I detest fairy tales.

Sorry, but to me, they are just stories for children, and all the formulaic elements within them seem utterly ridiculous. I had come across the information that this was a'modern' Southern fairy tale, yet I hadn't truly grasped just how much this description should be taken at face value.

I absolutely adored The Optimist's daughter and it is难以置信 that this was penned by the same individual. The significant time gap of half a lifetime between the writing of these two novels might perhaps offer part of the explanation.

However, despite my initial aversion to fairy tales, I found myself somewhat intrigued by the idea of a modern take on this classic genre, especially one set in the South.

Perhaps there were hidden depths and unique perspectives that I had yet to discover.

Nonetheless, my initial skepticism remained, and I wondered if this so-called'modern' Southern fairy tale would truly be able to break free from the clichés and conventions that I despised in traditional fairy tales.

Only time would tell if it could win me over and change my perception of this much-loved yet often-dismissed form of storytelling.

Tulane University houses in its archives an undated news clipping that details a fishing or boating trip that Eudora Welty and William Faulkner took together. This was likely a friend date, probably in the 1940s.

Perhaps the university posted this newspaper article online in the hope that someone could determine its date. I believe it was discovered among Welty's mementos.

When I came across this article, I was compelled to find out if there was any more information about it. I just knew that the information would be significant. It is entirely possible that during this drinking and boating/fishing excursion, Welty and Faulkner jointly imagined this story that was originally Welty's.

Tulane's archivist, unfortunately, could provide me with no more details. Drat. Super drat.

If not during this friendship date, then at another time, these two Southern literary greats collaborated on this story. I am almost certain of it.

Jackson, where Welty lived, is just a short drive from the Natchez Trace. The dramatic high jinks would have been great fun for Faulkner.

I envision a conversation that included these elements: The friends both adore Grimms' fairytales. Welty wants to pen a fairytale set on the Natchez Trace, perhaps a variation of "The Robber Bridegroom." It's perfect for a 19th-century Trace story with all those bold and mean characters. "Downright bad," says Faulkner. Together, they decide that the story should have a happy ending, making it enjoyable to write and read, and easy to get published. Welty describes the whimsy and the willful young woman. Faulkner contributes the Shakespearean element, a character somewhat like Bottom from "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Welty goes home, writes, mails it to Faulkner, and Faulkner adds his input, and the rest is history, or some whimsical, fantastical version. . . .

Ugh......

Eudora Welty's reinterpretation of a Grimms fairytale that she penned in 1943 simply does not translate well to modern times. I am definitely NOT a Welty fan.

So, it comes as no surprise here - I despised it just as much as I had anticipated. Fortunately, it only set me back $2.85.

This was read for the November 2018 OTSLT Club. It's quite unfortunate that Welty's work didn't resonate with me. Maybe it's because the context and values of 1943 are so different from those of today. The fairytale, which might have held great charm and significance back then, now seems a bit outdated and unappealing.

Despite the relatively low cost, I still feel that I wasted my time on this particular piece. However, it's important to note that everyone has different tastes in literature, and perhaps others in the OTSLT Club had a more positive experience with it.

Nonetheless, for me, this was a disappointment.

This novella is truly remarkable. It is both lyrical and poignant in a way that I have not encountered for a very long time.

The author has crafted a story that is not only beautifully written but also deeply moving. The language used is rich and evocative, painting vivid pictures in the reader's mind.

Each sentence seems to be carefully constructed to convey the emotions and themes of the story. The characters are well-developed and their struggles and joys are palpable.

As I read this novella, I was completely immersed in its world. I felt as if I was a part of the story, experiencing the events along with the characters.

The lyrical quality of the writing added an extra layer of beauty to the already poignant tale. It made me reflect on life, love, and the human condition.

I highly recommend this novella to anyone who appreciates good literature. It is a gem that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

The Robber Bridegroom (1942)

The fairy-tale tone that irritated me in fables is even more so here. However, the introduction is interesting.

This movie, The Robber Bridegroom, seems to have a certain charm despite the aspect that initially grated on me. The use of a fairy-tale tone can sometimes be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can bring a sense of magic and wonder, but on the other, it might feel a bit too simplistic or cliché.

Nevertheless, the interesting introduction has piqued my curiosity. It makes me want to see how the story unfolds and whether the filmmakers can overcome the potential drawbacks of the fairy-tale tone and create a truly engaging and memorable film.

Perhaps as I continue to watch, I will discover the hidden gems within this movie and come to appreciate it in a whole new light. Only time will tell.

I am often bored by fairy tales, especially those modern ones. I consider 1942 to be the starting point of modern times. There are many books or stories that claim to be fairy tales but fail to engage me. However, this particular tale was an exception. It did not bore me in the least. There could be several reasons for this. It might have been its sense of humor, which was quite refreshing. Or perhaps it was its garishness, similar to that of a literary Uncle Pecos Bunyan. But most probably, it was because of its many wonderful turns of phrase. For example, Welty wished to drop our lovely tongue down a rabbit hole or shove it through a mirror. These unique expressions added a touch of magic and creativity to the story, making it truly captivating.

A couple of Welty's novels, namely Delta Wedding and Losing Battles, are truly among my all-time favorite books. In fact, I was so enamored with her works that I even named the dear cat I had in the 80s after her. However, when it came to this particular book, I couldn't even bring myself to start reading it after merely scanning a couple of pages. It just didn't seem to be to my taste at all. Maybe it was the writing style, or perhaps the subject matter didn't resonate with me. Whatever the reason, it was clear that this wasn't going to be a book that I would enjoy as much as her other works. But that's the beauty of literature, everyone has their own preferences and what might not be my cup of tea could be someone else's absolute favorite.

A reworking of the Grimm's fairytale with the same name, this story is set in Mississippi and intertwined with folk tales from the region, such as those of Mike Fink and the Harp Brothers. By doing so, it creates a unique atmosphere that feels both like a traditional fairy tale and distinctly southern, with Welty's own personal touch.

It is a quick read, but don't let that fool you. The writing is exceptionally good, making it a fine example of southern gothic folk telling. Just like the other Welty book I've read so far, The Optimist's Daughter, this one is also compulsively readable. You'll find yourself drawn into the story from the very beginning and unable to put it down until you reach the end.

Overall, this is a wonderful piece of literature that combines elements of fairy tales and southern folk culture in a way that is both engaging and entertaining. It's a must-read for anyone who loves good stories and wants to explore the rich and diverse world of southern literature.

Beautiful prose, yet it is so unwaveringly upbeat and even cute that it actually made me cringe.

It's no wonder that it eventually became a musical. There are, however, some truly great passages within it.

Especially the beginning bedroom scene, which features characters that are reminiscent of Cuchulain.

This scene sets the stage in a rather captivating way, drawing the reader in with its unique charm.

The prose, despite its overly positive nature at times, still manages to have moments of brilliance that shine through and make it worthy of note.

Whether it's the vivid descriptions or the interesting characterizations, there is something about this work that keeps one engaged and curious to see what will happen next.

Even if it doesn't always hit the mark perfectly, it still has its redeeming qualities that make it a memorable piece of writing.

A novella that combines bone-dry wit with fantasy is an extremely challenging feat to accomplish. However, Welty manages to pull it off with great finesse. The unique blend of these two elements creates a captivating and engaging reading experience. The bone-dry wit adds a touch of humor and sarcasm that keeps the readers entertained, while the fantasy aspect takes them on a journey to a world beyond their imagination. Welty's writing style is masterful, as she weaves together the two elements seamlessly, creating a story that is both thought-provoking and enjoyable. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep the readers on the edge of their seats. Overall, this novella is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good blend of humor and fantasy.

Welty's retelling of some Mississippi myths is a captivating exploration of the rich cultural heritage of the region. Through her vivid and engaging storytelling, she brings these myths to life, allowing readers to immerse themselves in a world of magic, mystery, and wonder.

One of the most interesting aspects of Welty's retellings is her ability to capture the essence of the myths while also adding her own unique perspective. She delves deep into the characters and their motivations, revealing the underlying themes and messages that have been passed down through generations.

Whether it's the story of a shape-shifting creature or a powerful spirit, Welty's retellings are filled with rich details and colorful imagery. Her use of language is masterful, creating a sense of atmosphere and tension that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

In conclusion, Welty's retelling of some Mississippi myths is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and culture of the South. It offers a fascinating glimpse into a world that is both strange and familiar, and will leave readers with a newfound appreciation for the power of storytelling.

I chose to read this for two reasons. Firstly, I played Rosamund in the musical and had never read the book. Secondly, I'm trying to breeze through some quick novels before the end of the year to meet my reading goal for the year.

This is a delightful and extremely exaggerated fable. Admittedly, it has some plotlines that haven't aged particularly well. (I'll refrain from spoilers, but consider rape, fighting Inguns, boastful talk of owning 100 slaves... you can get the picture.)

That being said, Welty's descriptions of the forests, the sky, and nature in general are truly breathtaking. The characters are sketched quickly yet clearly, and with a comforting predictability. (There's the evil stepmother and her goat-man sidekick, the handsome bandit, the beautiful innocent daughter, and so on.) It reads very much like a fable. I thoroughly relished it.