| Nov. 19th, 2007 @ 11:51 pm Where's MY fairy godmother? |
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Current Mood: sleepy
Current Music: project runway
So who else is totally excited to see Enchanted? Fairy tales are a thing for me. I love them. I think they are so fantastic. I think people thought I would grow out of this eventually, but actually think I grew into it. I've noticed the last few years have seen more and more fairy tale retellings coming onto the scene, and of course, I totally love it. Terri Windling's faerie tale series has been around for ages and can take some of the credit/blame for the revival, and I thank her for it. Mercedes Lackey has also been a major (and favorite) contributor. Robin McKinley is one of my all time favorite authors, and she's given plenty to the group, with Spindles's End, Beauty, Rose Daughter and Deerskin.
Here are some favorites:
Jack of Kinrowan: Charles De Lint
Beauty: Robin McKinley (if I HAVE to pick one)
Snow White, Rose Red: Patricia C. Wrede
The Fire Rose: Mercedes Lackey (this is another area where it is hard to pick one!)
Briar Rose - Jane Yolen
That's just a teensy list! There are so many that I could go on forever, so instead I will keep it short. But you should feel free to add to it, especially if you have reccommendations, because HELLO, I can't get enough. Also, I demand that if you are reading any of the books off of my list, you start with Jack of Kinrowan. I have never read any other Charles de Lint book (I KNOW!), but I love this book (which is really two books) SO MUCH. I love it ALL CAPS MUCH. That's a lot.
I do wonder why we think fairy tales should be put aside as we grow older. Leaving aside the historical precedent that tells us that they were written for adults first, they have the mythic quality that I think people crave. These stories live on for a reason. They provide us with something we want - even need. The belief in stability. In the line between good and evil. In the belief that we can triumph over adversity by ourselves...and that if we need it, someone is waiting to help us along. So why would be put that aside just because we turn 13?
Does anyone else remember the story of the White Cat? It's a typical three sons story, where three sons go out on a quest for their father's throne. The youngest son is expected to fail, and he ends up in a castle out the back of beyond, in a castle ruled by a small white lady cat. I had, as a child, a beautifully illustrated copy of this story in a collection of fairy tales, and I am sad that I have lost the book, but moreso, I have never seen the story in another book, and I would love love love to find another beautifully illustrated version of this strange little tale, so if you have any leads, please share them.
That was a terrible and ramlbing entry. Sorry! I'll try to do better tomorrow. |
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