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A review by vaniavela
Girls by Annet Schaap
4.0
Girls by Annet Schaap is a mesmerizing collection that breathes new life into classic fairy tales. With modern, thought-provoking twists, each story feels fresh and engaging while still capturing the magic of the originals.
Here’s a breakdown of each tale in the collection:
1) Wolf (Little Red Riding Hood)
In Schaap’s version of Little Red Riding Hood, the wolf isn’t the terrifying predator we know. Instead, he’s restrained by a collar that keeps him in designated areas, representing how society controls what it fears. Red, on the other hand, takes on a more dominant role, turning the original power dynamic on its head.
2) Frog (The Princess and the Frog)
What if turning a frog into a prince wasn’t the upgrade it’s made out to be? That’s exactly the question Schaap explores in this witty retelling. With sharp humor and a touch of cynicism, this story pokes fun at the idea of romantic transformations and happily-ever-afters.
It’s clever, funny, and leaves you questioning those perfect fairy-tale endings.
3) Blue (Bluebeard)
In this reimagining of Bluebeard, Schaap shifts the focus from a perilous marriage to the complex bond between two sisters. Themes of jealousy, love, and betrayal weave through this tale, creating an atmosphere of tension and emotional depth.
This retelling of Bluebeard moves the spotlight from a dangerous marriage to the complex and messy relationship between two sisters. Schaap weaves a story full of jealousy, love, and betrayal that feels emotionally raw and incredibly real.
4) Sleeper (Sleeping Beauty)
This take on Sleeping Beauty isn’t about a prince waking a princess with true love’s kiss. Instead, it’s about twin siblings, one of whom falls sick and is placed into an eternal sleep. It’s a heartbreaking exploration of grief, sacrifice, and what it means to hold on to someone who’s no longer fully present.
Bittersweet and deeply emotional, this story hits all the right notes.
5) Golden Threads (Rumpelstiltskin)
In this retelling of Rumpelstiltskin, a girl must spin straw into gold to meet impossible expectations. Unable to do so, she turns to a magical being who demands increasingly personal sacrifices in exchange for his help.
This tale is a sharp critique of the pressures to be perfect and productive at any cost. It’s a reminder that relying too much on others to solve our problems can come back to haunt us.
6) Lost Sisters (Hansel and Gretel)
Schaap reimagines Hansel and Gretel as two sisters whose father is so consumed by his work that he neglects them entirely. Left alone for weeks with no food, they set out to find him and face danger along the way, crossing paths with people who aren’t exactly kind.
It’s a story about survival and resilience, as well as the emotional scars of neglect. Dark, gritty, and powerful, this retelling offers a fresh perspective on a classic tale.
7) Monster Girl
The final story, Monster Girl, follows a princess who doesn’t look or act like the ones in traditional fairy tales. Banished to an island with her governess to wait for a prince who may never come, her life takes a turn when a shipwrecked sailor arrives.
This story is all about breaking free from expectations and learning to define yourself on your own terms. It’s bold, empowering, and the perfect way to end the collection.
Girls isn’t your typical fairy-tale retelling. It’s a smart, thoughtful deconstruction of the stories we all grew up with, showing us how much more there is beneath the surface. Schaap’s characters are complex, flawed, and deeply human, making each story feel grounded despite its magical elements.
If you love fairy tales but crave something fresh and meaningful, this collection is a must-read.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Here’s a breakdown of each tale in the collection:
1) Wolf (Little Red Riding Hood)
In Schaap’s version of Little Red Riding Hood, the wolf isn’t the terrifying predator we know. Instead, he’s restrained by a collar that keeps him in designated areas, representing how society controls what it fears. Red, on the other hand, takes on a more dominant role, turning the original power dynamic on its head.
2) Frog (The Princess and the Frog)
What if turning a frog into a prince wasn’t the upgrade it’s made out to be? That’s exactly the question Schaap explores in this witty retelling. With sharp humor and a touch of cynicism, this story pokes fun at the idea of romantic transformations and happily-ever-afters.
It’s clever, funny, and leaves you questioning those perfect fairy-tale endings.
3) Blue (Bluebeard)
In this reimagining of Bluebeard, Schaap shifts the focus from a perilous marriage to the complex bond between two sisters. Themes of jealousy, love, and betrayal weave through this tale, creating an atmosphere of tension and emotional depth.
This retelling of Bluebeard moves the spotlight from a dangerous marriage to the complex and messy relationship between two sisters. Schaap weaves a story full of jealousy, love, and betrayal that feels emotionally raw and incredibly real.
4) Sleeper (Sleeping Beauty)
This take on Sleeping Beauty isn’t about a prince waking a princess with true love’s kiss. Instead, it’s about twin siblings, one of whom falls sick and is placed into an eternal sleep. It’s a heartbreaking exploration of grief, sacrifice, and what it means to hold on to someone who’s no longer fully present.
Bittersweet and deeply emotional, this story hits all the right notes.
5) Golden Threads (Rumpelstiltskin)
In this retelling of Rumpelstiltskin, a girl must spin straw into gold to meet impossible expectations. Unable to do so, she turns to a magical being who demands increasingly personal sacrifices in exchange for his help.
This tale is a sharp critique of the pressures to be perfect and productive at any cost. It’s a reminder that relying too much on others to solve our problems can come back to haunt us.
6) Lost Sisters (Hansel and Gretel)
Schaap reimagines Hansel and Gretel as two sisters whose father is so consumed by his work that he neglects them entirely. Left alone for weeks with no food, they set out to find him and face danger along the way, crossing paths with people who aren’t exactly kind.
It’s a story about survival and resilience, as well as the emotional scars of neglect. Dark, gritty, and powerful, this retelling offers a fresh perspective on a classic tale.
7) Monster Girl
The final story, Monster Girl, follows a princess who doesn’t look or act like the ones in traditional fairy tales. Banished to an island with her governess to wait for a prince who may never come, her life takes a turn when a shipwrecked sailor arrives.
This story is all about breaking free from expectations and learning to define yourself on your own terms. It’s bold, empowering, and the perfect way to end the collection.
Girls isn’t your typical fairy-tale retelling. It’s a smart, thoughtful deconstruction of the stories we all grew up with, showing us how much more there is beneath the surface. Schaap’s characters are complex, flawed, and deeply human, making each story feel grounded despite its magical elements.
If you love fairy tales but crave something fresh and meaningful, this collection is a must-read.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars