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Sister Emily's Lightship and Other Stories
In these twenty-eight magnificent tales, which include two Nebula Award winners, Jane Yolen puts a provocative spin on familiar storybook worlds and beloved fairy tale characters
One of the most acclaimed and honored authors in science fiction and fantasy, Jane Yolen has been called “the Hans Christian Andersen of America” for her brilliant reimagining of classic fairy tales. In her first collection of short stories written for an adult audience (after Tales of Wonder and Dragonfield), Yolen explores themes of freedom and justice, truth and consequence, and brings new life to our most cherished fables and myths.
Here are storybook realms rendered more contemporary, and cautionary tales made grimmer than Grimm: Snow White is transported to Appalachia to match wits with a snake-handling evil stepmother and Beauty’s meeting with the Beast takes a twisty, O. Henry–esque turn; in Yolen’s Nebula Award–winning “Lost Girls,” a feminist revolt rocks Peter Pan’s Neverland and in the collection’s glorious title story—also a Nebula winner—the poet Emily Dickinson receives some unexpected and otherworldly inspiration. Sometimes dark, sometimes funny, and always enthralling, Sister Emily’s Lightship is proof positive that Yolen is truly a folklorist of our times.
This ebook features a personal history by Jane Yolen including rare images from the author’s personal collection, as well as a note from the author about the making of the book.
One of the most acclaimed and honored authors in science fiction and fantasy, Jane Yolen has been called “the Hans Christian Andersen of America” for her brilliant reimagining of classic fairy tales. In her first collection of short stories written for an adult audience (after Tales of Wonder and Dragonfield), Yolen explores themes of freedom and justice, truth and consequence, and brings new life to our most cherished fables and myths.
Here are storybook realms rendered more contemporary, and cautionary tales made grimmer than Grimm: Snow White is transported to Appalachia to match wits with a snake-handling evil stepmother and Beauty’s meeting with the Beast takes a twisty, O. Henry–esque turn; in Yolen’s Nebula Award–winning “Lost Girls,” a feminist revolt rocks Peter Pan’s Neverland and in the collection’s glorious title story—also a Nebula winner—the poet Emily Dickinson receives some unexpected and otherworldly inspiration. Sometimes dark, sometimes funny, and always enthralling, Sister Emily’s Lightship is proof positive that Yolen is truly a folklorist of our times.
This ebook features a personal history by Jane Yolen including rare images from the author’s personal collection, as well as a note from the author about the making of the book.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1997
64 people are currently reading
590 people want to read
About the author
Jane Yolen
971 books3,229 followersJane Yolen is a novelist, poet, fantasist, journalist, songwriter, storyteller, folklorist, and children’s book author who has written more than three hundred books. Her accolades include the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Born and raised in New York City, the mother of three and the grandmother of six, Yolen lives in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
September 1, 2020
I'm really not sure if reviewing short story collections is worth it, unless you have the dedication and the energy to do mini-reviews of each individual story. Collections are, by definition, a mixed bag; some stories are brilliant, some unsatisfying, some in between, and which fall into each category will be entirely subjective. For instance, I know I'm a hard sell for short stories for the exact same reasons I love epics: I like a lot of time, characters, and depth, and short stories by definition can't do that. I'm also very influenced by endings, and a markedly satisfying conclusion is harder to achieve in a short form.
There were a few stories here that I particularly liked - 'Granny Rumple', 'Become a Warrior', and 'Lost Girls' in particular. I enjoyed Yolen's take on folk and fairy tales, and her behind-the-scenes approach to Romeo and Juliet in 'Dusty Loves'. Nothing really rose to the level of a 'love' for me, and nothing I would be particularly inclined to revisit, but it was worth the read to get a peek into the author's warehouse of ideas, so to speak.
There were a few stories here that I particularly liked - 'Granny Rumple', 'Become a Warrior', and 'Lost Girls' in particular. I enjoyed Yolen's take on folk and fairy tales, and her behind-the-scenes approach to Romeo and Juliet in 'Dusty Loves'. Nothing really rose to the level of a 'love' for me, and nothing I would be particularly inclined to revisit, but it was worth the read to get a peek into the author's warehouse of ideas, so to speak.
January 15, 2014
Full Review at Booklikes.
This collection presents a couple new tales with previously published work. The stories are geared, as you have no doubt discovered, to the more adult reader. They range from the absolutely hilarious to the political (a tale dedicated to Rushdie) to the most wrenching version of Rumplestilken you will ever read (“Granny Rumple”). Three of the stories are interconnected and concern the trials of a fairy family who finds itself sucked into Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet, and a bottle of bad wine. There is a harsh because of its truth version of Thousand Furs and a rather delightful version of Snow White. If you don’t like one story, odds are the following one will leave breathless from laughter or a darker emotion.
This collection presents a couple new tales with previously published work. The stories are geared, as you have no doubt discovered, to the more adult reader. They range from the absolutely hilarious to the political (a tale dedicated to Rushdie) to the most wrenching version of Rumplestilken you will ever read (“Granny Rumple”). Three of the stories are interconnected and concern the trials of a fairy family who finds itself sucked into Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet, and a bottle of bad wine. There is a harsh because of its truth version of Thousand Furs and a rather delightful version of Snow White. If you don’t like one story, odds are the following one will leave breathless from laughter or a darker emotion.
August 22, 2013
Every time I open an anthology of SF or fantasy stories, Jane Yolen's contribution is one of the first I turn to. They stand out among other stories for their quirkiness and audacity in revisioning traditional stories and genres. So I was thrilled to read an entire volume of her stories, some of which I had read before but most new to me. Some short story anthologies can seem repetitive but Yolen is stylistically very diverse. The stories vary not only in genre but also in mood and writing style; every reader is likely to find something captivating. Although the title story is SF, my personal favourites are some of the fairytale retellings and fantasy stories, which left me wanting more of the worlds she creates so convincingly in just a few pages.
There were just as many stories, though, which left me cold. I did find most of the SF stories a little formulaic, with predictable twists in the end, and the same could be said for some of the fairytale retellings, which are often political at the expense of atmosphere and originality. I found the collection less satisfying than Yolen's full length works, which I recommend highly to anyone who is enchanted and intrigued by some of the stories in this volume. Briar Rose, for example, combines the dark allegory of some of the tales here with more fully developed characters, plot and themes. Despite these reservations, though, this is a great volume to dip into occasionally - you never know what kind of story you will find.
There were just as many stories, though, which left me cold. I did find most of the SF stories a little formulaic, with predictable twists in the end, and the same could be said for some of the fairytale retellings, which are often political at the expense of atmosphere and originality. I found the collection less satisfying than Yolen's full length works, which I recommend highly to anyone who is enchanted and intrigued by some of the stories in this volume. Briar Rose, for example, combines the dark allegory of some of the tales here with more fully developed characters, plot and themes. Despite these reservations, though, this is a great volume to dip into occasionally - you never know what kind of story you will find.
March 10, 2019
A fun and interesting collection of stories. I enjoyed most of the fairy tale re-tellings. The snow white story particularly, was going along in a typical way, then took a sudden step sideways, and zing! surprised me. A couple of stories were like that.
Some of the stories were whimsical, some had an intriguing idea, some sad. There were a couple that didn't work for me at all, which is usually the way with collections. One was a real stinker.
Overall, some cool stories, and I generally like Jane Yolen's writing style. The collection is varied which worked for me.
Some of the stories were whimsical, some had an intriguing idea, some sad. There were a couple that didn't work for me at all, which is usually the way with collections. One was a real stinker.
Overall, some cool stories, and I generally like Jane Yolen's writing style. The collection is varied which worked for me.
January 27, 2020
Her short stories generally are written in the form of self conscious fairy tales, and often are alternate versions of folk or fairy tales. Wonderful writing and imaginative take on the fairy tel genre.
March 17, 2020
For the title story, "Sister Emily's Lightship," 5 freakin' amazing stars!
As a high school student, I did not enjoy Emily Dickinson or her poetry. As a 40-something, I find her life and her poetry fascinating. Jane Yolen's take on a snippet of Emily's life is extraordinary.
As a high school student, I did not enjoy Emily Dickinson or her poetry. As a 40-something, I find her life and her poetry fascinating. Jane Yolen's take on a snippet of Emily's life is extraordinary.
December 27, 2021
Nice, but with a lot of overlapping stories from other anthologies.
April 18, 2019
What it's about: This collection includes an interesting blend of twisted fairy tales, fantasy and folk tales, and science fiction. I think my favorite part was the fact that the "Emily" referenced in the title is the poet Dickinson.
What I thought: Yolen has written such a wide variety of stories in her career. Before I picked up this anthology, I had only been familiar with her Holocaust-related YA historical fiction. I was surprised by some of the stories in this collection - there were a few fairly ribald moments (some quite dark).
As much as I enjoy a good fantasy story, I wasn't enamored of many of the ones in this collection. There was a lot of storytelling from the perspective of elves, fairies, and similar supernatural folk; and there's something about that perspective that just doesn't work for me, as a general rule of thumb. But I did like some of the alternate takes on classic fairy tales. And some of the other fantasy tales were interesting. One made some very interesting insights into how we differentiate history from story from legend, and how perhaps we miscategorize one as the other.
Why I rated it like I did: I SHOULD love this collection, but for some reason, I just couldn't get enthused about this book. It felt like a slog to finish it. Could just have been my busy schedule affecting my mental state, but I didn't have the overwhelming urge to drop other things to pick up this book.
What I thought: Yolen has written such a wide variety of stories in her career. Before I picked up this anthology, I had only been familiar with her Holocaust-related YA historical fiction. I was surprised by some of the stories in this collection - there were a few fairly ribald moments (some quite dark).
As much as I enjoy a good fantasy story, I wasn't enamored of many of the ones in this collection. There was a lot of storytelling from the perspective of elves, fairies, and similar supernatural folk; and there's something about that perspective that just doesn't work for me, as a general rule of thumb. But I did like some of the alternate takes on classic fairy tales. And some of the other fantasy tales were interesting. One made some very interesting insights into how we differentiate history from story from legend, and how perhaps we miscategorize one as the other.
Why I rated it like I did: I SHOULD love this collection, but for some reason, I just couldn't get enthused about this book. It felt like a slog to finish it. Could just have been my busy schedule affecting my mental state, but I didn't have the overwhelming urge to drop other things to pick up this book.
June 20, 2012
I found this collection of short fiction surprising and wonderful. Jane is a wonderful host, and I selected this volume from her shelves to read first - I couldn't have been more impressed. These are timeless stories, fairytales with interesting twists, that have messages for readers of different ages. While I love a great feminist story, like something from Cat Valente or James Tiptree Jr., the stories in this book are a bit more gentle while remaining powerfully pro-girl. As another reviewer said, "what if Emily Dickinson's otherworldly poetry was just that--inspired by a joyride through outer space? What if the thirteenth fairy cursed the princess by accident; what if Snow White knew better than to let strangers into her cottage; what if Rumplestiltskin was an unjustly maligned Jewish moneylender; what if the girls in Peter Pan's hideaway got sick of playing housewife?" There's a lot to discover here.
June 5, 2017
If I rated the stories individually some are great and none are less than good.
April 3, 2019
first discovered Jane Yolen through her children's books, the adorable "How Does a Dinosaur?" books. I checked them out of the library to read to my little girl, and we ended up buying How Do Dinosaurs Clean Their Room?. These are lovely books for toddlers and young children--good messages delivered in a charming and imaginative way. However, on a later library trip, I discovered Sister Emily"s Lightship, and realized the author of some of my daughter's favorite books was also an award winning science fiction and fantasy writer for adults! I had to check the book out.
This book has twenty eight short stories, each one unique. In fact, it's hard to sum up Yolen's work, since the stories are so diverse in tone. Yet each one was interesting in its own right. I loved the lyricism of stories like "Become a Warrior" or "The Traveler and the Tale," as well as the cheeky impertinence of "Lost Girls." Yolen has a particular gift for re-telling fairy tales in a fresh, often startling way. "Granny Rumple" is penetrating examination of the Rumpelstiltskin story, one that reveals the original's unsavory origins. Likewise, "Allereirauh" and "Godmother Death" are haunting versions of folk tales and the bitter truths they hide. "Allereirauh" deals with the tragedy of incest and child abuse, and the horrid cycle it produces in one generation after another. Yolen also has several very funny stories, including a hilarious critique of Romeo and Juliet in "Dusty Loves" and the raunchy but enjoyable "Dick W. and his Pussy; or, Tess and her Adequate Dick."
Out of so many vastly different stories, I found it hard to pick my favorites, but if I had to, I'd say either "Sister Death" or "The Memoirs of a Bottle Djinn." "Sister Death" is a dark tale about Lillith, yet the twist at the end, especially with its uncertain hope of redemption, makes it a powerful tale. I enjoyed "The Memoirs of a Bottle Djinn" because it was so evocative of the glories and joys of life, and the way that asceticism and religious fundamentalism rob life of its meaning. But the best part of the story was its wise protagonist, who recognizes that all the pleasures in the world are meaningless without love and companionship.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves science fiction and fantasy. And I'd also recommend Yolen's children's books to parents everywhere!
