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swordsmith's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
I was so excited to read my first Deirdre Sullivan but honestly this really disappointed. This is a collection of short stories, retellings of classic European fairytales, and while there are a few good ideas in there the execution mostly fell flat for me. The writing reads like it thinks its really profound but only like, one in five lines actually resonated with me. I quite enjoyed the respective retellings of Rapunzel, Hansel & Gretal and Bluebeard, but three stories out of thirteen are not good odds. Ultimately I was glad they were short stories because I don't think I could have read a novel in this style. Beautiful illustrations.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Misogyny, Incest, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Infertility, Body shaming, Ableism, Sexual harassment, and Eating disorder
_haggis_'s review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Domestic abuse, Homophobia, and Body horror
teri_b's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved listening to these short stories and feminist retellings evolving around fairy tales and fairy tales characters.
They examine female existence, from girlhood to adolescence to adulthood to motherhood within a wider context which is very patriarchal and the ways women find their own, break free, claim power for themselves.
Most of the stories talk about rather messy situations, where due has to be collected, blood/life is involved, sometimes revenge is required. Some of the women are lovable, with others I would be careful not to cross ways.
I loved how the stories touched down on female existence within a patriarchal context unlike anything I have come across before. And even though I not always agreed with the author's conclusions, I found her portrayals of what it means to be a woman helpful as all the stories give plenty food for thought.
I loved the rendition of this text through the narrator. She brought the flow within the stories and the words beautifully to the fore.
They examine female existence, from girlhood to adolescence to adulthood to motherhood within a wider context which is very patriarchal and the ways women find their own, break free, claim power for themselves.
Most of the stories talk about rather messy situations, where due has to be collected, blood/life is involved, sometimes revenge is required. Some of the women are lovable, with others I would be careful not to cross ways.
I loved how the stories touched down on female existence within a patriarchal context unlike anything I have come across before. And even though I not always agreed with the author's conclusions, I found her portrayals of what it means to be a woman helpful as all the stories give plenty food for thought.
I loved the rendition of this text through the narrator. She brought the flow within the stories and the words beautifully to the fore.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Violence, and Misogyny
wyllow_tree's review
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Pregnancy, and Rape
Moderate: Sexism, Pedophilia, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Body shaming, Animal cruelty, Domestic abuse, Alcoholism, and Animal death
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