Welty masterfully melds together several classic fairy tale tropes and artfully employs them in the context of the deep south. This unique combination gives rise to a magical realist romp that is truly captivating. The story unfolds with a charming and refreshing sense of humor that keeps the readers engaged from start to finish.

The use of fairy tale elements adds a touch of magic and wonder to the narrative, while the deep south setting provides a rich and vivid backdrop. Welty's skillful writing brings these two worlds together seamlessly, creating a story that is both fantastical and grounded in reality.

The result is a literary work that is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. It invites the readers to explore the boundaries between the real and the imagined, and to discover the hidden magic that lies within the ordinary. Overall, Welty's use of fairy tale tropes in the deep south is a brilliant and innovative approach that makes for a truly unforgettable reading experience.

This little tale was truly such a delight to read.

I had the pleasure of reading it for the Classics Bookclub.

As I delved into the story, I found myself completely swept up in it.

It often had the feel of a tall tale, with its engaging plot and larger-than-life elements.

Despite its somewhat fantastical nature, the story remained grounded in relatable emotions and experiences.

The characters were well-developed and endearing, each with their own unique personalities and quirks.

I loved getting to know them and following their journey throughout the tale.

And the ending was just perfect - it was sweet and satisfying, tying up all the loose ends in a way that left me with a warm feeling inside.

Overall, this was a wonderful read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a charming and entertaining story.

An Amusing Fantasy

Once upon a time, in a land far away, there was a young boy named Timmy. Timmy had a vivid imagination and loved to create his own fantastical worlds. One day, while playing in his backyard, he discovered a small door hidden behind a bush. Curiosity got the better of him, and he opened the door.

To his surprise, he found himself in a magical forest filled with talking animals and colorful flowers. The animals welcomed him with open arms and showed him around the forest. Timmy was having the time of his life until he came across a large, scary dragon. The dragon roared at him, and Timmy was so frightened that he ran away as fast as he could.

But as he was running, he tripped and fell. When he looked up, he saw that the dragon was actually a friendly one, and it was just trying to play with him. Timmy and the dragon became good friends, and they spent the rest of the day playing together in the forest.

When it was time to go home, Timmy said goodbye to his new friends and went back through the door. He knew that he would always remember his adventure in the magical forest and that it would be a source of joy and inspiration for him for years to come.

This amusing fantasy shows us the power of imagination and how it can take us to places we never thought possible. It also teaches us that sometimes, things that seem scary at first may actually be friendly and fun. So, let your imagination run wild and see where it takes you!

Eudora Welty has long been on my TBR list due to her renowned ability to craft captivating stories set in the American South. When I recently discovered that she was the first living writer (alas, she has since passed away) to have her works published by the Library of America, of which I am a great admirer, my interest was further piqued.

The Robber Bridegroom is the first story in a Library of America publication of her complete novels. However, it deviated from my expectations.

My take

As I delved into this novelette, my initial impression was that it exuded the charm of a fairy tale. Later, I learned that it was loosely based on or at least inspired by a Brothers Grimm fairy tale of the same name.

At times, I couldn't help but draw parallels with Neil Gaiman's brand of magical realism. I generally enjoy his books, but I recognize that they are an acquired taste. Similar to some of Gaiman's works, Welty's provocative language and vivid images are captivating, even if the story doesn't fully engage you.

I'm eager to explore what the remaining four novels have in store. I've also ordered a complete collection of her short stories.

Recommendation

I believe this book will have the most appeal to fans of the Grimm Brothers, lovers of adult fairy tales, and/or readers who appreciate writers like Gaiman. It may also attract those who value crisp, fluid, and descriptive writing for its own sake.

The story wasn't terrible, but its format and subject matter make it somewhat challenging to access. I primarily read to experience life through the eyes of others, to feel their emotions and perhaps gain new insights into others and myself. This story doesn't quite fulfill that purpose.