearnot by Markus Heitz
There were parts that I did like about this story. One being that it took place in Germany and that I had a clearer idea of the surroundings. However I could not get into this story. As the original fairytale, The Story of the Youth who went forth to learn what Fear was, it was quite long. The main character did not speak to me. The main character didn’t feel like she could feel more than excitement, even after accidentally killing people. Even if she had that syndrome that did not make her feel fear, it felt weird that she would not at least feel guilt or sorrow. Still I found it interesting that this syndrome was mentioned at the end.
The Ash-Boy by Christopher Fowler
Inspired by Cinderella, this short story seems to start just as the fairy tale with only slight differences. However where Cinderella more of a happy ever after (with a grimm punishment), this ending turned quite gruesome. It is certainly that what made this story stand out to me. Especially the last paragraph.
The Changeling by Brian Lumley
This story had very little that appealed to me. I had no connection with the main character. Actually, I quite disliked the tone of the main character. As for the more fantasy aspect of the story, this also did not work for me.
The Silken Drum by Reggie Oliver
Interesting idea. I could see how it would end very quickly though and it took away the feeling of anxiousness within the story you are meant to feel with the main character.
By the Weeping Gate by Angela Slatter - DNF
Regrettably I have to say that for some reason I could not get into this at all and I did not finish it.
Anything to Me is Sweeter, Than to Cross Shock-Headed Peter by Brian Hodge
What is most gruesome about this story is that I can see some twisted individuals in our world actually do this to their own children. That is what makes this short story most chilling to me.
The Artemis Line by Peter Crowther
Probably the longest short story in this anthology. I had my doubts about this as I feared my attention would waver from it as it often does with these longer ones. It felt a little weird that it was divided into a prologue and a few chapters. In parts it worked, in other parts it didn’t. It took a bit for the story to get going and in parts it was a little confusing. However this story still stands out to me because of certain elements. The ideas about the faeries and their changelings, Carol, the scarecrows. It also ended with an open ending, making me curious for something to actually be continued in this world. I’d love to learn more about these scarecrows!
The Silken People by Joanne Harris
I was slightly curious about this because I just bought one of her books. It was almost like a very sweet story, with the exception of the ending. It had almost the feeling of the Grimm stories that sometimes could end horribly.
Come Unto Me by John Ajvide Lindqvist
The last story in this anthology read easily. Creepy in its own way. I honestly wanted to smack both Eric and Robert. Stupid guys.
Fearie Tales is an anthology of short stories written by various authors, mostly inspired by the Brother Grimm’s fairy tales. I have to say that I do like the set-up of this book. The edited Brother Grimm fairy tales interspersed in this book set the dark tone. I do also like the addition of a bit of information on the authors after each short story. It is just nice to be able to read a bit on who these stories are coming from if you want to decide if you want to read more from them.
The illustrations by Alan Lee are amazing to look at and are certainly a great addition to many of the stories. They add to the dark and horror feel. There aren’t too many illustrations throughout the book. Honestly I think there aren’t enough.
My favorite short stories: Peckish, Look Inside, The Ash-Boy, The Artemis Line
It is difficult to rate an anthology. There will always be some stories that you will like and some stories that you will dislike. The rating was therefore mostly based on my overall feeling of this book. For me the stories itself were three stars overall but the drawings do add to the book so I upped it to 3,5.
Below this I have noted down some small thoughts on each story.
Find my Name by Rebecca Campbell
What I found interesting in this short story was the play on Rumplestiltskin. The overall story with the main character however did not completely pull me in. It was a good read but not one that I will remember in a few months.
Down to a Sunless Sea by Neil Gaiman
One of the short stories in this book, I found it a bit disappointing. I got the overall idea of the story but I got nothing very thrilling from it.
Open your Window, Golden Hair by Tanith Lee
As the title suggests, this story was inspired by Rapunzel. I really did think this was a great idea. However, for the most part the story felt long-winded and it took any feeling of suspense out of the story for me.
Crossing the Line by Garth Nix
This story started out with extremely long sentences in the first two pages. As in a good paragraph long. It made it very hard for me to get into the story as I had to reread these sentences a few times. It also was of a western setting which is not a setting that really appeals to me. The ending to the story though I found interesting and remarkable.
Peckish by Robert Shearman
Inspired by Hansel and Gretel, this story took a decisive creepier and darker turn than the original. It felt like this was something that could have happened though to those two. The story creeped me out, spoke to my imagination but also made me curious at every point as to which path it was going to take.
Look Inside by Michael Marshall Smith
What spoke to me the most in this story was the voice of the main character. It pulled me in and made me smile at moments. The idea of this story was also interesting and the somewhat open ending was creepy.
Fraulein Fearnot by Markus Heitz
There were parts that I did like about this story. One being that it took place in Germany and that I had a clearer idea of the surroundings. However I could not get into this story. As the original fairytale, The Story of the Youth who went forth to learn what Fear was, it was quite long. The main character did not speak to me. The main character didn’t feel like she could feel more than excitement, even after accidentally killing people. Even if she had that syndrome that did not make her feel fear, it felt weird that she would not at least feel guilt or sorrow. Still I found it interesting that this syndrome was mentioned at the end.
The Ash-Boy by Christopher Fowler
Inspired by Cinderella, this short story seems to start just as the fairy tale with only slight differences. However where Cinderella more of a happy ever after (with a grimm punishment), this ending turned quite gruesome. It is certainly that what made this story stand out to me. Especially the last paragraph.
The Changeling by Brian Lumley
This story had very little that appealed to me. I had no connection with the main character. Actually, I quite disliked the tone of the main character. As for the more fantasy aspect of the story, this also did not work for me.
The Silken Drum by Reggie Oliver
Interesting idea. I could see how it would end very quickly though and it took away the feeling of anxiousness within the story you are meant to feel with the main character.
By the Weeping Gate by Angela Slatter - DNF
Regrettably I have to say that for some reason I could not get into this at all and I did not finish it.
Anything to Me is Sweeter, Than to Cross Shock-Headed Peter by Brian Hodge
What is most gruesome about this story is that I can see some twisted individuals in our world actually do this to their own children. That is what makes this short story most chilling to me.
