Status Updates From The Bloody Chamber

I read one of the short stories in this collection at the bookstore today and I knew I had to buy it immediately. The writing is sumptuous. It's the kind of prose that makes the amateur writer feverishly jealous. Never thought I'd be into fairy-tale retellings but here we are.

"Puss-In-Boots" offers a farcical romp of a tale that contrasts significantly in terms of light-hearted humour compared to the three previous stories. Nevertheless, the story is still very much an adult-take on the familiar tale.

4.5 stars

The second 'Beauty and the Beast' story, though still very good, is not my favourite of the two. That being said, "The Tiger's Bride" offers a darker, more unsettling interpretation with a hardened & pessimistic heroine (aspects that I really enjoyed). I also really enjoyed the ending.

4 stars

'Beauty and the Beast' is up there with 'Peter Pan' as being one of my all-time favourite childhood tales. "The Courtship of Mr Lyon" is a lovely, unassuming take on that story.

4.5 stars

I can't remember how many times I have read The Bloody Chamber but I can confirm that my enjoyment and sense of horror has increased each time

5 stars!