Dancing on Blades: Rare and Exquisite Folktales from the Carpathian Mountains

by Csenge Virág Zalka

Readers of folktales will relish this collection of rare stories from Hungary. Although the tales were told over one hundred years ago, Zalka's research, translation and embellishments have given these almost-lost stories new lives and fresh faces.

 

Genres: Folklore

224 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2018

About the author

Csenge is a professional storyteller and author from Hungary. As a former Fulbright scholar, she is currently pursuing her PhD studies in the USA. She has an MA in Archaeology, an MA in Storytelling, and is now going for American Culture Studies with a focus on Popular Culture.
(It's ALL about the stories, people.)

Reviews

[Chris Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this old-fashioned (yet with a few smart modern sensibilities) collection of traditional folk tales. I read a lot of folk and fairy tales, and there were some wonderful discoveries here that I had never come across. And that was the point - the author did a Herculean job of sorting through the archives and life of a nearly forgotten Rusyn storyteller named Pályuk Anna. She has been revived and restored to her place in the great web of folklore, with Zalka adding her own storytelling touch in passing down the tales, as is proper for each new storyteller to do. There are about 30 stories packed into this volume, and every one will give you a reason to smile. And if you appreciate knowing what's happening behind the scenes, each story concludes with notes and commentary from the author. PS -- And if you're a parent looking for fabulous short stories full of wonder to read to your kids at bedtime, this is absolutely the book for you.

[Doria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deftly handled and thoroughly researched, each story is a fascinating place where literary sensibilities and fairytale roots intersect. The author-editor is a brilliant folklorist and Storyteller, and has created beautiful English renderings of this unusual set of long-neglected Hungarian tales. This book is of special interest to folklorists, who will benefit from the meticulous explanatory notes appended to each story.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great collection of fairy tales and background info.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable book, especially for those interested in Carpatho-Rusyn folktales. Highly recommended!