The Artemis Line by Peter Crowther
Probably the longest short story in this anthology. I had my doubts about this as I feared my attention would waver from it as it often does with these longer ones. It felt a little weird that it was divided into a prologue and a few chapters. In parts it worked, in other parts it didn’t. It took a bit for the story to get going and in parts it was a little confusing. However this story still stands out to me because of certain elements. The ideas about the faeries and their changelings, Carol, the scarecrows. It also ended with an open ending, making me curious for something to actually be continued in this world. I’d love to learn more about these scarecrows!
The Silken People by Joanne Harris
I was slightly curious about this because I just bought one of her books. It was almost like a very sweet story, with the exception of the ending. It had almost the feeling of the Grimm stories that sometimes could end horribly.
Come Unto Me by John Ajvide Lindqvist
The last story in this anthology read easily. Creepy in its own way. I honestly wanted to smack both Eric and Robert. Stupid guys.
July 17, 2018
Покрай изключително радващата истерия около новото издание на Приказките на Братя Грим, който вероятно дори за няколкото дни в края на годината разпродаде тиражи, които много други книги едва ли са направили за цялото си време живот (като друг въпрос е дали са го заслужили или не), изпитах огромно желание да се потопя в света на приказната зловещина, където най-атавистично силните кошмари работят с острите си нокти точно в меките детски спомени, обичайно предизвикващи нощно напикаване, спане на светната лампа или класическите писъци в мрака под погледа на объркания домашен любимец, затвърдил убеждението си, че туй хората са най-странните създания на планетата. И се оказа, че на български няма особено много варианти, но пък каквото има – е изключително добро. Затова и започваме с перлата в короната от мистика и легендарно зло – сборника Страхосказания.
Повечето от историите са ърбъни като жанр, вдъхновени от конкретни приказки на Братя Грим, така удобно предшестващи ги като своеобразна подготовка за ужаса, който кротичко клечи между белите страници с малко ситен шрифт, каращ те да се напрегнеш още една степен повече, и помагайки ти да подскачаш като котка на ламаринен покрив при всяко проскърцване в празната къща, където компания ти правят само групи от странни хора и създания, мислещи ти само злото. Някои разкази са по-скоро атмосферични и леко напластяващи очакването за нещо лошо, други са буквално брутални, режещи нервите, концепциите за морал и етика, или просто за нормалност, изкарвайки от гърлата ви някоя и друга самоотвержена псувня, ей така, за кураж в мрака, който дебне навън. Има, разбира се, и някои по-фентъзийни и сюрреалистични в безвремието си, но за едно можете да сте сигурни – винаги има нещо наистина злокобно, което ще вземе своя дан писък и кръв. И не, не можете да помогнете на жертвите, а само да се свиете по-уютно под завивката, кълнейки се, че никога до края на живота си няма да загасите лампа или заговорите непознат.
Очакват ви най-симпатичните Хензел и Гретел – човекоядци; доста сладък Пепеляшко с особени сексуални наклоности и жизнен статус; много секси Румпелщилтскин, имащ нужда от вода за уста; меднокоса Рапунцел с твърде много зъби; феи в дивия Запад; бардак от омагьосани души; сиропиталище за чудовища; копринени хора без клепачи; сменени деца; азиатски демони – прилепи; лъвкратиански водни хора; безстрашно момиче, което рита задниците на целокупната демонична общност и древни същества, седящи в задния двор и чакащи си обещаните им отпреди векове души. Някои ще ви погнусят, други разтърсят, а трети ще ви отнемат хубавите сънища за не малко дни. Дори и аз, дето с ърбъна съм почти винаги в леко обтегнати отношения, намирам Страхосказанията за настолна книга на несвенящите се да жертват някоя и друга нощ в името на наистина добрата история. И има разказ на прелюбимата ми и тъй непрежалима Танит Ли – наистина, много различен от обичайното ѝ писане, но не по-малко стряскащ с малките стъпчици по хладните плочи на изоставената кула, приютила чудото, наречено Марулка – да, аз така ще си я знам Рапунцел до сетния си ден.
Страхувайте се и разказвайте на приятелите си – споделеният страх не е точно половин страх, но поне вдига процентната възможност да избягате, докато злото в мрака дъвче някой от познатите ви преди вас. Така де, за какво са ви иначе хората, освен за пушечно месо пред пастта на древното искащо души зло 🙂
Повечето от историите са ърбъни като жанр, вдъхновени от конкретни приказки на Братя Грим, така удобно предшестващи ги като своеобразна подготовка за ужаса, който кротичко клечи между белите страници с малко ситен шрифт, каращ те да се напрегнеш още една степен повече, и помагайки ти да подскачаш като котка на ламаринен покрив при всяко проскърцване в празната къща, където компания ти правят само групи от странни хора и създания, мислещи ти само злото. Някои разкази са по-скоро атмосферични и леко напластяващи очакването за нещо лошо, други са буквално брутални, режещи нервите, концепциите за морал и етика, или просто за нормалност, изкарвайки от гърлата ви някоя и друга самоотвержена псувня, ей така, за кураж в мрака, който дебне навън. Има, разбира се, и някои по-фентъзийни и сюрреалистични в безвремието си, но за едно можете да сте сигурни – винаги има нещо наистина злокобно, което ще вземе своя дан писък и кръв. И не, не можете да помогнете на жертвите, а само да се свиете по-уютно под завивката, кълнейки се, че никога до края на живота си няма да загасите лампа или заговорите непознат.
Очакват ви най-симпатичните Хензел и Гретел – човекоядци; доста сладък Пепеляшко с особени сексуални наклоности и жизнен статус; много секси Румпелщилтскин, имащ нужда от вода за уста; меднокоса Рапунцел с твърде много зъби; феи в дивия Запад; бардак от омагьосани души; сиропиталище за чудовища; копринени хора без клепачи; сменени деца; азиатски демони – прилепи; лъвкратиански водни хора; безстрашно момиче, което рита задниците на целокупната демонична общност и древни същества, седящи в задния двор и чакащи си обещаните им отпреди векове души. Някои ще ви погнусят, други разтърсят, а трети ще ви отнемат хубавите сънища за не малко дни. Дори и аз, дето с ърбъна съм почти винаги в леко обтегнати отношения, намирам Страхосказанията за настолна книга на несвенящите се да жертват някоя и друга нощ в името на наистина добрата история. И има разказ на прелюбимата ми и тъй непрежалима Танит Ли – наистина, много различен от обичайното ѝ писане, но не по-малко стряскащ с малките стъпчици по хладните плочи на изоставената кула, приютила чудото, наречено Марулка – да, аз така ще си я знам Рапунцел до сетния си ден.
