I read this for a book club.

It wasn't something that I would have chosen to pick up on my own.

The book club provides an opportunity to explore different genres and authors that I might not otherwise encounter.

Although this particular book wasn't my usual choice, I decided to give it a try.

As I started reading, I found myself gradually getting more involved in the story.

The characters began to come alive in my mind, and I became invested in their lives and experiences.

Even though it wasn't my initial preference, I ended up enjoying the book more than I expected.

This experience has taught me that sometimes stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new things can lead to pleasant surprises.

I'm looking forward to seeing what other books the book club will introduce me to in the future.

Grimm's Robber Bridegroom is a classic fairytale that has been given a unique twist by being set in the Deep South. This retelling does an excellent job of bringing the story to life in a new and exciting way.

The Deep South setting adds a layer of authenticity and charm to the tale. The rich culture, dialect, and traditions of the region are seamlessly integrated into the story, making it feel both familiar and fresh.

The characters in this retelling are well-developed and engaging. The robber bridegroom, with his mysterious and dangerous nature, is a captivating antagonist. The heroine, on the other hand, is brave and resourceful, making her a likable and relatable protagonist.

The story unfolds in a way that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. There are plenty of twists and turns, as well as moments of suspense and danger. The ending is satisfying and ties up all the loose ends nicely.

Overall, this retelling of Grimm's Robber Bridegroom set in the Deep South is a must-read for fans of fairytales and anyone looking for a unique and engaging story. It is a well-written and beautifully crafted work that will leave you wanting more.

This piece of writing comes across as hokey and a real chore to read.

It is truly hard to believe that the very same lady who penned the magnificent "Curtain of Green" could have written this dreck.

The contrast is simply astonishing. One would expect a certain level of quality and finesse from an author who has produced such a remarkable work as "Curtain of Green."

However, this particular piece fails to meet those expectations. It lacks the charm, the elegance, and the engaging narrative that made "Curtain of Green" so captivating.

It seems almost as if it were written by a completely different person.

Perhaps the author was having an off day or was experimenting with a different style that simply didn't work.

Whatever the reason, this piece is a disappointment and a far cry from the brilliance of "Curtain of Green."

I really liked the narrative style of this article.

It was engaging and held my attention from start to finish. The way the author presented the story made it feel as if I was right there, experiencing everything along with the characters.

The use of vivid descriptions and detailed accounts added depth and realism to the narrative. I could easily picture the scenes and imagine the emotions of the characters.

Additionally, the pacing of the story was恰到好处. It wasn't too slow or too fast, but just right to keep me interested and eager to find out what would happen next.

Overall, the narrative style of this article was one of its strongest points and made it a truly enjoyable read.

I look forward to reading more works by this author in the future.

For anyone who is familiar with the classic fairytales such as Rapunzel, Cinderella, Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, Robin Hood and Hansel and Gretel, this one is not like any of those. Instead, it encompasses all of them - a completely reimagined folktale that is loosely based on an obscure 1800’s story of the same name by the Brothers Grimm:

https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/grimm040.html

Every fairytale requires a wicked stepmother, a beautiful maiden, a ‘village idiot’, a goodhearted bandit, and a house in the deep, dark forest. Welty weaves each of these elements, along with traditional American folklore, into a unique and fun folktale of her own creation, with a distinct Southern twist. ‘The Robber Bridegroom’ was her first novel, or rather a novella, and it is at times humorous. For example, “Well,” said Goat, “I would not say outright that the gentleman is stamped with beauty, for when I saw him, his head was no larger than something off the orange tree, his forehead was full of bumps like an alligator’s, and two teeth stuck out of his mouth like the broadhorns on a flatboat.” At other times, it is sinister, like “Murder is as soundless as a spout of blood, as regular and rhythmic as sleep . . . In the sky is the perpetual wheel of buzzards.” Of course, every authentic fairytale must have a fairytale ending, and Welty does not disappoint us.

This book was the perfect way to conclude my month of ‘grim’ reads. I rate it 3.5 stars, rounded up because Welty amazed me with her creativity.

This was my very first encounter with Welty's work, and it turned out to be an absolute delight.

Jamie Lockhart, with his long, flowing blond hair and a talking raven perched on his shoulder, is a character brought to life in the most wonderful way. He is a successful businessman from New Orleans, known as the Robber Bridegroom, and the abductor of Rosamond, the beautiful, princess-like daughter of the wealthy planter Clement Musgrove. Rosamond is hated by her wicked-witch step-mother Salome. Musgrove, on the other hand, is the stark contrast, described as "an innocent planter, with a bag of gold and many presents".

Between these main characters and the few other important ones, Welty weaves a story of Musgrove's attempt to hold onto his innocence. While the story may initially seem simple, it actually presents a much deeper and more complex picture of early America. Just like all great folk tales, it comes with a sting in the tail, a moral delivered in the style of the grimmest of Grimm's fairy tales.

It makes you think about the nature of good and evil, innocence and corruption, and the choices people make in a changing world. Welty's writing is so engaging and vivid that you can't help but be drawn into this magical and mysterious world she has created.

I'm already looking forward to reading more of her works and exploring the rich tapestry of stories she has to offer.

What a remarkable treat this little book is! It is an adult fairy tale with a captivating twist. Welty, seemingly inspired not only by her homeland but also by the Brothers Grimm themselves, weaves the tale of Jamie Lockhart. He is a charismatic outlaw who terrorizes the population of the deepest and darkest Mississippi with his band of thieves. On the other hand, there is Rosamund Musgrow, a completely innocent and utterly stupid young woman. She wanders the countryside in her expensive silk gown, blissfully unaware of her evil stepmother's burning desire to get rid of her for good. Stepmothers really do have a bad reputation in fairy tales, don't they?

Against an atmospheric backdrop filled with legendary figures from the place and period, Jamie Lockhart claims Rosamund as his own, quite literally, and whisks her off into the sunset to live as his 'robber bride'. This is a dark, poetic, and completely unreal short(ish) story. It is written in an authentic voice and is chock full of twists, turns, and tricks. Drawing inspiration from traditions and tales far older than herself, Welty has crafted something truly unique. Something that I rarely come across nowadays.

http://relishreads.blogspot.com/

From 1942, this story combines elements of multiple fairy tales, which makes it truly wonderful.

However, the representation of evil, specifically the murderers of children, as “Indians” is a concerning aspect.

I can understand that perhaps in a certain historical context, such a portrayal might have been a common thing.

But as society has evolved and become more aware of the importance of cultural sensitivity and fairness, this kind of depiction just doesn't hold up anymore.

It is essential to recognize and respect the dignity and rights of all cultures and not use such offensive and inaccurate stereotypes in our stories and media.

We should strive to create more inclusive and positive representations that promote understanding and harmony among different groups.

Innocent rich man Clement Musgrove encounters bandit Jamie Lockhart one fateful night in an inn located on the shores of the Mississippi.

Jamie is so deeply influenced by the man's trust that he refrains from stealing from him. However, unbeknownst to both Clement and his daughter, Jamie does manage to seduce the planter's beautiful daughter.

Moreover, there is a third witness to their meeting, someone who will live to disrupt their lives once more.

With a wicked stepmother thrown into the cast list and an abundance of mistaken identities, this story unfolds as a rollicking fairy tale set in the American south. Hints of feminism, witchcraft, and treachery are artfully added to the mix, creating a captivating and engaging narrative.

It was truly a lovely tale that had the power to make me smile repeatedly.

Each element of the story combines to form a unique and enchanting whole that keeps the reader hooked from beginning to end.

WHERE TO START?

I'm completely shocked and flabbergasted. It's as if my wig was snatched right off my head, my jaw dropped to the floor, and my eyes rolled back in disbelief. I can't even begin to express how I feel. This is definitely NOT a fairytale. At the time it was written, perhaps it could have been seen as one, but in our 21st century? It's more of a parody than a fairytale itself. It seemed like I was watching those low-budget YouTube parodies that people make of certain movies.

Rosamond must be the dumbest female main character (FMC) I have ever come across, and Jamie Lockhart is the stupidest male main character (MMC) I have ever laid my eyes on. And that's saying a lot. But don't worry, Jamie, Clement and the other male characters were almost as stupid as you. Salome, seriously, getting into a beef with a girl whose age I don't know and better not know for the sake of my mental health? Woman, leave Clement and live your own life. Also, you didn't deserve to die the way you did, even after all the mean comments. Little Harp, I'm actually glad you died.

Eudora Welty, if this was your first book or your first attempt at writing a fairytale, if I were your publisher, I would have told you to go and do something else because this book was just not it. I'm only giving it two stars because some parts were so ridiculously bad that they actually made me laugh, and I had a good time roasting the characters with my comments, as if we were having a barbecue.

And that ending line? "God bless you"? 1. Of course it ended with God because why not, America? And 2. How about God bless ME after reading this book?

Now to you, dear reader, if you've read everything until here, thank you. And if you've also read this book, I'm truly sorry.

Love a Classic Fairy Tale

Fairy tales have always held a special place in our hearts. They are like magical windows that transport us to enchanting worlds filled with wonder and excitement.

One of the greatest joys in life is to love a classic fairy tale. These tales have been passed down through generations, captivating the imaginations of children and adults alike.

Whether it's the story of Cinderella, with her transformation from a ragged servant to a beautiful princess, or the adventures of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, classic fairy tales teach us valuable lessons about love, kindness, and perseverance.

They show us that good always triumphs over evil and that dreams can come true if we believe in them.

Loving a classic fairy tale means immersing ourselves in its rich tapestry of characters, settings, and plotlines. It means experiencing the emotions of the characters as if they were our own and being inspired by their courage and determination.

In a world that can often seem harsh and unforgiving, classic fairy tales offer us a refuge of hope and magic. They remind us that there is still beauty and wonder in the world and that we should never lose our sense of childlike curiosity and imagination.

So, let us continue to love and cherish these classic fairy tales, passing them on to future generations and keeping their magic alive for years to come.

"The Robber Bridegroom," a slim 89-page novel, is said to be based on a Brothers Grimm fairytale.

Although I didn't recognize a specific story, it clearly has the fantastical elements and structure typical of many fairytales and American folk tales.

I adored Welty's narration of the tale. There were numerous beautifully descriptive and uniquely phrased gems within the text.

Due to this being an unusual genre and my great enjoyment of the writing, I have decided to read her last novel, "The Optimist's Daughter," in an attempt to gain a better understanding of Welty as an author.

I am excited to explore more of her work and see how her writing style and themes develop across different novels.

I anticipate that reading "The Optimist's Daughter" will provide me with further insights into her creative mind and the world she creates through her words.

Overall, my experience with "The Robber Bridegroom" has left me eager to discover what else Welty has to offer.