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Tales As Old As Time
Tales As Old As Time
What if the Pied Piper was the devil,
Or by conmen a blind man was embezzled?
Could a porridge pot heal the injured?
While through a pandemic, a sleeping man lingered.
Could a man make a miserable princess laugh,
Would it prove to be an impossible task?
It’s time for my second collection of poetic fairytales. Cosy up, and curl up into your favourite chair as you revisit more tales which are close to your heart.
What if the Pied Piper was the devil,
Or by conmen a blind man was embezzled?
Could a porridge pot heal the injured?
While through a pandemic, a sleeping man lingered.
Could a man make a miserable princess laugh,
Would it prove to be an impossible task?
It’s time for my second collection of poetic fairytales. Cosy up, and curl up into your favourite chair as you revisit more tales which are close to your heart.
- GenresPoetry
110 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2023
3 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 20, 2023
Great storytelling again from this writer. My favorite story was “The Man Who Slept On A retelling of Sleeping Beauty”
December 13, 2023
What a fantastic little collection of fairytale retellings.
What a fantastic little collection of fairytale retellings. The poetry is beautiful and wonderfully written. There were many times I went back to reread as I loved a rhyme so much! The author also wonderfully merged the old and new to create some really great stories with twists.
This isn’t the first book I’ve read from this author and Tales As Old As Time did not disappoint. I look forward to reading more in the future!
What a fantastic little collection of fairytale retellings. The poetry is beautiful and wonderfully written. There were many times I went back to reread as I loved a rhyme so much! The author also wonderfully merged the old and new to create some really great stories with twists.
This isn’t the first book I’ve read from this author and Tales As Old As Time did not disappoint. I look forward to reading more in the future!
December 4, 2023
Another beautiful poetry collection from this lovely author!
I love Sophie's fairy tale retellings. I adored her first book and so I was super excited to read this new one. Just like her other books, Tales As Old As Time is a heartwarming and cozy collection of poems that I enjoyed.
The Lovers That Couldn't Be was my favorite from this collection as it was one of the emotional ones in the book. If you like fairy tale retellings, definitely check out both of Sophie's poetry collections!
I love Sophie's fairy tale retellings. I adored her first book and so I was super excited to read this new one. Just like her other books, Tales As Old As Time is a heartwarming and cozy collection of poems that I enjoyed.
The Lovers That Couldn't Be was my favorite from this collection as it was one of the emotional ones in the book. If you like fairy tale retellings, definitely check out both of Sophie's poetry collections!
December 6, 2023
This book was really great. It is the second one I read from this author and I loved it! I feel like she has put her whole heart into writting these poems
March 31, 2024
❤️
The poetic form enriches the tales, adding layers of beauty and complexity, and inviting readers to ponder life's big questions through the lens of folklore.
With its blend of whimsy, wisdom, and a touch of darkness, "Tales As Old As Time" is a cozy yet thought-provoking read, perfect for those who cherish the magic of stories and the truths they can unveil.
The poetic form enriches the tales, adding layers of beauty and complexity, and inviting readers to ponder life's big questions through the lens of folklore.
With its blend of whimsy, wisdom, and a touch of darkness, "Tales As Old As Time" is a cozy yet thought-provoking read, perfect for those who cherish the magic of stories and the truths they can unveil.
February 11, 2024
love this!!
I absolutely love Sophie’s work and this book is no different! You can tell that she puts her heart and soul into each poem! I can’t wait to read more of her work!!
I absolutely love Sophie’s work and this book is no different! You can tell that she puts her heart and soul into each poem! I can’t wait to read more of her work!!
February 4, 2024
Better and Better!
Ms. Bowns’ fairy tale retellings keep getting better and better. My favorites in this collection were the first story – The Upper Hand – the last – The Pot That Wouldn’t Stop – and one in the middle - Frog the Inventor. This is not to say the others (there are 12 fairy tale retellings in all) were not good, they are! But I connected especially with those three.
Ms. Bowns’ has converted fairy tales, some more familiar and some less, from their original into rhyme. Then she has added one or more twists making each story both familiar and new. For example, The Upper Hand is a retelling of the Emperor’s New Clothes but, in Ms. Bowns’ retelling the joke is on the clothiers and the Prince (yes, downgraded from Emperor!) definitely has the upper hand.
As with her other collections, my biggest difficulty was the dearth of my knowledge of some of the originals. This, of course, meant the twist was lost until I could find and read the original. However, the stories do stand on their own; they are witty and quick and enjoyable.
Fairy tales, verse, variety, and short, easy, funny read. Recommended!
Ms. Bowns’ fairy tale retellings keep getting better and better. My favorites in this collection were the first story – The Upper Hand – the last – The Pot That Wouldn’t Stop – and one in the middle - Frog the Inventor. This is not to say the others (there are 12 fairy tale retellings in all) were not good, they are! But I connected especially with those three.
Ms. Bowns’ has converted fairy tales, some more familiar and some less, from their original into rhyme. Then she has added one or more twists making each story both familiar and new. For example, The Upper Hand is a retelling of the Emperor’s New Clothes but, in Ms. Bowns’ retelling the joke is on the clothiers and the Prince (yes, downgraded from Emperor!) definitely has the upper hand.