This book has twenty eight short stories, each one unique. In fact, it's hard to sum up Yolen's work, since the stories are so diverse in tone. Yet each one was interesting in its own right. I loved the lyricism of stories like "Become a Warrior" or "The Traveler and the Tale," as well as the cheeky impertinence of "Lost Girls." Yolen has a particular gift for re-telling fairy tales in a fresh, often startling way. "Granny Rumple" is penetrating examination of the Rumpelstiltskin story, one that reveals the original's unsavory origins. Likewise, "Allereirauh" and "Godmother Death" are haunting versions of folk tales and the bitter truths they hide. "Allereirauh" deals with the tragedy of incest and child abuse, and the horrid cycle it produces in one generation after another. Yolen also has several very funny stories, including a hilarious critique of Romeo and Juliet in "Dusty Loves" and the raunchy but enjoyable "Dick W. and his Pussy; or, Tess and her Adequate Dick."
Out of so many vastly different stories, I found it hard to pick my favorites, but if I had to, I'd say either "Sister Death" or "The Memoirs of a Bottle Djinn." "Sister Death" is a dark tale about Lillith, yet the twist at the end, especially with its uncertain hope of redemption, makes it a powerful tale. I enjoyed "The Memoirs of a Bottle Djinn" because it was so evocative of the glories and joys of life, and the way that asceticism and religious fundamentalism rob life of its meaning. But the best part of the story was its wise protagonist, who recognizes that all the pleasures in the world are meaningless without love and companionship.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves science fiction and fantasy. And I'd also recommend Yolen's children's books to parents everywhere!
June 26, 2018
A collection of short stories from Jane Yolen. Despite the title, which suggests science fiction at least on some level, the vast majority of the stories are fantasy.
Which is a bit of an annoyance, to be honest. Nothing wrong with fantasy, but when you title an anthology after one of your stories, ideally it should be representative at least of the genre. I mean, imagine a collection of short stories full of horror and murder and they decide to name the anthology of the one romantic comedy story the author did as well. It's not quite as bad as that, there are maybe a couple of stories that are science fiction (although even them they're somewhat nominally so). I do understand that in addition to being one of Yolen's most well-regarded recent short stories (and an award-winner), it's also the one with the most distinctive title, so maybe there was no getting around it, but still.
Anyway, most of the stories are fantasy, and what's more, most are a particular type of fantasy, the kind where it's sort of a reinterpretation or reimagining of a fairy tale. This could get repetitive and tiring for some, and was for me a little, but as testament to the author's skill, I wasn't nearly as annoyed with them as I thought. One in particular stood out, Granny Rumple, which points out how the Rumplestiltskin legend makes a lot more sense when interpreting it as bigotry later mythologized with the bigots recast as heroes.
There are other good stories in it as well, and the title story is one of the better ones, although I'm afraid, as well-written as they are, it's a bit too much Not My Thing and so for my personal rating, I'd put it about at three stars. I liked it, glad I read it, but most of it's not going to stick with me.
Which is a bit of an annoyance, to be honest. Nothing wrong with fantasy, but when you title an anthology after one of your stories, ideally it should be representative at least of the genre. I mean, imagine a collection of short stories full of horror and murder and they decide to name the anthology of the one romantic comedy story the author did as well. It's not quite as bad as that, there are maybe a couple of stories that are science fiction (although even them they're somewhat nominally so). I do understand that in addition to being one of Yolen's most well-regarded recent short stories (and an award-winner), it's also the one with the most distinctive title, so maybe there was no getting around it, but still.
Anyway, most of the stories are fantasy, and what's more, most are a particular type of fantasy, the kind where it's sort of a reinterpretation or reimagining of a fairy tale. This could get repetitive and tiring for some, and was for me a little, but as testament to the author's skill, I wasn't nearly as annoyed with them as I thought. One in particular stood out, Granny Rumple, which points out how the Rumplestiltskin legend makes a lot more sense when interpreting it as bigotry later mythologized with the bigots recast as heroes.
There are other good stories in it as well, and the title story is one of the better ones, although I'm afraid, as well-written as they are, it's a bit too much Not My Thing and so for my personal rating, I'd put it about at three stars. I liked it, glad I read it, but most of it's not going to stick with me.
