Girls
Life Isn't a Fairy Tale
by Annet Schaap
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Pub Date 4 Mar 2025 | Archive Date 13 Dec 2024
Pushkin Press | Pushkin Children's Books
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Description
These are no damsels in distress, but young women of flesh and blood - who certainly don't need rescuing. In these 7 famous fairy tales turned into enchanting, inspiring and sometimes hair-raising stories for today's world, you’ll find girls with their own dreams and desires, bravely facing problems that are both relatable and daunting and fighting to overcome them.
- A miller’s daughter with a special gift decides marrying a prince wasn’t such a good idea after all.
- A determined girl gives up on trying to kiss a frog.
- A fearless heroine comes face-to-face with a not-so Big Bad Wolf.
- A monstrous princess, held captive on a deserted island, yearns to break free and find her true place in the world.
- Two sisters, abandoned by their father, wander lost in the big city, until they meet a pair of very helpful old ladies.
- A young maid finds something terrible in a locked room while she is cleaning the Reverend’s house – then the Reverend arrives home.
- A forgotten young girl learns to finally let go of her sleeping big sister and live her own life.
From the author of the international bestseller Of Salt and Shore, and translated by the award-winning Laura Watkinson, these reimagined fairy tales are funny, feminist and achingly true to life.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781782693796 |
| PRICE | US$12.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 192 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Menna B, Reviewer
I adored this translated YA collection of feminist takes on folk tales and fairy stories from Dutch author Annet Schaap, translated by Laura Watkinson.
Schapp kicks things off with Mr Stiltskin, and it’s a terrific start. We follow the path of the traditional tale, but the surprise ending is absolutely perfect.
Wolf, a twist on Red Riding Hood, is fascinating, with a wolf constrained by a collar that only allows him to stray into designated areas. Frog, an interpretation of The Princess and the Frog, teaches us that turning an amphibian into a prince isn’t necessarily an upgrade.
Blue, a retelling of Bluebeard, is a fascinating insight into the relationship and jealousy between two sisters. The theme of sisters continues in Sleeper, where a twin gets sick, and is placed in an eternal sleep.
Monster Girl, the final story, is especially moving. A princess who doesn’t exactly fit the visual stereotype is sent to an island with her governess, to wait for a prince who may or may not arrive. However, when a sailor washes ashore, the princess begins to question the limitations placed upon her.
A wonderful collection, which I have dubbed “baby’s first Bloody Chamber”. Schaap’s illustrations to accompany the tales are gorgeous. Recommended for young people and adults alike.
