What do you think?
Rate this book
Princes, Frogs and Ugly Sisters: The Healing Power of the Grimm Brothers' Tales
Analyzing the ways in which the Grimm brothers' tales provide real, vital insights into how to live more happily, understand the need for personal and psychological growth, and find that significant other, this innovative study revives the true healing nature of these beloved tales. Combining enjoyment of these tales with insightful research, this exploration uses actual case histories to show how the odd and bizarre episodes in fairy tales are actually astounding renditions of human behaviors that occur during times of crisis. It also shows how the six archetypal stages of psychological development are present both in these tales and in everyday life. Contrary to common, contemporary fairy tale re-creations, this study discusses how the Grimm brothers’ stories deal with topics such as dysfunctional family dynamics, sexual jealousy, narcissism, incest, rape, and personal growth from trauma to wellness--noting that Cinderella didn’t have a fairy godmother and frogs were never kissed.
192 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2010
2 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Allan G. Hunter
20 books26 followersI'm a professor at Curry College. Massachusetts, and a counselor. My doctorate is from Oxford University, in English Literature, and I'm fascinated by literature and by the way it explores the deep structures of the psyche.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 29, 2020
"Princes, Frogs and Ugly Sisters" is an interesting look at life, families and relationships using the Grimm Brothers' fairy tales and the wisdom they contain. If you have been brought up on the Disney versions of these tales then hold on to your hats when you read this as you'll no doubt be shocked at just how different the original stories are!
Personally, I struggled with this book, I so wanted to love it but I couldn't help but feel cynical and feel that it was, in places, judgmental, middle class and read a little too much into the tales. However, I put these feelings to the author, Allan, and he was very happy to answer my criticisms and questions. I cannot get across just how lovely a man he is and, having discussed my feelings about the book, I will definitely be re-reading it with fresh eyes, after having read the Grimm's tales of course!
My description above of "judgmental" and "middle class" was based on the opinions that are very evident in the book. I, mistakenly, assumed that they were Allan's personal opinions when, in fact, they are the views of the conservative society in which the Grimm Brothers were writing. Allan explains that the Grimms' Tales are "ultimately, 'conservative' in their outlook because they were talking about the concerns of a very traditional bunch of people in the year 1800." Please bear this in mind while reading the book as it is very easy to be distracted by the "oh that's not PC" thoughts that will detract from the wisdom that the book has to offer.
Allan also says that his aim is "not to praise the Grimms' views as unequivocally 'right' but to suggest that before we throw them out and take Disney we need to be sure what we're throwing out." This is a fair thing to ask and it becomes obvious quickly that Allan is more than a little irritated by the "Disneyfication" of the Grimm's tales and as you read you will discover why; the key points in the tales have been totally ignored by Disney for reasons that will remain a mystery to me! Don't get me wrong, I love a bit of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty or Snow White with the Disney sparkle, but now knowing the true endings I can see how much more I could have learnt had they been left intact. In fact, since reading the book, I have made the decision to read the original tales to my children (when I have them) alongside the Disney films, that way they get the best of both worlds!
If you're a Literature geek (or buff if you prefer!) then you will love this, it looks very deeply into the tales and gives you a lot to think about. It's an ideal companion to have if you are studying the tales for pleasure or otherwise. You can definitely learn some valuable life lessons from the book, and the tales themselves, and for that alone it's worth a read. He has definitely convinced me to read the Grimm's tales and I'm going to give the book a 7/10 with a re-read pending! And now I shall leave you with the man himself giving an interview on the book. His enthusiasm is infectious!
Personally, I struggled with this book, I so wanted to love it but I couldn't help but feel cynical and feel that it was, in places, judgmental, middle class and read a little too much into the tales. However, I put these feelings to the author, Allan, and he was very happy to answer my criticisms and questions. I cannot get across just how lovely a man he is and, having discussed my feelings about the book, I will definitely be re-reading it with fresh eyes, after having read the Grimm's tales of course!
My description above of "judgmental" and "middle class" was based on the opinions that are very evident in the book. I, mistakenly, assumed that they were Allan's personal opinions when, in fact, they are the views of the conservative society in which the Grimm Brothers were writing. Allan explains that the Grimms' Tales are "ultimately, 'conservative' in their outlook because they were talking about the concerns of a very traditional bunch of people in the year 1800." Please bear this in mind while reading the book as it is very easy to be distracted by the "oh that's not PC" thoughts that will detract from the wisdom that the book has to offer.
Allan also says that his aim is "not to praise the Grimms' views as unequivocally 'right' but to suggest that before we throw them out and take Disney we need to be sure what we're throwing out." This is a fair thing to ask and it becomes obvious quickly that Allan is more than a little irritated by the "Disneyfication" of the Grimm's tales and as you read you will discover why; the key points in the tales have been totally ignored by Disney for reasons that will remain a mystery to me! Don't get me wrong, I love a bit of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty or Snow White with the Disney sparkle, but now knowing the true endings I can see how much more I could have learnt had they been left intact. In fact, since reading the book, I have made the decision to read the original tales to my children (when I have them) alongside the Disney films, that way they get the best of both worlds!
If you're a Literature geek (or buff if you prefer!) then you will love this, it looks very deeply into the tales and gives you a lot to think about. It's an ideal companion to have if you are studying the tales for pleasure or otherwise. You can definitely learn some valuable life lessons from the book, and the tales themselves, and for that alone it's worth a read. He has definitely convinced me to read the Grimm's tales and I'm going to give the book a 7/10 with a re-read pending! And now I shall leave you with the man himself giving an interview on the book. His enthusiasm is infectious!
September 12, 2010
As usual, Dr. Hunter's books brought more awareness and gave me much to think about and contemplate. I didn't have a copy of the version of Grimm's tales that he mentioned, and I wished I had. His synopses of the stories, however, were wonderful - very matter-of-fact and to the point. He gave me all of the details needed to understand the points he was making. It also got me thinking about how we could apply some of the patterns and theories to other current day media. I co-own a comic book store, and I am ever amazed at the depth in the comics - I didn't expect it. A similar study of these modern day myths may prove as fruitful as these stories of Grimm.
April 13, 2011
I was delighted to find another resource to support the work I do with archetype and therapeutic writing. Myths and fairy tales provide safe ways to talk about those topics and behaviours which, while unpleasant, must be addressed in our society. And archetypes give us a safe language in which to hold those conversations. In this book Hunter explores those tales and those archetypes, together with actual case studies, and discusses how stories can help us in healing.
August 21, 2010
I got a lot more out of this book than I thought I would. What I learned will stick with me. I just wish the author hadn't named celebrities as examples, stating things that he probably learned in Us Magazine and that may or may not be true. This was irresponsible in a book that's so inciteful about human nature, psychic healing, and spiritual growth.
November 26, 2012
Interesting read. However sometimes I think the meanings derived from the stories was a tad far-fetched. Although I imagine there is some symbolism in the stories, I dont prescribe to archetypes or the thought of linear psychosocial development. Overall I took this as a light-hearted look at Grimm's fairytales.
August 20, 2013
Fascinating read about the undertones and motifs of fairy tales. This is a text I will be sure to reference in my new fairy tales elective course.
July 21, 2015
3.5, I agree with the author there's lots of wisdom and psychological insight hidden in fairy tales. Though IMHO the author put too much emphasis on sexuality.
I still recommend this book.
I still recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews