Wildly farcical fairy tale.

It is said that the reader is required to suspend disbelief. Indeed, the reader of this Eudora Welty novel needs to do that even before reading the first page.

The story involves Clement Musgrove, his daughter Rosamund, the wicked stepmom Salome, a horse-riding bandit named Jamie Lockhart.

The tale is so exaggerated that if the book weren't under 200 pages, I may not have been able to make it through.

The wild and farcical elements blend together to create a unique and somewhat chaotic narrative.

The characters are larger than life, with their exaggerated personalities and actions.

The setting is also filled with absurdities, adding to the overall comical tone of the story.

Despite its farcical nature, there are still elements of a traditional fairy tale present, such as the conflict between good and evil.

Overall, this novel is a strange and entertaining read that requires the reader to let go of their rational thinking and embrace the absurdity.

This book initially had a slow start for me. It gave the impression of being a book about individuals who engage in stupid acts.

However, it turns out to be much more than that. Welty truly demonstrates a remarkable sense of the absurd. Did I experience uproarious laughter? No. But I did manage to let out a few snorts.

The more one delves into the pages, the more nuances emerge, floating like mists along the Natchez Trace. A mist that is laced with barbs.

It is the kind of book where upon reaching the end, one suspects that rereading it with the knowledge gained would uncover new insights.

And at the conclusion, I found myself wondering why this isn't considered a classic. Surely, if The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a classic, then this should be as well.

Although it isn't entirely original, borrowing from Grimm's fairytale and the Greek myth of Cupid and Psyche (and there's an allusion to Sleeping Beauty), it is quintessentially American in how it has incorporated all of these inherited immigrant tales.

It is a melting pot, a literary gumbo of sorts, and thus perfectly represents America. Nothing remains unchanged, yet it wryly alludes to the original. The twists are often cheeky, absurd, or painfully true.

Is this my favorite book? No. But it is definitely worth reading, and I will keep it on my shelf. I would recommend it to discerning, critical readers of literature. And if I were teaching a literature class, it would offer plenty for discussion.

A mish-mash of fairy tale characters and themes

assembles in this rather peculiar story. There’s a beautiful maiden, whose charm seems to light up the pages. Opposite her is a wicked stepmother, filled with malice and envy. Then there’s a handsome hero, ready to embark on a heroic journey. Cutthroat bandits lurk in the shadows, adding an element of danger. Bags of gold are scattered throughout the narrative, creating a sense of greed and longing. And let's not forget the house in a dark forest, which holds many mysteries.

If you read it just for fun, you can indeed enjoy the craziness that unfolds. However, a careful reader is likely to get dizzy trying to keep track of the different plot lines that intertwine and diverge. What's more, the book is way too long, considering it's only 180 pages. There must be a good reason why fairy tales are always short. They simply don't make good novels, as you can clearly tell by this one. But despite its flaws, the writing is incredibly clever, and there’s still a lot to enjoy. The author's creativity shines through, making it an interesting read nonetheless.

Before delving into her anthology of short stories, I discovered Eudora Welty's first book, a sort of unclassifiable fable.

It's difficult to talk about it. While I liked the writing, I didn't quite latch onto the story, which is why I gave it the rating I did.

The language she uses is rich and evocative, painting vivid pictures in the reader's mind. However, the plot seemed a bit disjointed to me, and I found it hard to fully engage with the characters.

Despite this, I can appreciate the skill and artistry that went into creating this book. It's clear that Welty is a talented writer, and I'm looking forward to exploring more of her work in the future.

Perhaps with her other books, I'll have a different experience and be able to fully appreciate the depth and beauty of her storytelling.

The first piece of Eudora Welty's writing that I come across is truly remarkable.

I have heard it being described as a fairy tale or a fantasy, and I believe these descriptions are quite accurate.

In the story, nobody seems real; instead, they are like characters that materialize out of thin air and then fade back into it once more.

The telling of the story is brutal, yet despite its fantasy aspect, it effectively conveys the realities of its setting.

It is as if Welty has created a world that is both magical and harsh, a place where the line between the real and the imagined is blurred.

The characters' actions and experiences seem to unfold in a dreamlike state, yet they also carry the weight of real emotions and consequences.

This unique combination of elements makes Welty's writing truly captivating and thought-provoking.

It leaves the reader with a sense of wonder and a deeper understanding of the human condition within the context of a fantastical world.

Overall, my encounter with this piece of Welty's writing has been a memorable one, and I look forward to exploring more of her works in the future.

From the very opening scene, a rather strange and unexpected situation unfolds. A merchant, a robber, and a murderer are sharing a bed together. It's a scene that immediately grabs your attention and sets the tone for the complicated romance that is about to unfold. The story of the merchant's daughter then gallops along with the wind in its hair, as if it has a life of its own.

