Last week, Vanessa shared "Why Fairy Tales?", her take on what draws her to this very specific genre. As she stated, this interest grew from a book. Surprisingly, I had a very similar experience, but it was with a different book . . . The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly. For those who are not familiar with this book, Connolly takes a multitude of original tales . . . those that don't always have the happy endings . . . and weaves a story that has a slow start, but ended up being one of the most fascinating stories I have ever read. A few of the stories that you may find include Little Red Riding Hood, Rumpelstiltskin, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Beauty and the Beast, and even The Three Bears. Though I will warn that this tale may not always be for the faint of heart, it is still one that I will continue to rave about because of the brilliance in combining tales that we all grew up loving!
Thanks to my little experience with Connolly, I started a weekly feature back in January where I discover or re-experience fairy tales and fables. I began the feature with exploring a multitude of tales that were familiar to me, ones that I grew up with, and have expanded the feature to also explore tales found all across the globe. I have discovered that many of the tales have morals they want to share, others are more violent than I ever remember, and in many of the stories, nature and animals play a crucial role. Contrary to popular belief, many of the original tales do NOT have happy endings; however, many of the more modern versions do. Which do I like better? I really don't know. Some of the happiness works for me and some of it just isn't quite realistic. However, I do enjoy the feeling of hope that many of the modern tales leave us with. I love some of the lessons that some of the tales have to offer (particularly when I share the friendlier ones with my children!). And, I love to see that there are many similar themes across cultures.
At this time, I plan to continue with my feature, looking at tales that we grew up with and those from around the world. I plan to read more modern tales and even throw in some movie options! Fairy tales have got me hooked! Even though I cannot pinpoint in general what draws me to them, I think I can generally say that it has something to do with how they are so easily shared from generation to generation . . . bridging the gaps between the young and the old!
I encourage you to hop on over to Today's Adventure and check out all the other links people are posting for Once Upon A Week. I have already seen some great articles and have added some books to my already-toppling TBR pile! That is always a good sign of a great book blogging event!!
Until next time . . .
I wish you a happily ever after!
I loved Connelly's NOCTURNES, and bought but have not read BOOK OF LOST THINGS. Now I'm even more intrigued. I originally bought it simply on the strength of the short story collection.
ReplyDeleteI love fairy tales as well, and keep meaning to go back and reread some of the Grimm's I have in a collected edition that features the original endings. I also was on quite a Native American spree for a while, several years back.
I'll have to see if I can find Book of Lost Things. I love adaptations of fairy tales and am always up for another one.
ReplyDeleteI like going back and seeing the older versions of the stories I grew up with.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter, who's 10, definitely prefers the more gruesome versions.
I'm not sure I have an opinion about the endings...it needs to fit with the story. That's the most important, I think.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of adding to the TBR...
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're enjoying the event! I confess that the happy endings are usually my favorite, but I know what you mean about them sometimes feeling unrealistic. Tough call.
Fun! I wish I would have participated in this :D
ReplyDeleteI definitely did not enjoy The Book of Lost Things at all. It was really hard for me to even finish it. That being said, I do love this idea. Very intriguing to watch how the "fairy tale" idea redifines itself with time (particularly in recent history).
ReplyDeleteTalekyn . . . I haven't read Noctures yet, but I would love to! I'm thinking I've got a copy on my TBR too! Feel free to join in on my Fairy Tale Fridays! We would love to have you! Or, I would love to hear some recommendations on Native American tales!! We haven't explored any of these yet!
ReplyDeleteTicia . . . I love this one, but I will warn you that it can be darker than most!
carolsnotebook . . . I have really enjoyed re-visiting the tales too! Some of the older (more gruesome) versions, I do enjoy . . . others, not so much really!
J. Kaye . . . I completely agree! :)
NotNessie @ Today's Adventure . . . I like J. Kaye's comment . . . it has to fit the story! Maybe unrealistic was a poor choice of words on my part!
Sheila (Bookjourney) . . . It has definitely been fun! Maybe you can join next year?!?
Roof Beam Reader . . . Oh bummer!! :( BUT, it definitely has been interesting to see the evolution!!