Alix E. Harrow is one of my favorite authors currently publishing. She has such a way of tricking me into feeling things that I would normally avoid -Alix E. Harrow is one of my favorite authors currently publishing. She has such a way of tricking me into feeling things that I would normally avoid - coating it all in a layer of good-natured (never mean-spirited) snark to break through my defenses, right to the gooey center of my hidden heart. HOW DARE.
This is such an excellent retelling, full of twists and turns, a little horror, so much feminist agency, love. I cried. I’m so sad it’s over, and so glad she wrote it for all of us.
Thanks to Macmillan and Netgalley for the chance to read this in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. ...more
So LOOK: THIS BOOK IS NOT YA. I DON’T KNOW WHY THEY MARKETED IT AS YA AS IT IS CLEARLY CLEARLY *CLEARLY* NOT!!!!!
I have a feeling that if you go into So LOOK: THIS BOOK IS NOT YA. I DON’T KNOW WHY THEY MARKETED IT AS YA AS IT IS CLEARLY CLEARLY *CLEARLY* NOT!!!!!
I have a feeling that if you go into this book expecting an allegory, a classical style GRIMM style fairy tale - with the gore and the horror - you’ll have a better time with this book. It is not...lovely. It’s not romantic. It’s horrifying and dreadful (and I mean, I was filled with dread the ENTIRE TIME I was reading it). It’s not an easy read.
But I feel like it’s a good one. It tells a story that we don’t hear. Is it a bit heavy handed on the allegory? Sure. But I still liked the story’s flip. I liked the way it felt like a traditional fairy tale. The writing is spare and somewhat terse, but it’s beautiful in its own way.
I feel like if you come in expecting a fairy tale Handmaid’s Tale, you’ll be ready for this book. If you come in thinking hearts and roses and beautiful dragons you will be...jarred.
CW: sexual assault, kidnapping, threats of violence, threats and harm to animals ...more
I was convinced for about 2/3rds of this book that it would be a 3-star read, but it won me over in the end.
A beautiful, impressionistic retelling of I was convinced for about 2/3rds of this book that it would be a 3-star read, but it won me over in the end.
A beautiful, impressionistic retelling of the classic fairy-tale, set in depression-era NY.
I loved, SO MUCH, the recasting of Snow White's 7 Dwarves. I don't want to say too much, because spoilers. But it was a great choice.
The feminist in me wishes that there could have been a retelling of the saving of Snow, but I guess we'll just chalk it up to magic and leave it.
The wavy, watercolor art of the book is beautiful and creates a dream-like atmosphere. In some scenes, it was frustrating because I was unsure of what I was seeing or why. But, dreams are like that, I guess. On the whole, it works beautifully.
I would recommend this for any fans of fairy tale retellings. Safe for all ages....more
This was a fun read aloud for us (sons are 6 and 9). Opportunities for fun accents abound. Neat middle grade mystery. My guys are already asking to reThis was a fun read aloud for us (sons are 6 and 9). Opportunities for fun accents abound. Neat middle grade mystery. My guys are already asking to read the next one....more
Maybe even 4.5 stars, but I'm unwilling to round up on this. I really, really, really liked it. It was surprising - I thought I knew what the story woMaybe even 4.5 stars, but I'm unwilling to round up on this. I really, really, really liked it. It was surprising - I thought I knew what the story would be about a quarter of the way in, and then it took a huge turn - maybe not exactly for the better (ugh, politics are SO BORING even in the fantasy realm), but surprising. But that small quibble aside (and it really is a pretty small part of the overall story, seriously) the magic of this book was exquisite. The Wood may be the Best. Villain. Ever. So mysterious! So treacherous! So terrifying and horrible! I can't say much more without spoilers, so. It's lovely. I love Agnieszka. She's a fantastic heroine, true to herself, bumbling and magical and real. An extremely satisfying story, even if it's not the one you thought you were going to get....more
I've always been fascinated with Baba Yaga stories, so this was right up my alley! Bonus, Emily Carroll illustrated this graphic novel, and I loved heI've always been fascinated with Baba Yaga stories, so this was right up my alley! Bonus, Emily Carroll illustrated this graphic novel, and I loved her book Through the Woods. This bite-sized story focuses on Masha, who feels her father is abandoning her for a new family after her mother, and then later her grandmother, pass away. After spying a help wanted ad for a magical assistant, she takes off to try her hand at a new job with Baba Yaga. Magic bears, mean (and bitey) potential little sisters, and matryoshka dolls all feature in this fun book. And lots of pointy teeth. ...more
Ooooh, this was so good! A creepy, haunting collection of stories a bit like a grown-up (and fully illustrated) Scary Stores to Tell in the Dark. I loOoooh, this was so good! A creepy, haunting collection of stories a bit like a grown-up (and fully illustrated) Scary Stores to Tell in the Dark. I love how the art of each story was a bit different - the use of color was amazing. Unsettling! ...more
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