June 24, 2018
Take a magical mystery tour through the amazing imagination of Jane Yolen with these twenty-eight mind blowing short stories. Some of them are fairy tales or folk tales or children's stories that you thought you knew until this author turned them upside down or inside out. Most of these tales have appeared in other publications but that doesn't matter. Jane Yolen's stories can be enjoyed over and over again. She has a twisted sense of humor - sometimes wry, sometimes bawdy. Her stories can be romantic or fanciful or violent (or all of these things at once). I could have finished this book in a day but I drew it out as long as possible. Because sometimes you have to put the book down and think about what you just read. I also loved that at the end of the collection, Jane Yolen gave some insight into what inspired each story. It was kind of a behind-the-scenes tour that I thoroughly enjoyed. This author is incredibly prolific and works in many different genres: children's literature, young adult books, poetry, holocaust novels, short stories. I am confident that there is no subject that Jane Yolen could not write about. And I will be happy to read anything she publishes.
July 7, 2024
“Sister Emily’s Lightship and Other Stories” is a collection of 28 short stories by Jane Yolen. Three of these stories are unique to this collection, the others have been previously printed in various places. The majority of these stories are fantasty, with two notable exceptions. One of these is the titular story, which amazingly combines the famous poet Emily Dickinson with an alien visitor. The other is “Salvage” which is told from an interesting alien viewpoint.
The fantasy stories are diverse and include “Blood Sister” which is a prequel to Ms. Yolen’s Trilogy The Books of Great Alta. There are three related tales of a fey family that gets into various sorts of trouble. Then there are darker tales like “Sister Death” that are almost horror. In short, these tales show the range of an accomplished author.
The stories in this book were published between 1980-2000, and the anthology itself is copyrighted 2000. In addition to the stories, there is an Afterward where Ms. Yolen tells about her writing process and how these tales came to be. There’s also a biography of the author. A pretty good collection, which I would recommend for the fantasy fan.
The fantasy stories are diverse and include “Blood Sister” which is a prequel to Ms. Yolen’s Trilogy The Books of Great Alta. There are three related tales of a fey family that gets into various sorts of trouble. Then there are darker tales like “Sister Death” that are almost horror. In short, these tales show the range of an accomplished author.
The stories in this book were published between 1980-2000, and the anthology itself is copyrighted 2000. In addition to the stories, there is an Afterward where Ms. Yolen tells about her writing process and how these tales came to be. There’s also a biography of the author. A pretty good collection, which I would recommend for the fantasy fan.
September 5, 2023
‘Sister Emily’s Lightship and Other Stories’ by Jane Yolen is a collection of short stories by the award winning writer.
There are 28 short stories in this collection include 3 original to this book. There are variations of famous fairytales, original folktales and even a take on O. Henry’s ‘The Gift of the Magi.’ The title story, which is saved for last, was my favorite. At the end of the book are author’s notes on each story which I found of interest.
Please note that while these are based on fairytales, the book is intended for adults and not children. As in any collection, I liked some stories better than others, but Jane Yolen is a gifted writer and I enjoy her prose.
There are 28 short stories in this collection include 3 original to this book. There are variations of famous fairytales, original folktales and even a take on O. Henry’s ‘The Gift of the Magi.’ The title story, which is saved for last, was my favorite. At the end of the book are author’s notes on each story which I found of interest.
Please note that while these are based on fairytales, the book is intended for adults and not children. As in any collection, I liked some stories better than others, but Jane Yolen is a gifted writer and I enjoy her prose.
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September 16, 2020Jane Yolen was one of my favorite authors as a young person, and these are definitely stories for adults.
The author’s afterward with notes for each story are amazing. I was very glad to learn that my favorite story, a very short piece about meeting the wind and a moment of internal growth and natural awe, was so autobiographical.
Lots of very good stories. Many with terrifying middles or ends.
The author’s afterward with notes for each story are amazing. I was very glad to learn that my favorite story, a very short piece about meeting the wind and a moment of internal growth and natural awe, was so autobiographical.
Lots of very good stories. Many with terrifying middles or ends.
April 1, 2018
I enjoyed these stories but not in an intense way. I felt relatively middle of the road about them all, which is especially sad to me because many of them are ideas I've played with in my own writing and it's impossible not to worry that they're just "meh" themes, which isn't fun.
Anyway, diverting but not anything I will jump up and down about.
Anyway, diverting but not anything I will jump up and down about.