Страхувайте се и разказвайте на приятелите си – споделеният страх не е точно половин страх, но поне вдига процентната възможност да избягате, докато злото в мрака дъвче някой от познатите ви преди вас. Така де, за какво са ви иначе хората, освен за пушечно месо пред пастта на древното искащо души зло 🙂
March 22, 2016
What a lovely wonderful book filled with TERROR.
I just ate this book up. Most I had heard of or read before, but there were a few shiny new pennies in the mix. Worth the read if you love short scary storied right before bed. :)
I just ate this book up. Most I had heard of or read before, but there were a few shiny new pennies in the mix. Worth the read if you love short scary storied right before bed. :)
November 26, 2024
Это сборник рассказов, в котором современные авторы пытаются своими словами пересказать то, что когда-то давным-давно было вложено братьями Гримм в свои сказки. Некоторые сказки являются почти прямым аналогом классической сказки, где-то прям совсем не понятно, какую сказку автор переделал на новый лад. Но что самое приятное - в сборнике есть и сами сказки братьев Гримм. То есть сначала идёт оригинал, а потом уже новодел. Весьма удобно, хочу отметить.
Меня, конечно, больше интересовали новоделы, потому что братьев Гримм я читал очень много раз в детстве (и потом не раз перечитывал тоже). К сожалению, большинство рассказов совершенно проходные. Они не запоминаются, не имеют интересного сюжета, прочитал-забыл. Собственно, как и большинство современных рассказов. В этом плане данная книга совершенно не выбивается из общего ряда. Только 2 рассказа я считаю стоящими внимания.
Первый рассказ - "Лохматый Питер и его друзья" Брайана Ходжа. В нём рассказывается о человеческом зоопарке, в котором показывают странным детей, а не животных. Одна сильно любопытная девочка случайно попадает в это страшное место и находит там новых друзей. Весьма необычный и яркий рассказ с предсказуемой (а может быть для кого-то и не очень предсказуемой) концовкой.
Второй рассказ - "Приидите ко мне" Юна Айвиде Линдквиста. Линдквист прежде всего известен книгой "Впусти меня", по которой был снят фильм (фильм мне очень понравился, книгу не читал). Примерно такая же таинственная история рассказывается и в "Приидите ко мне". Молодая девушка знакомится с плейбоем и через какое-то время выходит за него замуж. Во время бракосочетания умирает отец жениха и молодому человеку приходится принять управление крупной фирмой и переехать в провинциальный особняк. И вроде бы звучит всё неплохо, но вместе с молодожёнами в одном доме будет и слуга. И он страшный. И его нельзя переселить в другое место. И желательно с ним не общаться. А так всё хорошо. До поры до времени... Рассказ до самого конца держал в напряжении, чувствуется, что его писали с душой и большим желанием порадовать читателя.
А вот остальные рассказы этим похвастаться не могут. Такое ощущение, что из-под палки писались. Им сказали написать что-то, ну они и написали. За деньги.
А вот что действительно вытаскивает сборник, так это сказки братьев Гримм. Без них я бы поставил сборнику 6/10, но всё-таки классически сказки очень интересные и читаются с удовольствием до сих пор. По поводу "страшности" - не могу сказать, что сказки в сборнике страшные. Это не хоррор. Жуткие - возможно. И да, есть несколько криповых рассказов в жанре сплаттерпанка, то есть расчленёнка. Есть немного и ЛГБТ. Я бы сказал, что это сборник больше странный, чем страшный. 7/10.
Меня, конечно, больше интересовали новоделы, потому что братьев Гримм я читал очень много раз в детстве (и потом не раз перечитывал тоже). К сожалению, большинство рассказов совершенно проходные. Они не запоминаются, не имеют интересного сюжета, прочитал-забыл. Собственно, как и большинство современных рассказов. В этом плане данная книга совершенно не выбивается из общего ряда. Только 2 рассказа я считаю стоящими внимания.
Первый рассказ - "Лохматый Питер и его друзья" Брайана Ходжа. В нём рассказывается о человеческом зоопарке, в котором показывают странным детей, а не животных. Одна сильно любопытная девочка случайно попадает в это страшное место и находит там новых друзей. Весьма необычный и яркий рассказ с предсказуемой (а может быть для кого-то и не очень предсказуемой) концовкой.
Второй рассказ - "Приидите ко мне" Юна Айвиде Линдквиста. Линдквист прежде всего известен книгой "Впусти меня", по которой был снят фильм (фильм мне очень понравился, книгу не читал). Примерно такая же таинственная история рассказывается и в "Приидите ко мне". Молодая девушка знакомится с плейбоем и через какое-то время выходит за него замуж. Во время бракосочетания умирает отец жениха и молодому человеку приходится принять управление крупной фирмой и переехать в провинциальный особняк. И вроде бы звучит всё неплохо, но вместе с молодожёнами в одном доме будет и слуга. И он страшный. И его нельзя переселить в другое место. И желательно с ним не общаться. А так всё хорошо. До поры до времени... Рассказ до самого конца держал в напряжении, чувствуется, что его писали с душой и большим желанием порадовать читателя.
А вот остальные рассказы этим похвастаться не могут. Такое ощущение, что из-под палки писались. Им сказали написать что-то, ну они и написали. За деньги.
А вот что действительно вытаскивает сборник, так это сказки братьев Гримм. Без них я бы поставил сборнику 6/10, но всё-таки классически сказки очень интересные и читаются с удовольствием до сих пор. По поводу "страшности" - не могу сказать, что сказки в сборнике страшные. Это не хоррор. Жуткие - возможно. И да, есть несколько криповых рассказов в жанре сплаттерпанка, то есть расчленёнка. Есть немного и ЛГБТ. Я бы сказал, что это сборник больше странный, чем страшный. 7/10.
November 23, 2021
A wonderful addition to my growing list of fairytale-themed books...
April 15, 2019
Некоторые из историй невыносимо скучные, но многие пугают до холодка по спине и создают очень сильную атмосферу при прочтении и они того стоят. 10/10, Would read again
November 30, 2013
The concept behind this anthology is so obvious, it seems impossibly unlikely it hasn't been done before (perhaps even by this editor): get a handful of proven writers of fantasy fiction and task them to write their own versions of classic fairy tales, or fairy tales of their own. When I saw this book had both Neil Gaiman (a favourite of both my wife and mine) and John Ajvide Lindqvist (a favourite of my wife), it seemed a natural for me to check it out.
Most of the other writers herein are unfamiliar, but the tone is properly set by the familiar Ramsey Campbell with his take on Rumpelstilskin, 'Find My Name.' He manages a fine balance between the real and the fantastic, setting the story in modern life but with the familiar magical presence. But from that propitious beginning, the quality comes and goes for the rest of the volume. The only story I simply couldn't finish was Markus Heitz's 'Fraulein Fearnot,' thoroughly informed by the ancient 'The Boy Who Would Know Fear.' Though I've always enjoyed the slightly slapstick tone of the original story, Heitz approaches his update with an absence of humour and a surfeit of gore. It reached a ridiculous peak that just completely put me off, so I just skipped the second half of it.
Gaiman's entry is an atmospheric little seaward narrative, but one I'd already read (or heard?) courtesy of Gaiman himself online and thus a bit of a disappointment (since it's tagged on the book as 'new,' and may well have been at publication).
The majority of the other stories sit pretty firmly in the good-story-poorly-told camp. The sole standout for the book is absolutely Lindqvist's, although it does rely a bit too strongly on an at least passing familiarity with Swedish folklore (an explanation is provided too late in the post-tale author bio).
The stories here are interspersed with stories from (a strangely late version of) the Brothers Grimm collections; Jones himself points out the versions he's chosen to use are lesser translations/adaptations, but offers no explanation for the choice. These originals lose little in the choice, particularly if one isn't familiar with the earlier versions. Also found through out are handsome (though largely just evocative rather than depictive) black and white illustrations from Alan Lee, an old hand at fairy illustration.
I have to say I'm relieved this was only a library book, as I'd regret it as a purchase. I was, however, able to read the entire thing (with that one exception) and to enjoy most of it. A less particular reader would likely find much here to commend a read, though.
Most of the other writers herein are unfamiliar, but the tone is properly set by the familiar Ramsey Campbell with his take on Rumpelstilskin, 'Find My Name.' He manages a fine balance between the real and the fantastic, setting the story in modern life but with the familiar magical presence. But from that propitious beginning, the quality comes and goes for the rest of the volume. The only story I simply couldn't finish was Markus Heitz's 'Fraulein Fearnot,' thoroughly informed by the ancient 'The Boy Who Would Know Fear.' Though I've always enjoyed the slightly slapstick tone of the original story, Heitz approaches his update with an absence of humour and a surfeit of gore. It reached a ridiculous peak that just completely put me off, so I just skipped the second half of it.
Gaiman's entry is an atmospheric little seaward narrative, but one I'd already read (or heard?) courtesy of Gaiman himself online and thus a bit of a disappointment (since it's tagged on the book as 'new,' and may well have been at publication).
The majority of the other stories sit pretty firmly in the good-story-poorly-told camp. The sole standout for the book is absolutely Lindqvist's, although it does rely a bit too strongly on an at least passing familiarity with Swedish folklore (an explanation is provided too late in the post-tale author bio).
The stories here are interspersed with stories from (a strangely late version of) the Brothers Grimm collections; Jones himself points out the versions he's chosen to use are lesser translations/adaptations, but offers no explanation for the choice. These originals lose little in the choice, particularly if one isn't familiar with the earlier versions. Also found through out are handsome (though largely just evocative rather than depictive) black and white illustrations from Alan Lee, an old hand at fairy illustration.
I have to say I'm relieved this was only a library book, as I'd regret it as a purchase. I was, however, able to read the entire thing (with that one exception) and to enjoy most of it. A less particular reader would likely find much here to commend a read, though.
February 24, 2015
,Well that was not as good as i had hoped, nor was it all that scary. The Ilistrations on the other hand, were absolutely fantastic, they made the book much more pleasant and spooky. kudos Alan Lee for a job well done!!
otherwise there were a few good stories, that i rather enjoyed but the rest left something to be desired.
The Stories i thought deserved a 3.5+ rating:
Peckish by Robert Shearman
Inspired by Hansel and Gretel.
Fraulein Fearnot by Markus Heitz
Inspired by The Story of The Youth Who Went Forth.
The Ash-Boy by Christopher Fowler
Inspired by Cinderella.
The Silken Drum by by Reggie Oliver
extremely well written and encapturing story. I'll have to read more by this author.
The Robber Bridegroom
Which i believe was an original, but i can't say for sure at this time, as i don't have the book on hand.
By the Weeping Gate by Angela Slatter
Abrupt end, otherwise good.
Come Unto Me by John Ajvide Lindqvist
Inspired by Rumplestiltskin
that was a really good and depressing and suspenseful and hopeful. all the feels.
The rest of the short-stories:
Find my Name by Rebecca Campbell
Down to a Sunless Sea by Neil Gaiman - i was highly disappointed in this one, as i have been eagerly looking forward to getting my hands on some of Gaimans work, and this just didnt do it for me.
Open your Window, Golden Hair by Tanith Lee
Crossing the Line by Garth Nix
Look Inside by Michael Marshall Smith
The Changeling by Brian Lumley
Anything to Me is Sweeter, Than to Cross Shock-Headed Peter by Brian Hodge
The Artemis Line by Peter Crowther
The Silken People by Joanne Harris - actually this one wasnt that bad, just not as good as the others.
plus some of the originals weren't as fearsome as i have previously dreaded (secretly hoped for) though definitely darker compared to the modern story-tellings.
Over all, I'm glad i read it, even if i wasnt as stoked with the book as a whole as i thought i would be. As my review doesnt go into much detail, beyond what i did and didnt enjoy i would recommend reading this review, by Annemieke. We have some opposing opinions but overall i like what this person has to say.
otherwise there were a few good stories, that i rather enjoyed but the rest left something to be desired.
The Stories i thought deserved a 3.5+ rating:
Peckish by Robert Shearman
Inspired by Hansel and Gretel.
Fraulein Fearnot by Markus Heitz
Inspired by The Story of The Youth Who Went Forth.
The Ash-Boy by Christopher Fowler
Inspired by Cinderella.
The Silken Drum by by Reggie Oliver
extremely well written and encapturing story. I'll have to read more by this author.
The Robber Bridegroom
Which i believe was an original, but i can't say for sure at this time, as i don't have the book on hand.
