I wasn't really sure what to expect. I'm not terribly versed in the world of short stories, and the cover leads us to believe that the stories inside are all magical, mystical - fantasy in every sense. Were they quite that? I'm not sure. They certainly had a fantasy vein running through them, I mean they're all re-workings of fairy tales, how could they not have? But I found myself having very mixed reactions.
The contributors were:
Margo Lanagan - Catastrophic Disruption of the Head (Retelling of The Tinderbox)
Isobelle Carmody - Moth's Tale (Retelling of Rumpelstiltskin)
Rosie Borella - Eternity (Retelling of The Snow Queen)
Richard Harland - Heart of the Beast (Retelling of Beauty and the Beast)
Margaret Mahy - Wolf Night (Retelling of Babes in the Woods)
Martine Murry - One Window (Retelling of The Steadfast Tin Soldier)
Of these authors, I have read the most of Margo Lanangan. In fact, other than some of Margaret Mahy's picture books, I haven't read anything by any of the other authors. So perhaps I was a little more used to Margo's style, but talk about opening with a bang!
Catastophic Disruption of the Head deals with the corruption of the soul that can come with sudden wealth and power. I won't explain everything about it, that is done in an eloquent way in the Afterward, but I will say that it is a thoughtful and powerful retelling. It sets the story in any of the recent contemporary wars and also deals with how western culture can corrupt as well as the violence of war. As far as 'saying something' with the short story, this one takes the cake from this collection. It is confronting at the capabilities of humans in extraordinary situations.
Moth's Tale was pretty and nice, but didn't engage me as I hoped a Rumpelstiltskin retelling would. It had the feel of a fantasy / fairy tale story but never came alive for me. The constant list of alternate endings also was a little too Meta for my liking. But it was a nice read.
Eternity was the biggest disappointment for me, which was a shame, but I'll tell you why. The Snow Queen is my all time favourite fairy tale. Some days I can articulate why and others all I know is I love it with all my heart and it makes me feel wonderful. Therefore, I had high expectations. (perhaps too high - too unfair). But the one thing about The Snow Queen that stands out from so many other fairy tales is that it is Gerda, the girl, who goes on the adventure and saves the day, it is her steadfast love and care for her friend that gets her through every obstacle she comes across. The Gerda in this story does go on the adventure, and manages to save Kai, but I felt that she was such a weak character! Not weak as in written poorly, but weak as in was constantly controlled and persuaded by everyone she met, she was whiny inside her own head and really irked me. Now, that might just me my reaction, but I'm entitled to it. I should say that I really like the alternate 'Sydney' universe setting and the inclusion of the 'Eternity Man', they were really nice touches.
Heart of the Beast was, I think, my favourite of the six. It was a sensuous and vivid retelling that captured the essence of the original story, kept the setting and feel delightfully 'fairy tale', but introduced some contemporary sensibilities. The ending was changed, but still managed to stay true, but was beautifully done. I loved it! Then how they chose to stay in the humble house rather than the giant chateau really finished on a great note for me. Another thing about fairy tales which sometimes gets to me is that people are happy when they are rich and have everything they would ever want. Now, I have no experience in being rich or having everything I could want, so maybe I can't really say, but I do love a story where people are happy with less. It both reinforces that my happiness despite my lack of wealth is justified and that there is hope for its longevity.
Wolf Night was great. It was the only story where I hadn't read the original. And I really liked it - except that the characters discussed how their adventure was just like 'Babes in the Woods'. Again, this 'Meta' element detracted, rather than added to the story. It was a fantastic realisation of an urban landscape as a setting for a fairy tale story.
And Finally, One Window really brought The Steadfast Tin Soldier to life. The characters were colourful and engaging and I could see them all before me. And I loved how it all tied up in the end, with the dancing princess and Soldier meeting and why and how etc.
Over all, this was a great read! As with every collection of short stories by different authors there were ups and downs, but they all fit together really well!
I cannot wait till I get a chance to read Vol 2!
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