Twelve: Poems Inspired by the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale

by Andrea Blythe

Twelve is a poetic retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairytale "The Twelve Dancing Princesses." Bewitching and beguiling, this short series of linked poems takes the reader to the underground realm and back, following the stories of twelve princesses and their life after the magic shoes.

Genres: Poetry, Fiction, Short Stories, Retellings, Fairy Tales, Fantasy

64 pages, Paperback

First published September 7, 2020

About the author

Andrea Blythe is an author, poet, and game writer. She is the author of four poetry chapbooks — the most recent being Necessary Poisons (Interstellar Flight Press, 2024).

Reviews

[ash | · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first want to thank Netgalley, Interstellar Flight Press, and Andrea Blythe for providing a copy for review.

Twelve is a poetic retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairytale "The Twelve Dancing Princesses." I enjoy when retellings breathe new life into a fairy tale. Twelve presents a fresh take by exploring the question of what happened after the magic dancing came to an end.

After the entrance to the underworld was sealed by an iron door, the princesses began to live vastly different lives back in the ordinary world. Each claimed a power and embodied it -- all told through beautiful, yet haunting vivid imagery. We find the eldest daughter’s quiet fury at being wed to a stranger as she fights back with poisons and alchemy. We find another princess choosing a life of stillness and solitude surrounded by ink-splotched pages and the smell of leather bound books. Another princess finds comfort in the tangle of cloth and warm kisses while another is haunted by the souls of the dead and begins stitching all their sorrows into cloth hoping to collect and contain and mend through needle and thread. Twelve packs a lot of emotion into so few pages. This is the sort of idea that I would love to see expanded into a full length novel and/or series.

Twelve is a good place to start for the novice of poetry. Before I begin reading a retelling, I will pull out my Brothers Grimm and Andrew Lang’s books that I own so that I can read the actual fairy tale and have the original tale fresh in my mind. Most fairy tales have multiple variations and “The Twelve Dancing Princesses” is no exception. It’s fascinating to learn how different editors made subtle changes which were inspired by the era they were living in.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how could I not become enchanted by Twelve: Poems Inspired by the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale.
Each of the twelve sisters finds her own way to rebel against her father, the king.

The king, wanting to know the ways of his daughters, the reason why their shoes are so quickly destroyed, issues a decree. Any man that can answer the question within 3 days will get to marry his choice of the daughters. The men that are unable to answer in the 3 day time period are sentenced to death. Let the games begin.

The king's daughters are formidable, beguiling, and charismatic. Even though the secret is revealed, the daughters betrayed by one of their own (a woman), they continue to be feminists, rebels in one form or another.
And the oldest daughter....the one chosen to be wed....she continues on with murder in her heart toward the
man that rightfully (or not so much rightfully) won her hand.

What a wonderful retelling. I am very happy I was able to experience this read.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and Andrea Blythe for an ARC in return for an honest review (less)

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

This is a beautifully put together book of poems told in a story type format about the brothers grimm fairy tale about the twelve dancing princesses.
This book is very well thought out and poetically written to tell a version of the fairy tale after the music stops.
This is a retelling in poetry form and I thought it was very beautifully written.

[Oyinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title - Twelve: Poems Inspired by the Brothers Grimm Fairy tale
Author: Andrea Blythe
Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Many thanks to the publisher, Interstellar Flight Press, for gifting me with an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for my impartial review.

This was a short, beautiful, and important feminist take on The Twelve Dancing Princesses, a Brothers Grimm fairytale. My first encounter with The Twelve Dancing Princesses was when I watched the Barbie remake as a kid.

I loved that it wasn't just a retelling, but in the vein of Kalynn Byron's "Cinderella is Dead", it took the readers through the aftermath of the events of the fairytale. Many times this story has been retold, and many times the 12 princesses have been lumped together as one character. Here, however, Andrea Blythe has written each princess as an individual sister, with her own story and path post the revelation of their secret. As a result, we're able to get an in depth look at each person's personality, story, and interests. They are women who love books and writing, love the Sciences and alchemy, even cooking and baking - women who do whatever they want.

There were so many parts I highlighted while I was reading, because the texts were so great. There were a lot of feminists themes all over the book, and it's so beautiful how they were woven into the story by the author.

It was really great and I recommend it to everyone. It's such a must-read!

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a kid, I was obsessed with the illustrated book of Grimm’s fairy tales that my mother read to me. As an adult, it’s a little insane to note that we read things this dark to children. I enjoyed this author’s lyrical tale on Grimm, usually from the princess or sister’s point of view. I was not as familiar with this particular fairy tale, “The Twelve Dancing Princesses.” I think you might want to read or reread the original tale first - I was intrigued enough that I will read it now. I also really enjoyed the author’s note which tied it all together and let me know I was not the only dark little girl who enjoyed these tales.

[Marija · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this copy on Netgalley and was super intrigued to read it! Definitely not disappointed. Every page was magical describing the twelve sisters, the powers they hold and how each have a different way about life after the entrance was sealed with an iron door to the magical underworld. One sister learned how to poison and alchemy, the twin sisters began stealing, another sister simply chose a life surrounded by books while another found comfort exploring the love of baking and then falling in love with the cook and sharing warm evenings together. I would say that these are not poems but more like short stories. I would love to see this expanded into a larger novel since there are so many fantastic possibilities that can emerge! The author's explanation in the end was a very nice finishing touch over viewing parts we may have missed or what the author wanted us to take away from the story.

[Shannon Winward · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Not every battle requires the clash of swords or the slaying of a dragon to win. Sometimes it's a matter of sorting lentils from the ashes."--Andrea Blythe, TWELVE

Reminiscent of Emma Donoghue's KISSING THE WITCH, TWELVE is a deceptively slender volume of poetry-rich, fairy-tale inspired micro stories. Not just a quick and pleasant read, Blythe's cast of sisters twelve includes such unexpected and complicated characters, with such exquisite and brutal language, one is compelled to go back and read it again, and again, and then give it a place of honor in one's library of speculative feminist voices.

Unabashed 5 Stars.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This chapbook is gorgeous and a lovely take on the fairy tale

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally get it.

As a Dad of 2 girls I have tolerated Disney princesses and been caught up in the standard ‘magic’ and misrepresentation these adapted stories historically told. I am pleased both my daughters are independent women and forged their own way in life.
The Twelve Princesses that Twelve springs from has opened my eyes however.

You see the disempowerment of women even as princesses; where until recent times women had little independence or wealth without a well planned marriage to a man. Yet, these 12 have a degree of independence; they are not waiting to be married off. No as their ruined shoes given witness to; something magical is happening overnight which means the twelve pairs of shoes are worn out.
Furthermore, the girls seem happy and resolved to the secrets they keep and their shared activities.

The King, thinking like a bloke promises a daughter’s hand in marriage, whoever the suitor desires if after 3 days he can explain the facts. Who wouldn’t want to marry a princess; even if the risk of failure to solve the puzzle meant losing your head?

The line of wise men quickly becomes a heap of foolish headless corpses.

The arrival of a downtrodden ex-soldier looks like another chancer. He however knows the reason others have failed and has that wonderful wardrobe accessory-“a clock of invisibility”.

Andrea Blythe re-imagines the world of the Brothers Grimm as though the Enlighten Sisters had editing sway on the ‘fairy tale’.

Makes you think and addresses your accepting attitude of these ‘childhood’ stories.

Will please more people than it upsets as really it isn’t destroying anything of value but expanding our minds. The author has a love of these stories and rather than just redacting them is carefully explaining the potential for women characters to blossom and fail under their own terms at times. Her ideas are clever and well articulated. I am so pleased her open way of writing and her notes around this venture are shared with joy and without judgement.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was nothing like what I expected, but it was still amazing! I'm not sure if it was the formatting on my phone (read through the Kindle app), but the poems felt less like poems and more like short stories. Not complaining, though, they were still amazing. I was surprised, however, that the poems were only based off of The Twelve Dancing Princesses - for some reason, I though it was going to be based off of 12 different fairytales. I must not have read the description very well. Still, the poems were beautiful and they gave so much more depth to characters that were just glanced over originally. I also really enjoyed the feminist take on the story as well. Definitely one of my favorite poetry collections!

Read for the 2021 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge, Prompt: The shortest book on your TBR list
Read for the 2021 Around the Year in 52 Books Challenge, Prompt #33: A collection of short stories, essays, or poetry

[DeAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

I thoroughly enjoyed this collection as it retold what happened after the 12 dancing princesses were found out and their dancing had been stopped. Each sister experienced the loss of their nightly adventures differently - some escape, some take revenge and some find their new normal. All of them react very differently and each of their stories is a little vignette into how they survive.

I would hesitate to call this poetry, I would call it flash fiction or vignette type stories, but it was beautifully written and each look into the sisters' lives was unique and varied. It's a quick read that flies and is a great example of retellings with a twist.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely little read. I’m not sure why it’s categorized as poetry, though. Each chapter is one of the twelve sisters and her outcome written in pretty, but not poetic, prose. Some sisters felt more fully developed than others, and I’d have loved to see each of them fleshed out consistently. My favorite was the twelfth sister, and I could honestly see that story becoming its own book. I loved the imaginative care, and Blythe’s voice encourages the reader to open more doors – whether in writing or art. I love fiction that inspires, and Blythe’s work here does just that.

Thank you to NetGalley and Interstellar Flight Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short book and a quick read but it is enchanting from the very first word until the very last.
The book is a set of poems following the twelve sisters and each of them has their own magic, as well as being part of the bigger story.

My favourite poem from this book is about the eighth and ninth sisters.

[Sienna · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

I received an e-arc from NetGalley for review.

OBSESSED.

I loved this now I need to read other retellings of one of my favorite fairy tales. Nostalgia but at the same time so new and her own. I cannot rave and recommend this more.

And Blythe’s author note at the end I would not mind just reading a book where she talks about fairy tales honestly. She is very poignant and I appreciate the look into the sister's thoughts and feelings individually Like she said what happened after the wedding and the supposedly “happy ever after”

[V. · Rating 3 out of 5]

{I received a review copy from NetGalley}

an interesting structure inspired by old folklore — always a favorite of mine — that has some really wonderful gems. there’s imagery of a pregnant princess perhaps growing not a baby but an apple tree in her belly; another princess sewing her ghosts into a quilt so the pain can be folded up and put away. these fragments are strong and lovely, and I so wish the entire work was as memorable and compelling. I like where the author seemed to be going on a number of occasions - I just wish it went the entire way.

[Mandy Hazen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a crazy twist on the fairy tales! Super twisted as expected. Super enjoyed it and would suggest to anyone who enjoys the fairy tales. Super quick read! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Grace Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It was really interesting to see the aftermath of the classic tale. I have always loved the story of the Twelve Dancing Princesses and I enjoyed this one just as much.
I liked how short and easy this book was to read. I also enjoyed how each chapter left on a sort of cliffhanger. It was also cool to see how different each sister was.
Overall I really liked reading this. I would recommend it to anyone who loves classics and the Brothers Grimm stories.

[Nancy Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title says these are poems, but they're really short stories - or rather even, short comments on each of the twelve sisters, as in "This little piggy went to market..." I would like to see these sisters developed into full characters in a novel with a plot and all that goes with it.

[Amy Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“They had secrets, selves they kept hidden.”

The Twelve Dancing Princesses has always been my favorite fairytale. It's a mystery and fantasy all wrapped up into one. It's not a love story. Instead, it's one of the original stories of a strong sisterhood--predating Frozen and Lilo and Stitch. And yet for some reason this story often goes unread or gets forgotten.

Andrea Blythe's stories (because to me they read more like poetically written stories than stories wrapped in poems) honors the original tale while exploring the favored question of modern fairytale fans "What comes next?"

Story-wise, I loved how each sister spiraled in different directions after having their secret found out. It showed how there's not just one way to react to misfortune befalling. Their ends are also so bittersweet. For the most part, they are free to live the lives they choose for themselves, but the reader is left wondering if this truly counts as a happy ending.

Additionally, if you have not read the Twelve Dancing Princesses, Blythe does an excellent job at summing up the story without it feeling entirely like boring exposition to get on with the rest of the book.

But this book's greatest victory was at guiding the readers through a feminist reading without ever making them roll their eyes or feeling like they're being preached at. The misogyny of fairytales is there and treated as a fact that the sisters must sidestep or sigh and fight against. It does not have the warriors mentality but rather that of an every day woman going against the subtle bs of a world that's not fair. It felt more like a shared joke between the narrator and reader over the foolishness of men underestimating women as the reader no doubt would never do. An example from page 3 and a call-back to the original fairytale: "The soldier, we note, did not credit the old woman on the road, who had ensured this success by warning him to avoid the drugged wine and gifting him a cloak of invisibility."

The message does not get in the way of the story or its telling. Rather, it is amplified through the stories of the characters. Other authors should take notes!

She also plays with cliches and tropes like a master. They are there but tilted and used to leverage or understanding and preconceptions of the trope to place us in the group of characters underestimating these princesses.

Writerly-wise, this book was HEAVEN to read. I adored the cheeky narrative voice threaded throughout the prologue and some of the following chapters. (See the above quote.)

Blythe uses words the way a poet does (thus the categorization of these stories as poems), but bends language so it's easy for prose readers to navigate. (I myself am one such reader.) It wanted to pick out my favorite sentences to prove this point, but it was difficult given that there were so many.

Each word in this book is chosen on purpose. All of the verbs are powerful and poignant. She also uses sentence structure and punctuation to her advantage and to clearly convey certain ideas and emotions and to build a scene. For example, the second sister who cannot stop dancing has her story told all in one sentence.

This is a beautiful work. A literary masterpiece minus the pretension. I can't wait to read it again and again and again.

(Thank you so much to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!)

[Allie Marini · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review *

"There is power in the fact that they enjoyed pleasure for pleasure’s sake and never apologized."

I'm already a fan of Andrea Blythe's work, and I've been meaning to preorder this (which I will now be doing promptly, as the layout and section art is very attractive and I prefer my poetry chapbooks in print.) However, seeing it available as an ARC, I couldn't wait to get a sneak peek.

A few months ago, I'd read a compilation of short fiction called Trolls Eye View, which contained a 12 Dancing Princesses story, so this fairy tale was fresh in my mind and I was eager to see how Blythe handled the tale. Blythe is a talented writer, but nowhere does her talent burn brighter than her work in the realm of revisionist, feminist fairy tales.

From poisoner to mother to adventurer to ghosts of their own making, the word I'd use to thread together these vignettes is "haunted" -- how do you return to a life of obligation that you never chose, knowing the pleasures that exist when you are given (or take) the option of choice ?

The same way the sisters chose to dance in the fairy realm -- so do they choose their own wildly divergent lives after the dancing ends. I favored the Third, Sixth, and Tenth sisters tales -- take from that what you will. I think every reader will see some fraction of their own tempestuous spirit -- and how it might react to its freedom being taken away -- in at least one of these vignettes.

I call them vignettes because they're not quite poetry and they're not quite prose either, so maybe "proems" is the word to describe these tales. In a way, it reminds me of the structure of Gayle Brandeis Many Restless Concerns, in that it brings a life to a woman who's never been given a name, and exists in the liminal space between poetry and prose.

I love the art that introduces each sister, and the Author's Note was a fascinating read that honestly, I wish had been longer. I love the idea of an essay that corresponds to a themed creative project.

Andrea Blythe's work never disappoints me, and it makes me eager to read what her next project will be.

[LeAnna · Rating 3 out of 5]

'The 12 Dancing Princesses' was one of my absolute favorite Grimm tales as a child so I genuinely enjoy the myriad of interpretations and "new versions" of a familiar story that is decidedly dark and grim.

I had been expecting more traditional poetry in this collection -- these read as short stories centered around each of the twelve princesses *after* the story. What comes after "happily ever after" is decidedly dark and sad. A unique and dark take that breathes life in to the women at the heart of this story (when most fairy tales just expect them to be good girls, thankful for their rescue and be obedient and happy wives). No one makes it out the same in *this* imagining. Perhaps that's what makes it so engaging.