The book is filled to the brim with cutthroats. Every character seems to be engaged in some sort of deception, pretending to be someone else in order to fool others. It's a world where nothing is as it seems, and you never quite know who to trust.

This is exactly how fairy tales should be told in the modern age. It's a fresh and unique take on the traditional genre, filled with unexpected twists and turns. And in this story, you'll discover that a romance is incomplete without some truly bizarre elements. Like a talking head in a box and a boy who is actually a goat. These strange and wonderful details add an extra layer of charm and mystery to the already captivating tale.

A fairy tale and a love story, and like nothing I've read before.

This unique combination takes the reader on a magical journey filled with wonder and romance. The story weaves together elements of fantasy and love in a way that is both captivating and enchanting.

The characters are well-developed and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.

The author's writing style is beautiful and descriptive, making it easy to imagine the vivid world they have created.

If you're looking for a book that will transport you to another realm and make your heart flutter, then this is the one for you. I highly recommend it.

2.5 stars

"Rosamond was truly a beautiful, golden-haired girl, locked in the room by her stepmother for singing, and still singing on, because it passed the time away better than anything else."

Eudora Welty's first novel, The Robber Bridegroom, is an adaptation of a Brothers Grimm fairytale of the same name. Set in eighteenth-century Natchez, Mississippi, it incorporates elements from other traditional fairytales. You might even spot some legendary figures if you're familiar with regional folk tales of that era.

"Then, sailing his cap in the air, he gave a whistle and a shake and declared that he was none other than Mike Fink, champion of all the flatboat bullies on the Mississippi River, and was ready for anything."

This little book is a bit of a mixed bag for me. While the writing is quite good, with striking descriptions and moments of humor, the plot and characters didn't fully engage me. The story features an odious stepmother, a throng of malicious bandits, an upright father, a beautiful heroine, and a charismatic hero. However, it was the strange and familiar stepmother, named 'Goat', who intrigued me the most.

"Goat… came out through a hole in the door with his hair all matted up and the color of carrots, and his two eyes so crossed they looked like one. He smiled and he had every other tooth, but that was all. He stood there with his two big toes sticking up."

The message of good versus evil, with a gray area in between, is clear. There's also the theme of mistaken identities, making us question if we can always judge a person by their appearance.

If you're a fan of fairytale retellings, you may enjoy this book. However, it's not suitable for young children due to its violent and somewhat disturbing nature. I've read some of Welty's other work and have had a mixed experience. I'll continue to explore her writing and see where I stand. Overall, I give The Robber Bridegroom 2.5 stars.

I understand what it was attempting to do.

However, it presented slightly too many problems for me.

The situation seemed a bit complex and perhaps not as straightforward as I would have liked.

There were certain aspects that made it a bit more difficult to handle or accept.

Maybe with some adjustments or clarifications, it could have been more manageable.

But as it stood, it was just a little too much of a challenge for my liking.

I'm not entirely sure how to proceed or if there's a way to resolve these issues.

It's a bit of a conundrum at the moment.

I'll have to think about it further and see if I can come up with a solution or a different perspective.

Hopefully, something will click and I'll be able to make sense of it all.

Until then, I'll just have to keep grappling with these concerns.

A remake of a Grimm's tale has emerged, but unfortunately, it doesn't translate well. The charm and essence that made the original so captivating seem to have been lost in the translation process. However, despite this shortcoming, I am still very fond of this author. Their unique storytelling ability and vivid imagination have always managed to draw me in. Even though this particular remake may not have lived up to expectations, I remain hopeful that future works will be able to better capture the magic of the original tales. I look forward to seeing what else this author has in store for us, and I believe that with their talent and creativity, there are bound to be more wonderful stories to come.

He only keeps you because he stole you and has a soft sentiment about that.

This situation is rather complex and perhaps a bit disturbing. Imagine being in a position where you are with someone not because of genuine affection or mutual choice, but because they took you away.

The idea of having a soft sentiment due to the act of stealing is an odd one. It may suggest that there is some sort of twisted sense of attachment or guilt within him.

You might wonder how such a relationship could ever be healthy or fulfilling. Do you feel trapped? Do you long for a way out?

It's important to consider your own feelings and well-being in this situation. Maybe it's time to confront him about the truth and decide what you truly want for your future.

Whether you choose to stay or go, remember that you deserve to be with someone who loves and respects you for who you are, not someone who holds you captive because of a stolen moment.

Rolla has a remarkable collection, and within it lies this particular item.

It was also mentioned in another novel, which adds an interesting layer to its significance. However, if one can't find it or decides to give up on the search, there's no need to worry.

Welty has many other works that are well worth considering. Her writing is known for its depth and charm, and exploring her other offerings can be a rewarding experience.

Whether it's a different novel, a short story collection, or perhaps an essay, Welty has something to offer every reader. So, don't be deterred if this specific item proves elusive. Instead, open yourself up to the possibility of discovering something new and wonderful by Welty.