May 20, 2024
It's an excellent collection. My favorites were "Granny Rumple" and the title story, "Sister Emily's Lightship." YMMV. As a side note, I also found it amusing that in the story about the story "Godmother Death," she mistook the holders of The Sandman comics copyright to be Marvel rather than DC. Of course, she also says she has a notoriously bad memory, so there you go.
July 11, 2017
I don't remember reading a story from Jane Yolen before. But, after reading this collection of mostly dark, mostly adult fairy-tail-esque stories, I'll be keeping my eye out for her name and other stories.
July 14, 2018
I generally like Jane Yolen. However, this collection of short stories had many "meh" stories that felt too similar to each other. There are a couple of real gems in there, but those can be found in better anthologies.
September 20, 2018
A few of the stories in the book were excellent, funny, and thought provoking, while the majority I found a bit inaccessible. It felt like I was missing some deep well researched meaning because I didn't hold degree in folklore studies.
December 19, 2018
After reading The Emerald Circus, I discovered I had bought this book as part of a Humble Bundle. I enjoyed some of the new stories I discovered; others were not quite my favorites, but a great read overall.
November 8, 2016
Yolen has a very enjoyable tone and will frequently make you smile in amusement as she breaks the forth wall and retells fairy tales with a fun twist.
August 10, 2017
A wide-ranging collection of fairy tales: creative retellings of the classics, imaginative originals, variants on popular themes - some quite dark. Yolen's voice is cheeky and delightful.
December 24, 2017
I gave up five stories in, I just wasn't grabbed by these first tales at all. Perhaps I'll revisit individual stories that are more highly rated.
September 25, 2018
Short story collection, many of which are new takes on classic fairy tales.
September 3, 2019
Jane Yolen has written modern myths. They’ve spoken truth to me and have been helpful additives for my life.
March 23, 2024
These stories are clever and entertaining and well-written. They are sometimes horrifying and sometimes poignant. However, they are mostly loveless and therefore I did not enjoy them.
July 8, 2024
Some very interesting takes on traditional folk stories and fairy tales.
May 10, 2012
According to the jacket information, Jane Yolen has had over 150 books published. Most of them are YA or children's books, actually, but I still have to say: I obviously haven't read enough of them. On looking at her website, though, it seems that I've read most (though not all) of her adult novels. And I should try to find more of her YA stuff, I think.
This collection of short stories, most published in the 1980s and 1990s (with three new for the collection) shows an interesting range - from fairy tale re-imaginings to a couple of science fiction stories to toyings with Greek and Arabian myth. I was particularly taken with "Lost Girls," a valuable feminist sendup of the Peter Pan story (and 1999 Nebula winner in the Novelette category), and of course the title story, which is about one of my favorite poets.
(Yes, I have favorite poets. Don't you?)
There's also a valuable Afterward that discusses the genesis and publication history of the stories. I particularly like the one for "Godmother Death":
So Neil Gaiman asked me to contribute to a Sandman anthology and I wrote this story, which is based on a powerful folk tale that can be found in variants from Scandinavia to the Middle East. He accepted the story and sent the contract, which said that all rights to the story would belong to Marvel Comics till the heat death of the universe, as they held the copyright on the Sandman characters in their iron fists.
She turned the contract down - smart lady - and it was published in a completely different anthology.
Anyway: Great collection for readers, writers, and those interested in the writing process and publication.
This collection of short stories, most published in the 1980s and 1990s (with three new for the collection) shows an interesting range - from fairy tale re-imaginings to a couple of science fiction stories to toyings with Greek and Arabian myth. I was particularly taken with "Lost Girls," a valuable feminist sendup of the Peter Pan story (and 1999 Nebula winner in the Novelette category), and of course the title story, which is about one of my favorite poets.
(Yes, I have favorite poets. Don't you?)
There's also a valuable Afterward that discusses the genesis and publication history of the stories. I particularly like the one for "Godmother Death":
So Neil Gaiman asked me to contribute to a Sandman anthology and I wrote this story, which is based on a powerful folk tale that can be found in variants from Scandinavia to the Middle East. He accepted the story and sent the contract, which said that all rights to the story would belong to Marvel Comics till the heat death of the universe, as they held the copyright on the Sandman characters in their iron fists.
She turned the contract down - smart lady - and it was published in a completely different anthology.
Anyway: Great collection for readers, writers, and those interested in the writing process and publication.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews