Spellbounding New Writing
From master storyteller Clive Johnson
Seven traditional tales retold for children, alongside modern-day short stories for adults that aim to keep the intended magic and meaning of the originals.
***** "Evocative, with great descriptions and engaging plots."
***** "Tales that tales are zesty and surprising in many ways."
***** "Makes you think way beyond the innocence with which we usually regard a fairy tale."
***** "Navigates you safely and deeply into the real lessons of the fairy tale."
Classic Bedtime Tales for Children. Haunting and Stirring Tales for Adults.
Fairy stories have captivated the hearts and minds of children over many centuries. With their stories of witches and fairies, enchanting castles, and beautiful princesses, they contain all the right ingredients for exciting a young mind. But as is well known, the truths that can be found within these timeless compositions are rich in meaning and metaphor, offering powerful warnings and life lessons for adults.
In this innovative book, seven traditional tales are beautifully retold. Appealing to children, these are also intended to inspire new meaning for adults. Combined with each classical retelling is a short story for adults that aims to maintain the spirit and messages contained in the children’s versions.
These parallel stories are specifically written for adults, set in a wide range of environments, and featuring characters who encounter a whole host of very real human challenges and dilemmas. Loan sharks and wife-beaters, compulsive gamblers and murderers all feature here. But so too do stories of transformation and redemption, and journeys of hope, self-discovery and unlikely friendship.
Each pair of stories is accompanied by a commentary on how they might be interpreted. The result is a collection of wonderful tales that continue to enthral children, whilst offering fresh levels of meaning for the grown-ups who tell the stories to them.
