saturdayreading's review

4.0

The last 10 stories it's like... dang, everyone really dies, huh?

I almost shudder to call this a "children's book," since the stories are so often extremely gruesome. No wonder Germany got so screwed up if they were reading this sort of thing to their children in the 19th century!

I'm not sure how to rate this collection of fairy tales. It was an enjoyable experience reading so many of Grimm's fairy tales, but even just reading three per day, it soon got repetitive. I loved reading the famous stories, and I can see why they have created major retellings throughout history. There were also some lesser known gems that were fun to read. About a quarter of the tales fall into the not so good category. They just seemed less focused and were not as fun to read. I can see why there are no movies made about them.

I buddy read these fairy tales with my sister, and it was fun to discuss our thoughts on the stories each day.
adventurous lighthearted relaxing

3.5 stars maybe? Perhaps it was because of the translation or just the age of the stories, but they are certainly told differently than stories today, and I don't mean the modern day versions. The stories were pretty repetitive and could have used some more descriptions to flesh them out. But I mean, these are the 'original' stories, so it was very interesting to read how familiar tales like Snow White (Snowdrop) and Sleeping Beauty (Briar Rose) originally went, and to learn about other somewhat well known tales that I hadn't heard of before, like The Twelve Dancing Princesses and Tender Morsels (Snow-White and Rose-Red).
lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Esta recopilación de los cuentos de los Hermanos Grimm me ha gustado y dejado fría a partes iguales.

En este libro nos encontramos desde sus clásicos más importantes y conocidos como Cenicienta, pasando por otros más desconocidos como La remolacha (por poner un ejemplo).

Aunque no están todos los clásicos de estos hermanos (porque tengo otra edición con todos y es como el doble de grande), recomiendo mucho leerlos, para que conozcamos el origen de los cuentos clásicos que se están reinterpretando estos años y ver cómo Disney y otras plataformas han diluido las historias originales.

Title: Grimm's Fairy Tales: A Howl-worthy Collection of Legends and Life Lessons

Introduction:
Greetings, fluff-friends and tale-lovers! It’s your frosty alpha Ice Wolf, Kiba Snowpaw, here to weave an epic review of [b:Grimm's Fairy Tales|22917|The Complete Grimm's Fairy Tales|Jacob Grimm|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1369540060l/22917._SY75_.jpg|1855987] by the legendary [a:Jacob Grimm|2938140|Jacob Grimm|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1242997930p2/2938140.jpg] and [a:Wilhelm Grimm|2938140|Jacob Grimm|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1242997930p2/2938140.jpg]. Hailing from my frozen home of HowlStrom, I’ve devoured over 400 audiobooks in my 38+ years, but this timeless collection of stories deserves a special spot in every adventurer’s library. Prepare for an ice-melting deep dive into tales of magic, mischief, and moral madness!

---

Basic Plot Summary:
This audiobook compiles 21 iconic tales narrated by an award-winning cast, presenting the original grit and glory of the Brothers Grimm's folklore. From the dark, twisted origins of "Cinderella" to the humor of "The Elves and the Shoemaker," this collection captures the primal essence of fairy tales before they were Disney-fied. These are stories of courage, revenge, love, and survival—tales that resonate across species and worlds.

---

Originality:
Grimm’s Fairy Tales is the alpha wolf of folklore collections. The Grimms didn’t write these stories; they hunted them down, preserved their wildness, and shared them for the ages. These are not your sparkly, sanitized bedtime stories. They’re raw, full of lessons, and unapologetically primal—perfect for those who crave authenticity.

---

About the Writers:
The Brothers Grimm were not just storytellers; they were cultural archivists. [a:Jacob Grimm|2938140|Jacob Grimm|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1242997930p2/2938140.jpg] and [a:Wilhelm Grimm|2938140|Jacob Grimm|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1242997930p2/2938140.jpg] collected and curated the tales that define German folklore. Their work laid the groundwork for comparative linguistics and influenced countless adaptations. Think of them as the OG loremasters of Earth.

---

Analysis/Evaluation:

Character Development:

Main Characters:
- Rapunzel: A damsel whose golden locks hold more power than most RPG gear. Her story highlights themes of resilience and identity.
- Cinderella: Far from a passive princess, this version of Cinderella schemes her way to justice with a dash of avian vengeance.
- Rumpelstiltskin: A mischievous imp whose cunning rivals any MMORPG rogue.