By the Weeping Gate by Angela Slatter
Abrupt end, otherwise good.
Come Unto Me by John Ajvide Lindqvist
Inspired by Rumplestiltskin
that was a really good and depressing and suspenseful and hopeful. all the feels.
The rest of the short-stories:
Find my Name by Rebecca Campbell
Down to a Sunless Sea by Neil Gaiman - i was highly disappointed in this one, as i have been eagerly looking forward to getting my hands on some of Gaimans work, and this just didnt do it for me.
Open your Window, Golden Hair by Tanith Lee
Crossing the Line by Garth Nix
Look Inside by Michael Marshall Smith
The Changeling by Brian Lumley
Anything to Me is Sweeter, Than to Cross Shock-Headed Peter by Brian Hodge
The Artemis Line by Peter Crowther
The Silken People by Joanne Harris - actually this one wasnt that bad, just not as good as the others.
plus some of the originals weren't as fearsome as i have previously dreaded (secretly hoped for) though definitely darker compared to the modern story-tellings.
Over all, I'm glad i read it, even if i wasnt as stoked with the book as a whole as i thought i would be. As my review doesnt go into much detail, beyond what i did and didnt enjoy i would recommend reading this review, by Annemieke. We have some opposing opinions but overall i like what this person has to say.
July 20, 2016
This collection places each Grimm tale before the contribution by a prominent writer, which re-imagines the story. The fifteen authors invited to contribute include Neil Gaiman, Joanne Harris, Tanith Lee, Ramsey Campbell, Christopher Fowler, Brian Lumley, Garth Nix, and John Ajvide Lindqvist.
Stephen Jones' Introduction sets the scene giving some background on the Grimm tales and how the anthology was conceived. He also noted the recent interest in the darker side of the Grimm tales as expressed in the TV series Once Upon a Time and Grimm and films such as Hansel and Gretel: Witch-Hunters.
Most of the stories stood out for me and provided some genuinely hair-raising and gruesome moments. Only one story fell flat for me. The Grimm stories included reminded me of the power of the source material.
Alan Lee's black and white illustrations sprinkled throughout the text were brilliant with special mention for his haunting cover painting.
Stephen Jones' Introduction sets the scene giving some background on the Grimm tales and how the anthology was conceived. He also noted the recent interest in the darker side of the Grimm tales as expressed in the TV series Once Upon a Time and Grimm and films such as Hansel and Gretel: Witch-Hunters.
Most of the stories stood out for me and provided some genuinely hair-raising and gruesome moments. Only one story fell flat for me. The Grimm stories included reminded me of the power of the source material.
Alan Lee's black and white illustrations sprinkled throughout the text were brilliant with special mention for his haunting cover painting.
December 10, 2016
Some stories were better than others of course, but what I especially loved was the way this collection was put together. First reading the original Grimm's tales, and then following them up with at least one modern take on the tale gave reading this book a nice balance and rhythm. I also liked that the modern fairy tales were not just modern retellings, but all new tales *inspired* by the classic tales
August 27, 2014
This was way too creepy for me. I never would have picked it up if I hadn't been assigned to review it for the Library Journal. With that said, some of the stories were disturbingly fascinating and I enjoyed the format with each story preceded by a fairy tale that inspired it. I did not read this book at night because it was too scary haha. Horror fans would enjoy this I think.
March 18, 2018
Samo su me tri priče oduševile i uspele da prenesu duh bajke i da uplaše - "Down to a Sunless Sea", "Peckish" i "The Silken People". Zbirka je koncipirana tako da pre svake priče savremenih autora ide bajka braće Grim (kod mnogih priča nisam uočila da su baš te bajke bile uzor).
February 2, 2017
Още едно доказателство, че ако аз и колегите от ЛАЗАРУС бъдем преведени на Запад, ще размажем с разказите си. Тук има едно-две добри попадения, но за повече от три звезди не стига. Съжалявам.
December 9, 2017
Find My Name by Ramsey Campbell (3.5/5)
A nice story to open up the anthology, not too scary, modern. It is not extreme it it's horror elements and yet gives you a pleasant shiver/ It doesn't really deviate much from the original fairy tale. I am not sure why it was paired up with Grimm's The Willful Child, since it is obviously a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin.
Down to a Sunless Sea by Neil Gaiman (4.5/5)
I had previously read this story in Neil's short story collection Trigger Warnings. It was nice to re-read a favorite story even though I was a bit disappointed that, it being the reason I bought the book, it wasn't something new.
Crossing the Line by Garth Nix (5/5)
Hands down my favorite story in this collection! I am not a fan of westerns usually, but the plot as well as the characters were superb. Overall, I feel that the western-elements and the fairy tale/fairy land elements did not clash and fit well together. The ending, while predictable, was also satisfying. Garth Nix proves yet again that he can tell a good story and create a world, even in just a few pages.
Open Your Window, Golden Hair by Tanith Lee (3/5)
Nice creepy story, some well-executed foreshadowing. Not really original since interpreting fairy tales in that way has been done may times. The reader inevitably guesses the ending on the second page.
Peckish by Robert Shearman (4/5)
I loved the beginning of this one. I was a bit bothered by the lack of context we were given about the family. The fact that the author choose a German name and heritage seemed to play no role at all, which disappointed me since I love finding symbolism in names. The writing style was too graphic at time and I found myself revolted to the point that I skimmed some paragraphs, but at the end it was a really good story. The ending definitely won me over.
Look Inside by Michael Marshall Smith (1/5)
No, just no. I am sorry I don't understand this story and how it correlates to the Brother Grimm' one before it.
Fräulein Fearnot by Markus Heitz (4.5/5)
Yes! I like this interpretation! And the heroine won me over from the start. I loved the German setting and the mention of Faust and the ending, even though some might find it clichéd.
The Ash-Boy by Christopher Fowler(3/5)
A bit too gruesome for me, but still not bad. A tad bit too long, since the first part is basically a well-known over-exploited Cinderella story.
The Changeling by Brian Lumley(1.5/5)
Couldn't even finish it!
The Silken Drum by Reggie Oliver(3.75/5)
Loved the Japanese mythology in this one.
By the Weeping Gate by Angela Slatter (4.5/5)
Another unexpected like for me. Went into it expecting to hate it since I have read some rather awful interpretations of The Robber Bridegroom. While it deviated quite a lot from the original, it gave me the overall feeling of the fairy tale. The characters of the sisters were really well-done too.
Anything to Me Is Sweeter Than to Cross Shock-Headed Peter by Brian Hodge (2.5/5)
This story is obviously not in it's rightful place here since it's a sequel/retelling of Struwwelpeter and not of a Grimm' fairy tale. It was pretty basic in it's plot. The characters are the ones we know from the original, except the are more...human?.... in a way. More fleshed out, rather that just caricatures of children.
The Artemis Line by Peter Crowther(1/5)
Another one I was unable to finish. Read like a horror movie from the 90s that I've been invited to watch with the whole family on Halloween and scares everyone, but me.
The Silken People by Joanne Harris(2/5)
I see Joanne Harris has read Christina Rosetti's poem The Goblin Market and decided "Gee! That would make a great fairy tale. Now how do I make it cheesy and dull?"
Come unto Me by John Ajvide Lindqvist
This one I didn't even bother with, since it started in a rather dull way. The writing didn't appeal to me either. I am not rating it since I didn't get to form an opinion on it.
A nice story to open up the anthology, not too scary, modern. It is not extreme it it's horror elements and yet gives you a pleasant shiver/ It doesn't really deviate much from the original fairy tale. I am not sure why it was paired up with Grimm's The Willful Child, since it is obviously a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin.
Down to a Sunless Sea by Neil Gaiman (4.5/5)
I had previously read this story in Neil's short story collection Trigger Warnings. It was nice to re-read a favorite story even though I was a bit disappointed that, it being the reason I bought the book, it wasn't something new.
Crossing the Line by Garth Nix (5/5)
Hands down my favorite story in this collection! I am not a fan of westerns usually, but the plot as well as the characters were superb. Overall, I feel that the western-elements and the fairy tale/fairy land elements did not clash and fit well together. The ending, while predictable, was also satisfying. Garth Nix proves yet again that he can tell a good story and create a world, even in just a few pages.
Open Your Window, Golden Hair by Tanith Lee (3/5)
Nice creepy story, some well-executed foreshadowing. Not really original since interpreting fairy tales in that way has been done may times. The reader inevitably guesses the ending on the second page.
Peckish by Robert Shearman (4/5)
I loved the beginning of this one. I was a bit bothered by the lack of context we were given about the family. The fact that the author choose a German name and heritage seemed to play no role at all, which disappointed me since I love finding symbolism in names. The writing style was too graphic at time and I found myself revolted to the point that I skimmed some paragraphs, but at the end it was a really good story. The ending definitely won me over.
Look Inside by Michael Marshall Smith (1/5)
No, just no. I am sorry I don't understand this story and how it correlates to the Brother Grimm' one before it.
Fräulein Fearnot by Markus Heitz (4.5/5)
Yes! I like this interpretation! And the heroine won me over from the start. I loved the German setting and the mention of Faust and the ending, even though some might find it clichéd.
The Ash-Boy by Christopher Fowler(3/5)
A bit too gruesome for me, but still not bad. A tad bit too long, since the first part is basically a well-known over-exploited Cinderella story.
The Changeling by Brian Lumley(1.5/5)
Couldn't even finish it!
The Silken Drum by Reggie Oliver(3.75/5)
Loved the Japanese mythology in this one.
By the Weeping Gate by Angela Slatter (4.5/5)
Another unexpected like for me. Went into it expecting to hate it since I have read some rather awful interpretations of The Robber Bridegroom. While it deviated quite a lot from the original, it gave me the overall feeling of the fairy tale. The characters of the sisters were really well-done too.
Anything to Me Is Sweeter Than to Cross Shock-Headed Peter by Brian Hodge (2.5/5)
This story is obviously not in it's rightful place here since it's a sequel/retelling of Struwwelpeter and not of a Grimm' fairy tale. It was pretty basic in it's plot. The characters are the ones we know from the original, except the are more...human?.... in a way. More fleshed out, rather that just caricatures of children.
The Artemis Line by Peter Crowther(1/5)
Another one I was unable to finish. Read like a horror movie from the 90s that I've been invited to watch with the whole family on Halloween and scares everyone, but me.
The Silken People by Joanne Harris(2/5)
I see Joanne Harris has read Christina Rosetti's poem The Goblin Market and decided "Gee! That would make a great fairy tale. Now how do I make it cheesy and dull?"
Come unto Me by John Ajvide Lindqvist
This one I didn't even bother with, since it started in a rather dull way. The writing didn't appeal to me either. I am not rating it since I didn't get to form an opinion on it.
May 6, 2017
Спершу маленький вступ про те, чого я взагалі взялася за цю збірку:) До пункту Читацького бінго Yakaboo «Переказ відомого сюжету» я приглядалася довго і давно. Бо підібрати книжку під цю вимогу не так і складно — майже кожне янг-адалтове фентезі якоюсь мірою є переказом уже проговорених сюжетів. Але оскільки я в цьому жанрі зовсім не спєц, а поряд з непоганими книжками там понаписувано чимало дурного, то вирішила питати в людей, які знаються на темі. Хорошою підказкою стала ця добірка блогерки Ксеніі Сокульської — Vaenn. Тож я подалася на пошуки оповідань Ніла Геймана — і таким чином натрапила на оцю збірку. Спершу подумала, що це просто свято якесь! Адже книга і позиціонується як ретеллінг казок, зібраних братами Грімм. І структура у неї відповідна: спершу — оригінальна казочка, далі — літературний «переспів», варіація на тему. Втім, раділа я трохи зарано. Поряд зі справді цікавими варіаціями, які водночас є самодостатніми оповіданнями, траплявся теж доволі самодостатній, відвертий трешняк.
Маленьке зауваження: не всі оповідання є ретеллінгами саме тих казок, яких — за логікою книжки — мали б стосуватися. Скажімо, аж дві історії — перша і остання — явно ведуть своє коріння від історії про Румпельштіцхена, але епіграфом ця казка слугує лише до однієї. До речі, вони обидві мені сподобалися. А, ска��імо, оповідання Реджі Олівера «Парчовий барабан» явно має більше спільного з японськими легендами про людину-лисицю, ніж із казкою «Русалка зі ставка».
Якщо говорити про най-най-най-історії, то мій дуже суб’єктивний вибір буде такий:
Наймоторошніша історія — «Вгадай моє ім’я» Ремсі Кембел. Мене взагалі найбільше лякають ті жахастики, в яких замішані маленькі діти. Це коротке оповідання досить повнокровне, цілісне і хоча відсилає до класичного сюжету «вгадай-моє-ім’я-інакше-я-заберу-твоє-дитя», але має цікаву особливість: дитина тут виступає не пасивним об’єктом торгу, а помічником, який допомагає переломити ситуацію на свою користь.
Найліричніша історія — «Вдалеч, до тьмяного моря» Ніл Гейман. Класична казка про загиблу дитину, яка з допомогою певного предмета розповідає правду про те, хто її вбив, завдяки Гейману звуичить як сумна морська балада, від якої — мурашки по шкірі.
Найтрешняковіша історія — за цей титул можуть позмагатися «Голод» Роберта Ширмана (про те як Гензель і Гретель вбили відьму і самі стали людожерами) і «Фройлейн Безстрашна» Маркуса Хайца (я просто скажу, що в цій історії фігурують сконструйовані людиною і справжні привиди, демони, живі трупи, кров фонтанує, гормони зашкалюють).
Найбільш осучаснена історія — «Зазирни всередину» Майкл Маршалл Сміт. Молода жінка живе у передмісті Лондона у будиночку, який збудований на місці середньовічного Саду подаянь. І згодом розуміє, що духи, які мешкають у цьому саду, прокинулися. І збираються про неї подбати.
Найближча до сюжету казки історія — «Попільний хлопчик» Крістофер Фаулер. Майже та ж сама Попелюшка, тільки трохи більше жорстокості, крові і помсти, а в ліжку у принца опиняється не дівчина, а юнак:)
Загалом збірочка дуже нерівна Були чудові історії, були відверто ніякі. Одні, попри відверту трешняковість, було цікаво читати, а інші, попри цікавий початок, так і не осилила до кінця (власне, лише одну).
Маленьке зауваження: не всі оповідання є ретеллінгами саме тих казок, яких — за логікою книжки — мали б стосуватися. Скажімо, аж дві історії — перша і остання — явно ведуть своє коріння від історії про Румпельштіцхена, але епіграфом ця казка слугує лише до однієї. До речі, вони обидві мені сподобалися. А, ска��імо, оповідання Реджі Олівера «Парчовий барабан» явно має більше спільного з японськими легендами про людину-лисицю, ніж із казкою «Русалка зі ставка».
Якщо говорити про най-най-най-історії, то мій дуже суб’єктивний вибір буде такий:
Наймоторошніша історія — «Вгадай моє ім’я» Ремсі Кембел. Мене взагалі найбільше лякають ті жахастики, в яких замішані маленькі діти. Це коротке оповідання досить повнокровне, цілісне і хоча відсилає до класичного сюжету «вгадай-моє-ім’я-інакше-я-заберу-твоє-дитя», але має цікаву особливість: дитина тут виступає не пасивним об’єктом торгу, а помічником, який допомагає переломити ситуацію на свою користь.
Найліричніша історія — «Вдалеч, до тьмяного моря» Ніл Гейман. Класична казка про загиблу дитину, яка з допомогою певного предмета розповідає правду про те, хто її вбив, завдяки Гейману звуичить як сумна морська балада, від якої — мурашки по шкірі.
Найтрешняковіша історія — за цей титул можуть позмагатися «Голод» Роберта Ширмана (про те як Гензель і Гретель вбили відьму і самі стали людожерами) і «Фройлейн Безстрашна» Маркуса Хайца (я просто скажу, що в цій історії фігурують сконструйовані людиною і справжні привиди, демони, живі трупи, кров фонтанує, гормони зашкалюють).
Найбільш осучаснена історія — «Зазирни всередину» Майкл Маршалл Сміт. Молода жінка живе у передмісті Лондона у будиночку, який збудований на місці середньовічного Саду подаянь. І згодом розуміє, що духи, які мешкають у цьому саду, прокинулися. І збираються про неї подбати.
Найближча до сюжету казки історія — «Попільний хлопчик» Крістофер Фаулер. Майже та ж сама Попелюшка, тільки трохи більше жорстокості, крові і помсти, а в ліжку у принца опиняється не дівчина, а юнак:)
Загалом збірочка дуже нерівна Були чудові історії, були відверто ніякі. Одні, попри відверту трешняковість, було цікаво читати, а інші, попри цікавий початок, так і не осилила до кінця (власне, лише одну).
May 5, 2020
Прекрасные сказания!
Мечтаю добыть первородные рассказы братьев Гримм, но пока эта книга послужит временной заменой.
Я с этой книгой окунулась в детство (да, вот такое извращенное детство).
В детстве я смотрела фильмы ужасов после полуночи, когда была одна дома. Я боялась темноты, но верила, что есть что-то, чего люди не видят – другие миры. А вот дети это увидеть могут. Я лазила по развалинам домов, выискивая привидения (ну, в общем, вы поняли, я была сложным ребенком). И вот эта книга – это как симбиоз между обычными привычными всем добрыми сказками и какой-то детской реальностью. Это действительно жуткие и интересные сказки, не лишенные и морали.
Я не буду расписывать каждую историю, скажу лишь, что они наполнены феями и троллями, оборотнями, ведьмами, мачехами, принцессами и прочей нечестью. Тут есть кровь/кишки, «мясные» сцены, тут присутствуют и сцены секса и ЛГБТ… Много всего!
Так же хочется добавить о структуре книги. Сначала рассказывается народное сказание «без прикрас», а после него идет рассказ какого-либо автора - пересказ на свой лад этим автором народной сказки, и после этого – краткая информация об авторе.
И это, наверное, первый сборник (нет, вру, второй – первый был Два Сэма. Истории о призраках ), который я прочла взахлест. Обычно сборники мне даются тяжело, я только привыкаю к рассказу, как он тут же оканчивается. А тут – ну что ни на есть – натуральные сказки!
Все (ну, почти) истории – замечательные! Так же не стоит забывать об иллюстрациях! Уух! Мне нравятся эти иллюстрации, нравится внутреннее оформление обложки – такое, в синих тонах. Правда, мне кажется, в данном случае, иллюстрация (или цвета?) на обложке книги немного не подходят. Я бы отдала предпочтение черно-белому варианту рисунков таких же, как в книге. Или в синем варианте, как во внутренней стороне обложки. Но это – мелочи!
Читайте!
И неспокойной ночи вам!
Мечтаю добыть первородные рассказы братьев Гримм, но пока эта книга послужит временной заменой.
Я с этой книгой окунулась в детство (да, вот такое извращенное детство).
В детстве я смотрела фильмы ужасов после полуночи, когда была одна дома. Я боялась темноты, но верила, что есть что-то, чего люди не видят – другие миры. А вот дети это увидеть могут. Я лазила по развалинам домов, выискивая привидения (ну, в общем, вы поняли, я была сложным ребенком). И вот эта книга – это как симбиоз между обычными привычными всем добрыми сказками и какой-то детской реальностью. Это действительно жуткие и интересные сказки, не лишенные и морали.
Я не буду расписывать каждую историю, скажу лишь, что они наполнены феями и троллями, оборотнями, ведьмами, мачехами, принцессами и прочей нечестью. Тут есть кровь/кишки, «мясные» сцены, тут присутствуют и сцены секса и ЛГБТ… Много всего!
Так же хочется добавить о структуре книги. Сначала рассказывается народное сказание «без прикрас», а после него идет рассказ какого-либо автора - пересказ на свой лад этим автором народной сказки, и после этого – краткая информация об авторе.
И это, наверное, первый сборник (нет, вру, второй – первый был Два Сэма. Истории о призраках ), который я прочла взахлест. Обычно сборники мне даются тяжело, я только привыкаю к рассказу, как он тут же оканчивается. А тут – ну что ни на есть – натуральные сказки!
Все (ну, почти) истории – замечательные! Так же не стоит забывать об иллюстрациях! Уух! Мне нравятся эти иллюстрации, нравится внутреннее оформление обложки – такое, в синих тонах. Правда, мне кажется, в данном случае, иллюстрация (или цвета?) на обложке книги немного не подходят. Я бы отдала предпочтение черно-белому варианту рисунков таких же, как в книге. Или в синем варианте, как во внутренней стороне обложки. Но это – мелочи!
Читайте!
И неспокойной ночи вам!
July 4, 2022
Stephen Jones presents us with a collection of modern fairy tales that are inspired by those of the Brothers Grimm. Jones has put together a collection of modern day retellings by a number of highly regarded authors. The outcome is an interesting range of gruesome tales.
The format of the book works by Jones providing us with a traditional Grimm fairy tale. This is then followed by a modern adaptation of the tale by a modern writer.
The retellings are generally much more gruesome than the original texts, with topics including murder, deceit, manipulation and revenge.
My favourite tales include Tabitha Lee's retelling of Rapunzel in which Rapunzel turns out not to be a princess. Fraulein Fearnot - a modern adaptation of the boy who went out to learn what fear was. The Artemis Line by Peter Crowther. This is a retelling of the elves that involves walking scarecrows, a man called Carol and is set in Yorkshire. I did appreciate the references to places such as Bramhope! Come Unto Me is a modern adaptation of Rumpelstiltskin that becomes fairy tale meets Misery.
For any fan of the fairy tale genre this collection really does add a new dimension to many favourite classic tales.
The format of the book works by Jones providing us with a traditional Grimm fairy tale. This is then followed by a modern adaptation of the tale by a modern writer.
The retellings are generally much more gruesome than the original texts, with topics including murder, deceit, manipulation and revenge.
My favourite tales include Tabitha Lee's retelling of Rapunzel in which Rapunzel turns out not to be a princess. Fraulein Fearnot - a modern adaptation of the boy who went out to learn what fear was. The Artemis Line by Peter Crowther. This is a retelling of the elves that involves walking scarecrows, a man called Carol and is set in Yorkshire. I did appreciate the references to places such as Bramhope! Come Unto Me is a modern adaptation of Rumpelstiltskin that becomes fairy tale meets Misery.
For any fan of the fairy tale genre this collection really does add a new dimension to many favourite classic tales.
May 27, 2022
my a 3 is too high considering I didn't read all of the stories. The ones I read are fine but some are boring. most of the stories have a really slow plot and entangled way of writing. it made me wanna drop it but I finally decided not to but in a condition where I just read the high rated ones.
Here are some of the stories I read and their ratings:
Down to a sunless sea - 3.5/5
Crossing the Line - 3.9/5
Peckish - 5/5
Look inside - 4.4/5
Fraulein Fearnot - 5/5
The ash-boy - 4/5
The Silken Drum - 4/5
The Robber Bridgegroom - 4.5/5
The Artemis Line - 3.8/5
The silken people - 4.8/5
Come unto me - 5/5
Here are some of the stories I read and their ratings:
Down to a sunless sea - 3.5/5
Crossing the Line - 3.9/5
Peckish - 5/5
Look inside - 4.4/5
Fraulein Fearnot - 5/5
The ash-boy - 4/5
The Silken Drum - 4/5
The Robber Bridgegroom - 4.5/5
The Artemis Line - 3.8/5
The silken people - 4.8/5
Come unto me - 5/5
February 17, 2025
Short horror stories inspired by tales of the Brothers Grimm, alternating with the very stories that provided that inspiration, for comparison and contrast. As with any anthology, there will be high and low points, but the variety here is such that there should be at least one that any given reader will like. It should be noted, however, that despite the warnings given on the back cover and introduction, none of them ends especially darkly. The vast majority of these, despite all evidence to the contrary, do end happily ever after.
November 25, 2016
It was a decent book but it had its ups and downs. I couldn't tell which story was a retelling or which wasn't and some of the tales were boring and drawn out. However, a few tales like the Silken People and Fäulein fearnot were very good and entertaining. So if you skip over a couple stories it's a good read.
May 29, 2018
It was a pretty good book. Some of the stories I really liked; others not so much. I liked all the older fairy tales and some of the newer ones like the stories by Joanne Harris, Angela Slatter, and John Ajvide Lindqvist. I usually don't read short stories, but this collection, although a little grim, wasn't gory or anything like that.
November 12, 2019
Most of the stories in here is really good, both written technical and creepy. Creepy faries, tomtes and other creatures. John ajvide Lindkvist have a uncanny ability to write about something normal and throw in horror, likewise Tanith Lee and some of the other authors. Beautiful illustrerad by Allan Lee
August 22, 2020
Some good, some not so great. Spent many months reading it, so I really don't remember. I typically have a book of short stories going so that I have something to read in between books. . .like when I'm about to go on a trip, so I don't want to start a new book that I won't be able to finish before leaving.
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