A great pairing with House of Salt and Sorrows

This ARC was provided by #NetGalley and the publisher.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love fairytale retellings. I especially love fairytale retellings that return a sense of agency to the too-often-ignored female characters. Thus I was immediately drawn to this poetic retelling of the 12 dancing princesses.

Blythe makes some interesting points, especially in the author's note at the end. However, the stories weren't quite poems - they were more similar to a couple of paragraphs per princess. The writing, though beautiful, was a bit strange. A smidgen too short to feel complete but too long to be what one usually thinks of as a poem.

There is some beautiful writing and some interesting characterization:
"When she was young, she ate apples whole, swallowing the core and bitter seeds along with the white flesh. Her sisters joked that a tree would take root and grow inside her. Now, as her belly swelled, her sisters whispered behind her hands, not quite meeting her eyes."

Personally, I enjoyed the "The Eighth and Ninth Sisters," "The Tenth Sister," and the beginning of "The Fifth Sister" the most. I say the beginning of that one because it felt like Blythe lost steam near the end of most of the poems, going from concrete and beautifully written characterizations to not-quite sticking the landing.

(A couple small notes. One, it strikes me as odd that a story meant to be centering the princesses doesn't give any of them names. Additionally, the last poem implies that the fairies were bad/draining the women's life force - does that not technically absolve the king of some of the blame, if his actions did protect his daughters? Just a thought.)

3.5/5

*Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

*clears throat* *cracks knuckles* Ok, get ready for me to gush about HOW MUCH I LOVE THIS! This book starts with a prologue giving an explanation of what happens in the story of the twelve Dancing Princesses (hence the name of the work) then is followed by an explanation of what happens to each sister after the soldier discovers their dancing in fairy-land and the king stops their fun.

I loved each sister's story. Each had their own unique tale following the loss of fairy-land, and not every one was a perfect and magical princess happy ending, at least in the tradition sense. There is a clear underlying theme of feminism throughout this work and I LOVED it, and the author's intent is clear reading her Author's Note. I think my favorite stories were definitely of sisters 8 & 9 who are badass and I would gobble a whole story just about those two and the Black Fox. I also loved the stories of sisters 3 (books <3), 10 (LESBIANS AND BAKING), and 4.

Honestly the only thing I didn't like about this book was the length; I WISH THERE WAS MORE!!! it was wonderful and an easy read, and as explained in the author's note, there is no clear hero or villain; each of the sisters take life into their own hands and explore their interests, no matter how dark and sinister (or pure and sweet) it may be.

I would TOTALLY RECOMMEND you pick this up, and I might just buy a copy for myself.

Rating: 5/5 stars

*I received an ARC via Netgalley and this in no way impacts my honest review and opinion*

[Annette Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a powerful and memorable collection of prose poems inspired by the Brother's Grimm Fairy Tale " The Twelve Dancing Princesses" , the story of twelve sisters who spend their nights dancing the soles off their shoes in a mysterious and magical land, to the despair of their father, the King. Desperate. he offers the hand of a princess as a reward, and many young men lose their lives in an attempt to solve the mystery, until one day a soldier, with the help of a wise old woman, manages to evade the traps set by the sisters, and is able to find out what is really going on each night. The story ends with him marrying the oldest daughter, and this is where Andrea Blythe's book begins.
Each of the chapters tells the story of a different sister, or in one case, a set of twins, beginning with the oldest who is locked in never ending battle with her new husband, and travelling through each sister in turn. Each has a different voice that suits their story, and I think this shows the remarkable skill of the author. I particularly loved the story of the third sister and her love of books, the darker and more chilling story of the fourth sister and the surprising story of the eighth and ninth sister, but all of them had a sense of power and agency that I really loved. I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

[Kathy Shimpock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blyth crafted her small book around the Grimm folktale of the “Twelve Dancing Princesses” (also known as “The Shoes that Were Danced to Pieces”). It’s the tale of 12 sisters who sneak off at night to dance with the fairies. Each day they return with their shoes worn out. The King imprisons them and proclaims that any man who can uncover the mystery can marry one of his daughters. If the suitor fails, then it’s off with the head! The sisters drug the men so they can’t be followed. But a soldier (with help from an old woman) finally solves the puzzle. The story ends with him marrying the older sister.

This is where Blyth’s prose poems pick up the tale. For each sister she creatively envisions her life after the bliss and intoxication of the otherworld. She weaves stories of rage and guilt, addiction, and mayhem. Ultimately, it is the tale of women who experienced freedom only to be later confined as the property of men. (And yes, there is a feminist cast to her prose.) I’m sure each reader will have a favorite sister with her over the top solution to living a life no longer of her own choosing.

Each story is filled with poetic ideas, and beautiful imagery. Each story answers the question of what happens after “happily ever after.” Best of all, Blyth includes “Author’s Notes” that discuss her thoughts on the folktale and how she came to her retelling.

[Carrie Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of fairy tale retellings in all forms. When I first heard about this I knew I had to read it, especially when I saw that it was written in poems. "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" is one of the Grimm fairy tales that I read later in life than others but it is one of my favorites. I would recommend reading that before you pick this up, just so you have a background.

I really enjoyed this continuation of the fairy tale. Each princess gets their own poem and it was so interesting to learn about them all. They all have such distinct perspectives on what happened. Seeing how they were affected by the dancing was also intriguing. Some were just so amazing. My favorites were probably the third and fourth sisters. It was great to get the story focused on them and not anyone else. We got to see their interests, hobbies, and personalities.

Also, definitely read the author's note at the end.

*Thank you to Netgalley, Andrea Blythe, and Interstellar Flight Press for my free review copy of the book. All opinions are my own.*

[Adrien · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Interstellar for a free copy of this book!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this feminist twist on a fairy tale classic. Andrea Blythe does an excellent job with what I've always considered to be the weakness of modern interpretations of this fairy tale. It's difficult to explore the depth and character of the women in this story because there twelve main characters! Most interpretations I've seen pair the sisters up and attach each of them to a basic stereotype (ex. the smart ones, the pretty ones). Blythe turns the multitude of characters into an exciting exploration into the diversity of ways women respond to the same tragedy and dysfunction. it is sweet, entertaining, and so affirming of women's experiences.

My only critique of this book is that it takes its feminism too seriously. It's also better to think of this as a collection of character sketches rather than a cohesive, plot-driven poem.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, the following is my honest opinion and review. I received this book some time ago but honestly it got lost in my mess of a TBR shelf. I re-discovered it and it fit perfectly with the library's summer reading challenge. I wasn't sure what to expect from this one, I don't think I have ever read the original story of the Twelve Dancing Princesses. From what I understand this book of poetry picks up after the original ended. I really love what Blythe did with these princesses, they each got their own unique 'after the story' ending. They also got to take control of their own lives and futures, so that is always great. I also really enjoyed the writing style, it doesn't always strike as outwardly poetry in the sense you are taught in school but it really flows beautifully. The only downfall for me is that I wanted more, I want a whole novel written in this style about these girls.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somewhat Feminist Retelling of a Grimm Fairy Tale

This is a modern re-visioning of Grimm's fairy tale, The Twelve Dancing Princesses. While not written in traditional poem lines, this book is a collection of prose poems, each for one of the 12 Dancing Princesses (though two are featured together). Even though this is meant for adults, I think having illustrations would have been fun. I wasn't that wild about this book because it seems too violent and otherwise malevolent in places. We adults sometimes forget that fairy tales can have very dark aspects to them. I think this was, perhaps, exploited too much in this book. I did enjoy the heightened language. The words did ring in my ear like fairy tales of old. I just wish I liked the characters and the storyline more.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for review from Interstellar Flight Press.

Blythe masterfully brings to life each of the sisters from the classic Grimm Fairytale, providing us with depth as to their motivations and feelings after their story has ended- after all, no story really ends. A woman's life goes on after marriage, and without it. Blythe navigates the breadth of ways one responds to magic, upheaval, and confinement. Not to mention there is some gorgeous prose in here, many lines will stay with you after you finish this whirlwind of a book. There are secret lives hidden in every story, in every poem, and Blythe tries to show you them all.