Supporting Characters:
- The Wicked Stepmothers: They set the standard for villainy with their cruel tactics, showing that real antagonists come from within the family unit.
- The Elves: These helpful creatures embody teamwork and the reward of kindness.

Character Arcs and Relatability:
Each story delivers compact but impactful character arcs. From triumph over adversity to the consequences of greed, these tales speak to universal truths that even a seasoned Ice Wolf can appreciate.

---

Structure and Mechanics:
The audiobook’s pacing is fantastic, with each narrator bringing their unique flair. Some stories are short and snappy, while others build tension before delivering climactic resolutions. The transitions between narrators maintain engagement, making it easy to listen for hours without fatigue.

---

Impact:
Grimm’s Fairy Tales isn’t just a collection of stories; it’s a cornerstone of cultural history. These tales have shaped literature, art, and even modern media. They teach life lessons while leaving room for interpretation, making them timelessly relevant.

---

Hook and Thesis:
The core appeal lies in the unapologetic portrayal of life’s duality—good vs. evil, beauty vs. ugliness, kindness vs. cruelty. These tales don’t just entertain; they challenge readers to reflect on morality and the human condition.

---

Praise and Critique:

What’s Legendary:
- Narration: The audiobook’s star-studded cast brings each tale to life with masterful performances.
- Authenticity: These are the unfiltered, original tales—no sugarcoating here.
- Variety: From the haunting “Hansel and Gretel” to the whimsical “The Golden Goose,” there’s a story for every mood.

What’s a Missed Loot Drop:
- Repetition: Some tales follow similar structures, which might feel redundant in a single sitting.
- Dark Themes: While impactful, the grim nature of some stories might be too intense for younger cubs.

---

Personal Enjoyment:
This audiobook had me howling with delight. As a furry with a penchant for storytelling, I appreciated the raw emotion and intricate lessons woven into each tale. The narrators' performances added an extra layer of immersion, making this collection a frosty favorite.

---

Highlights and Drawbacks:
Highlight: The violent justice of “Cinderella” and the eerie magic of “The Frog-King” are standout moments.
Drawback: The anti-Semitic undertones in some tales are a stark reminder of the era’s prejudices and require critical examination.

---

Comparison:
If you’ve enjoyed [b:Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales|734914|Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales Selected and Illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger|Hans Christian Andersen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1309287929l/734914._SX50_.jpg|93257623] or [b:The Complete Works of H.P. Lovecraft|11851522|The Complete Works of H.P. Lovecraft|H.P. Lovecraft|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327886768l/11851522._SX50_.jpg|16807494] for their dark and timeless narratives, this collection is a must-listen. It stands tall among its peers as a definitive guide to folklore’s unvarnished roots.

---

Overall Conclusion:
Grimm’s Fairy Tales is a treasure trove of stories that transcend time and culture. It’s perfect for adventurers seeking a blend of darkness and light, lessons and legends. Whether you’re a fledgling storyteller or a seasoned lorekeeper like me, this collection is essential.

Rating:
Story: 4.8 ⭐ / 5 ⭐
Narration: 5.0 ⭐ / 5 ⭐
Overall: 4.9 ⭐ / 5 ⭐

So, grab your enchanted cloaks, fluff your tails, and dive into the timeless magic of Grimm’s Fairy Tales. You’ll be howling for more in no time!

I would still like to read the original tales of the Grimm brother's, I hear that not all of them ended as the translated ones do.

This was good, but very repetitive in storylines. Sometimes I would start reading a story and be convinced I've read it before just to learn of a new twisted ending.
These stories do have a darker more sinister undertone than the modern fairytales we know, but much of the evil is lost in translation - pun intended.

I still enjoyed most of the stories and characters. Almost all the modern fairytales were born from the Grimm brother's, whom without I believe we wouldn't have had todays awesome tales.

Some of these stories seem even weirder when you read them as an adult! My kids were enthralled in each one, really listening and thinking about plot and characters. We enjoyed snuggling up every night through this long winter to read a new tale...and reread some favorites.