As with her other collections, my biggest difficulty was the dearth of my knowledge of some of the originals. This, of course, meant the twist was lost until I could find and read the original. However, the stories do stand on their own; they are witty and quick and enjoyable.
Fairy tales, verse, variety, and short, easy, funny read. Recommended!
April 6, 2024
I don't typically read poetry or fairytales, but I wanted to give this one a read after talking with the author on Twitter. I was only familiar with one of the fairytales presented in this collection which ended up getting a very modern 2020 twist. I enjoyed reading through this collection and learning about an array of fairytales that I had never heard before. I would say my favorites were "Frog The Inventor" and "The Selfish Giant."
I ended up enjoying "Frog The Inventor" far more than I ever imagined I would enjoy a story about frogs. It had a truly satisfying ending.
"The Selfish Giant" felt like a great story for anyone who feels different. I found it to be a tale of acceptance of those who are different from who would be considered normal. I found that wholesome and its a lesson that many in the modern age need to learn.
If you are a fan of poetry and/or fairytales, or even if you aren't, I would recommend giving this collection a read! As I had mentioned, I typically don't read poetry or fairytales, but I found this to be the perfect combination of the two. Bonus points for magical porridge!
I ended up enjoying "Frog The Inventor" far more than I ever imagined I would enjoy a story about frogs. It had a truly satisfying ending.
"The Selfish Giant" felt like a great story for anyone who feels different. I found it to be a tale of acceptance of those who are different from who would be considered normal. I found that wholesome and its a lesson that many in the modern age need to learn.
If you are a fan of poetry and/or fairytales, or even if you aren't, I would recommend giving this collection a read! As I had mentioned, I typically don't read poetry or fairytales, but I found this to be the perfect combination of the two. Bonus points for magical porridge!
August 31, 2024
Amazing Poetry Collection!
I just finished reading this collection of poetic fairytales, and I'm still reeling from the experience! The author's creativity and skill have blown me away.
I love how they've taken classic tales and turned them on their head, adding fresh twists and layers of depth. It's like reading a favorite story for the first time all over again!
The poetry itself is beautiful, with a flow that's like a warm hug on a chilly day. The language is rich and vivid, making it easy to get lost in each narrative.
What really resonates with me is the sense of wonder and curiosity these poems inspire. They're like a breath of fresh air, reminding me to look at familiar stories in new and exciting ways.
If you're a fan of poetry, fairytales, or just great storytelling in general, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of this collection. Trust me, you won't regret it!
I just finished reading this collection of poetic fairytales, and I'm still reeling from the experience! The author's creativity and skill have blown me away.
I love how they've taken classic tales and turned them on their head, adding fresh twists and layers of depth. It's like reading a favorite story for the first time all over again!
The poetry itself is beautiful, with a flow that's like a warm hug on a chilly day. The language is rich and vivid, making it easy to get lost in each narrative.
What really resonates with me is the sense of wonder and curiosity these poems inspire. They're like a breath of fresh air, reminding me to look at familiar stories in new and exciting ways.
If you're a fan of poetry, fairytales, or just great storytelling in general, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of this collection. Trust me, you won't regret it!
November 4, 2024
A nostalgic and innovative collection
I am loving Sophie Bown’s poetic narratives - seriously- she is so good at these and so witty too - this one made me giggle lots!
In "Tales as Old as Tale," Sophie Bowns invites readers into a whimsical world where classic fairy tales are given a fresh twist.
With her second collection of poetic retellings, Bowns breathes new life into beloved stories, posing intriguing questions that challenge the status quo of these age-old narratives. What if the Pied Piper was the devil? What if the porridge pot could heal instead of merely feed? These are just a few of the captivating scenarios that unfold within the pages of this delightful anthology. Sophie has a real knack for storytelling, and her poems capture the essence of the original tales while adding a contemporary flair.
Overall, "Tales as Old as Tale" is a commendable collection that strikes a balance between nostalgia and innovation. Seriously worth checking out!
I am loving Sophie Bown’s poetic narratives - seriously- she is so good at these and so witty too - this one made me giggle lots!
In "Tales as Old as Tale," Sophie Bowns invites readers into a whimsical world where classic fairy tales are given a fresh twist.
With her second collection of poetic retellings, Bowns breathes new life into beloved stories, posing intriguing questions that challenge the status quo of these age-old narratives. What if the Pied Piper was the devil? What if the porridge pot could heal instead of merely feed? These are just a few of the captivating scenarios that unfold within the pages of this delightful anthology. Sophie has a real knack for storytelling, and her poems capture the essence of the original tales while adding a contemporary flair.
Overall, "Tales as Old as Tale" is a commendable collection that strikes a balance between nostalgia and innovation. Seriously worth checking out!
March 26, 2025
A Symphony of Storytelling in Verse
This is not just a retelling, it’s a rediscovery. With each quatrain, you’ll find yourself enchanted, questioning, and above all immersed in the timeless magic of storytelling.
The story of John and Agnes, a struggling couple trying to survive in a small town. Despite working tirelessly, they face harsh winters, crop failures, and financial hardship. The poem paints a vivid picture of resilience, love, and sacrifice, capturing the weight of poverty and the risks people take to protect their families.
With a masterful grasp of rhyme, the author spins well-loved fables into poetic wonders, where conmen deceive the blind, a magical porridge pot becomes a healer, and a sleeping man unknowingly slumbers through a plague. Each poem is a fresh take on the old, blending nostalgia with a modern heartbeat.
This is not just a retelling, it’s a rediscovery. With each quatrain, you’ll find yourself enchanted, questioning, and above all immersed in the timeless magic of storytelling.
The story of John and Agnes, a struggling couple trying to survive in a small town. Despite working tirelessly, they face harsh winters, crop failures, and financial hardship. The poem paints a vivid picture of resilience, love, and sacrifice, capturing the weight of poverty and the risks people take to protect their families.
With a masterful grasp of rhyme, the author spins well-loved fables into poetic wonders, where conmen deceive the blind, a magical porridge pot becomes a healer, and a sleeping man unknowingly slumbers through a plague. Each poem is a fresh take on the old, blending nostalgia with a modern heartbeat.
February 5, 2024
An interesting spin on some of my favourite fairy tales, some stayed very true to the traditional narrative while others had a more modern feel. I did feel like the poetry felt a little forced at times, as though in an attempt to maintain the rhyming scheme the author chose words and phrases that felt out of place. I also think that this is a book best suited to dipping in and out of rather than reading in long sittings, so it is a pity that there is no linked index to take you to your chosen story in the kindle version. My favourites of the stories were Frog the Inventor and The Devil in Pied Clothing though I also enjoyed The Pot that Wouldn't Stop because I may have had an obsession with that story as a child.
November 22, 2023
Just a genuinely delightful collection of poems that re-tell familiar tales but with a very unique twist. There’s no question the author is very talented, seamlessly blending the old and new until, as a reader, it’s hard to discern which came first.
It’s extremely difficult for me to pick a favourite but if pushed it would be ‘The Steadfast Soldier’, as somehow the author has taken a simple children’s story and made into one with such heart, told with genuine pathos without slipping into sentimentality.
I heartily recommend this collection and as a first time reader of this author’s work, I’ll definitely be buying another of their books in the very near future.
It’s extremely difficult for me to pick a favourite but if pushed it would be ‘The Steadfast Soldier’, as somehow the author has taken a simple children’s story and made into one with such heart, told with genuine pathos without slipping into sentimentality.
I heartily recommend this collection and as a first time reader of this author’s work, I’ll definitely be buying another of their books in the very near future.
December 9, 2023
This was just a superb collection of fairytale twists that became such a page turner that although I had originally planned to read this in bits and pieces between other stories, I actually read all but 1 of these in a single sitting. A personal favourite being The Man Who Slept On, a Sleeping Beauty retelling. But there wasn’t a dud in the bunch! I absolutely can’t wait to explore more from this author’s work in future.
January 6, 2024
Good read
Transporting readers into a whimsical world, this collection weaves enchanting tales that challenge norms and spark the imagination. With poetic finesse, it explores the unexpected, from the devilish Pied Piper to a pot of healing porridge. Each story captivates, reminding us of the magic found in the familiar and the extraordinary
Transporting readers into a whimsical world, this collection weaves enchanting tales that challenge norms and spark the imagination. With poetic finesse, it explores the unexpected, from the devilish Pied Piper to a pot of healing porridge. Each story captivates, reminding us of the magic found in the familiar and the extraordinary
December 9, 2023
Well thought-out & written!
Another enjoyable read by Sophie! As a follow-up to “Fairytales Unpicked,” it was great to see it published not too long after! Be sure to check out both titles! 👏🏻
Another enjoyable read by Sophie! As a follow-up to “Fairytales Unpicked,” it was great to see it published not too long after! Be sure to check out both titles! 👏🏻
April 26, 2024
Wonderful story!
This was a wonderful poetry book of several different fairytales, each thrilling in theor own way, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. I finished it in one sitting. Highly recommend!
This was a wonderful poetry book of several different fairytales, each thrilling in theor own way, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. I finished it in one sitting. Highly recommend!
December 12, 2023
A lovely collection
March 7, 2024
Amazing
This collection of stories and poems is like a colorful quilt of different human feelings and lessons. Each piece has its own flavor and teaches us something important.
This collection of stories and poems is like a colorful quilt of different human feelings and lessons. Each piece has its own flavor and teaches us something important.
December 13, 2023
A fun set of revamped fairy tales, my faves at this point being 'Frog, the Inventor' and 'The Devil in Pied Clothing'. The writer retains a bit of the language register used in stories of old, which is a nice touch. A small minus (not related to the rating) would be no clickable links in the table of contents, meaning it's a bit of a faff if you want to pick out a specific fairy tale. Overall, a good job well done, and I'm happy to see more longer verse like this.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews