Traditional conte transposed in the American West. Where a bandit abducts a beautiful young woman, a stepmother tries at all costs to harm her, a very kind father but well aware of his daughter's flaws, all seasoned with very charming sidekicks. Between Snow White and Beauty and the Beast, not knowing the original tale from which this story is drawn, I can only very roughly draw this comparison.
The style imitates the narrative framework of traditional tales with repetitions of turns of phrase, a refrain, emblematic figures, not to say caricatural of the tale very little deviated from. It is doubtless this touch of madness that was lacking in this story, a little too close to the model to be original and deserve that I remember it more than as a good moment of relaxed reading. Perfect for a holiday reading, without headache and quickly dispatched.
Pulitzer Prize winning Welty's literary fiction has always intrigued me. Her works are known for their rich characters, vivid settings, and profound themes. However, this particular piece was a bit too fanciful for my taste.
The story seemed to veer off into the realm of the supernatural and the improbable, which made it difficult for me to fully engage with the characters and their experiences. While I appreciate Welty's creativity and imagination, I found myself longing for a more grounded and believable narrative.
Despite this, I still recognize the value of Welty's writing and the contributions she has made to the world of literature. Her works continue to inspire and influence generations of writers, and I look forward to exploring more of her fiction in the future.
A more modern take on a gruesome Grim fairy tale, with romance and tall tale Americans thrown in for good measure. This was much more fun than I expected.
The story presented a unique blend of elements. The gruesome aspects of the Grim fairy tale were given a contemporary twist, making it both chilling and captivating. The addition of romance added a touch of warmth and tenderness, creating a nice contrast. And the tall tale Americans brought a sense of humor and larger-than-life charm to the narrative.
As I delved into the story, I found myself completely engrossed. The modern interpretation made the familiar fairy tale feel fresh and exciting. The romance between the characters was developed in a believable and engaging way, making me root for their happily ever after. The tall tale Americans added an element of adventure and excitement, keeping me on the edge of my seat.
Overall, this modern take on a Grim fairy tale was a delightful read. It combined the best of both worlds - the darkness and mystery of the original with the light-heartedness and fun of modern storytelling. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and entertaining read.
Having delved into the original fairy tale that served as a loose inspiration for this story, I was filled with intrigue to explore both the novella and musical of The Robber Bridegroom.
However, my overall impression is rather lukewarm.
Let me clarify: I'm not at all surprised that the novella isn't more widely renowned in the present day. In certain aspects, it doesn't age gracefully, and I suspect that some readers might find the central love story more disconcerting than romantic.
The musical, on the other hand, does a better job of both highlighting the humor within the story and eliminating some of the more disturbing details present in the novella. From that perspective, it is indeed entertaining.
Nevertheless, both versions place an excessive reliance on the unfortunate, hapless idiot who is married to a shrewish wife. While this can potentially be humorous, at least for this particular reader, it surprisingly fell flat.
Truth be told, I had truly expected to like these works more than I actually did. Consequently, I cannot recommend them.
A unique and captivating blend of traditional fairy tales and the rich tapestry of Mississippi folk lore awaits you. This is not your ordinary story; it's a wild ride filled with unexpected twists and turns. The author skillfully weaves together elements from both worlds, creating a narrative that is both familiar and refreshingly new.
The story unfolds at a rapid pace, keeping you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. It's a quick read, perfect for those moments when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. But don't let its brevity fool you; this tale is packed with humor that will have you laughing out loud.
The characters are vividly drawn, each with their own distinct personalities and quirks. You'll find yourself rooting for the heroes and villains alike, caught up in their adventures and misadventures. Whether you're a fan of fairy tales or folk lore, or simply looking for a good laugh, this story is sure to delight.