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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
adventurous
dark
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I love fairytales, so I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I haven't read much of Angela Carter's work. It's also been a while since I've read a fairytale. This collection sparked/rekindled my passion for both. Not only does it contain a broad range of stories from all over the world, Carter's introduction perfectly condenses everything that makes fairytales beautiful, familiar, & so so important.
This book actually combined 2 separately published collections & is broken down into sections like "Brave, Bold & Wilful," "Witches," & "Beautiful People." I think these sections exist to give the reader themes to consider for the whole collection because nearly every tale could fit into more than 1 category. What unites all the stories, as Carter explicitly tells us, is that women are the focal point. Whether they're outwitting men or being outwitted by them, earning happiness through their goodness or cunning, or simply making the best of their given lots, women are truly the crux.
Each story is labeled with its country/region/tribe of origin, & most include notes in the back for insights on parts of the story that highlight unique cultural features, similarities to stories from other parts of the world, or just Carter's or other scholars' thoughts. I will say that Latin America & the Pacific Islands aren't very well represented. I think most of these stories were gleaned from other collections, so it's possible that at the time of publication ('90-'92) there weren't translated collections or publications available for these areas. I don't think their absence would stand out so much if there weren't places represented by multiple stories.
I am, however, very glad the book includes multiple Innuit stories. Each is very brief but made me simultaneously think "YES" & "WTF." The very 1st story is about a fierce woman who could wrestle any man, had 9 children, & an enormous clitoris! Amazing.
Carter's fairytales highlight the connections between cultures as well as their individuality. The Cinderella story seems to be universal as well as Beauty & the Beast. Are these similarities the result of colonialism or do human beings universally value loyalty, seeing past appearances, &...small feet?
This book actually combined 2 separately published collections & is broken down into sections like "Brave, Bold & Wilful," "Witches," & "Beautiful People." I think these sections exist to give the reader themes to consider for the whole collection because nearly every tale could fit into more than 1 category. What unites all the stories, as Carter explicitly tells us, is that women are the focal point. Whether they're outwitting men or being outwitted by them, earning happiness through their goodness or cunning, or simply making the best of their given lots, women are truly the crux.
Each story is labeled with its country/region/tribe of origin, & most include notes in the back for insights on parts of the story that highlight unique cultural features, similarities to stories from other parts of the world, or just Carter's or other scholars' thoughts. I will say that Latin America & the Pacific Islands aren't very well represented. I think most of these stories were gleaned from other collections, so it's possible that at the time of publication ('90-'92) there weren't translated collections or publications available for these areas. I don't think their absence would stand out so much if there weren't places represented by multiple stories.
I am, however, very glad the book includes multiple Innuit stories. Each is very brief but made me simultaneously think "YES" & "WTF." The very 1st story is about a fierce woman who could wrestle any man, had 9 children, & an enormous clitoris! Amazing.
Carter's fairytales highlight the connections between cultures as well as their individuality. The Cinderella story seems to be universal as well as Beauty & the Beast. Are these similarities the result of colonialism or do human beings universally value loyalty, seeing past appearances, &...small feet?
Maravilloso, para leer y releer una y otra vez. Hay que leerlos despacito, dedicando cada día a un par de cuentos porque, si bien son fáciles de leer (no dejan de ser cuentos de hadas), se disfrutan mucho más saboreándolos poco a poco.
Por ponerle alguna pega, hay muchas historias equivalentes a la Cenicienta que quizás se podrían cambiar por otros de temática y procedencia más variada (como enamorada de Japón, eché de menos más relatos de esta zona, por poner un ejemplo).
Pero todos los cuentos escogidos (grandísima labor de investigación por parte de Angela Carter, por cierto) son una delicia, el estilo de la autora, bello y preciso, se adapta perfectamente a cada uno de ellos, siendo perfectamente reflejado en la traducción de Consuelo Rubio. Autora y traductora se merecen mis respetos y aplausos.
Por mi parte, vaticino muchas relecturas.
Por ponerle alguna pega, hay muchas historias equivalentes a la Cenicienta que quizás se podrían cambiar por otros de temática y procedencia más variada (como enamorada de Japón, eché de menos más relatos de esta zona, por poner un ejemplo).
Pero todos los cuentos escogidos (grandísima labor de investigación por parte de Angela Carter, por cierto) son una delicia, el estilo de la autora, bello y preciso, se adapta perfectamente a cada uno de ellos, siendo perfectamente reflejado en la traducción de Consuelo Rubio. Autora y traductora se merecen mis respetos y aplausos.
Por mi parte, vaticino muchas relecturas.
adventurous
challenging
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Fairytales for adults from all around the world! Faithful to Angela Carter's philosophy, this book is a great way to take in some age-old wisdom, broaden your horizons to global folklore, and engage with unusual forms of fantasy. Good bedtime reading but not an easy one to digest in large chunks; be prepared for a thoughtful long-haul.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Incest, Rape, Sexual assault, Abandonment
Ce recueil de contes n’est malheureusement pas traduit en français et le niveau d’anglais est élevé.
C’est d’ailleurs pour cela que j’ai eu autant de mal à le lire à mon arrivée en Angleterre. Il me fallait un dictionnaire à proximité pour comprendre la moitié des histoires. Autant dire que je n’avais aucun plaisir de lecture !
Pour ceux qui se sentent capable de lire ce livre, je ne peux que vous le recommander. Ces contes de fées recueillis tout autour du monde n’ont de rapport avec les fées que le nom. Oubliez les gentilles versions de Disney, ici les fées sont plutôt des démons, les morales sont parfois (souvent) douteuses, les contes très intriguant voire, même parfois incompréhensibles et, les personnages tous plus bizarres les uns que les autres.
Plus d’une histoire m’a fait sourire ou rire et, plus d’une m’a fait hausser les sourcils (en particulier les contes inuits qui valent le détour !). Angela Carter’s Book of Fairy Tales présente un beau tour du monde des différentes cultures et met en valeur ce qui nous rapproche : l’amour des histoires.
C’est d’ailleurs pour cela que j’ai eu autant de mal à le lire à mon arrivée en Angleterre. Il me fallait un dictionnaire à proximité pour comprendre la moitié des histoires. Autant dire que je n’avais aucun plaisir de lecture !
Pour ceux qui se sentent capable de lire ce livre, je ne peux que vous le recommander. Ces contes de fées recueillis tout autour du monde n’ont de rapport avec les fées que le nom. Oubliez les gentilles versions de Disney, ici les fées sont plutôt des démons, les morales sont parfois (souvent) douteuses, les contes très intriguant voire, même parfois incompréhensibles et, les personnages tous plus bizarres les uns que les autres.
Plus d’une histoire m’a fait sourire ou rire et, plus d’une m’a fait hausser les sourcils (en particulier les contes inuits qui valent le détour !). Angela Carter’s Book of Fairy Tales présente un beau tour du monde des différentes cultures et met en valeur ce qui nous rapproche : l’amour des histoires.
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
fast-paced
While I'm not the biggest fan of fairytales, I'll give anything Angela Carter did a go. So all in all, I think this was a really well put together collection with a very diverse bunch of stories. It's such a beautiful book too—it would make an amazing present!
