Books Like...

'A Portable Shelter' by Kirsty Logan is a collection of interconnected short stories linked together by introductions from characters Liska and Ruth as they speak to their unborn child. The stories are described as mesmerizing, hypnotic, and exquisite, tackling themes of grief, loss, love, kindness, and sadness with a sense of magic and fairytales. The writing style is poetic, lyrical, and full of description, capturing the reader's imagination and transporting them to a world where witches, selkies, dragons, and ghost girls exist alongside contemporary and realistic elements.

The narratives in 'A Portable Shelter' are short, effective, and poignant, exploring the idea that stories are a way of learning to deal with truths, nightmares, fears, and tragedy. The book is praised for its originality, imagination, and the way it weaves together different stories that feel like they inhabit the same fairytale world. Kirsty Logan's unique storytelling style combines elements of folklore, myth, fantasy, and contemporary themes, creating a compelling and enchanting reading experience.

'Boy, Snow, Bird' by Helen Oyeyemi is a novel that weaves together elements of fairy tales and explores themes of race, beauty, identity, and family secrets. The story follows the lives of Boy, Snow, and Bird, revealing their complex relationships and the challenges they face as they navigate through different perspectives and time periods. The narrative is rich and layered, with characters that are compelling and flawed, set against a backdrop of societal expectations and personal struggles.

The writing style in 'Boy, Snow, Bird' is described as beautiful, engaging, and thought-provoking. Oyeyemi expertly combines reality with fairy tale elements, creating a story that is both original and captivating. The novel delves into deep themes such as passing, violence, identity, and the impact of societal norms on individuals, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of human nature and relationships.

Kissing the Witch: Old Tales in New Skins by Emma Donoghue is a collection of fairy tales retold from a feminist and lesbian perspective. The stories are interconnected, with each tale picking up from the character of the previous one. The book focuses on the relationships between female characters, whether romantic, antagonistic, or familial, offering new perspectives on well-known fairy tales like Cinderella, Rapunzel, and The Little Mermaid.

The writing style of Kissing the Witch is described as beautiful, simple, and dark. The author captures the essence of the oral tradition of fairy tales while focusing on the women in the stories. The characters are portrayed as empowered and real, with each woman telling her tale being flawed and nuanced. The book challenges cultural expectations and stereotypes ingrained in traditional fairy tales, offering thought-provoking moments and reimagining familiar stories through a feminist and lesbian lens.

'The Sleeper and the Spindle' by Neil Gaiman is a dark and twisted retelling of the classic fairy tales Sleeping Beauty and Snow White. Gaiman weaves a tale where the Queen Snow White embarks on a journey with three dwarves to rescue a sleeping princess, subverting traditional gender roles and adding a modern twist to the story. The writing style is described as enchanting and eerie, with beautiful illustrations by Chris Riddell that enhance the narrative, making it suitable for both children and adults.

Gaiman's storytelling in 'The Sleeper and the Spindle' is characterized by its dark and eerie tone, reminiscent of the original fairy tales but with a modern and progressive perspective. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists and a clever mashup of familiar fairy tale elements, creating a unique and captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged. The book is praised for its strong female characters, intricate details, and stunning illustrations that complement the text, making it a delightful and enchanting read.

'Instead of Three Wishes' by Megan Whalen Turner is a collection of charming and magical short stories that showcase the author's ability to create unique and engaging narratives. The stories range from fluffy and fun tales to thoughtful and haunting ones, each with its own twist on classic folk tales. Turner's writing style is described as refreshing and original, with a focus on character-driven plots that emphasize the importance of friendships and human connections over material goods.

Bluebeard's Egg by Margaret Atwood is a collection of short stories that elicits mixed reactions from readers. Some find the stories lacking in complexity and the writing uninspired, while others appreciate Atwood's painful blend of comical and horrific elements. The book delves into themes of the creative process, the art world, and the complexities of human nature, often using satire and symbolism to convey deeper meanings.

'Siren' by John Everson is a horror novel that follows the story of Evan, a grieving father haunted by the drowning of his son. One night, he encounters a mysterious siren on the beach, and despite warnings from friends, he becomes entangled in a dangerous relationship with her. The book delves into themes of desire, guilt, and the supernatural, with a slow-building plot that reflects the intricacies of the siren's hold over Evan. The writing style is described as well-drawn, with characters that come to life and a unique take on an old legend.

'Unnatural Creatures' edited by Neil Gaiman is a collection of short stories selected by the author himself. The stories range from mythological creatures to unique and thought-provoking plots, showcasing Neil Gaiman's diverse tastes in short stories. Readers found the anthology to be a fun and easy read, with stories exploring memories, emotions, and wit. features works from various authors, offering a mix of different styles and themes that are both fascinating and engaging.

'Snow, Glass, Apples' by Neil Gaiman is a dark retelling of the classic fairy tale Snow White, narrated from the perspective of the wicked stepmother. The story takes a twisted turn, exploring themes of fear, dread, and horror through stunning artwork and a gripping narrative style that keeps readers engaged and haunted long after finishing the book.

'Red As Blood' by Tanith Lee is an anthology of re-imagined fairy tales that takes the familiar stories we all know and love and twists them into dark, sensual, and original narratives. The book features stories like 'Wolfland,' where Little Red Riding Hood is turned on its head, and 'The Golden Rope,' a mysterious and romantic version of Rapunzel with a demonic twist. Tanith Lee's writing style is described as poetic and imaginative, creating a collection that is both horrifying and sensual, with each story sending a specific message to the reader.

The book explores themes of feminism, dark fantasy, and challenges traditional storytelling norms. Readers are drawn to the unique retellings of classic tales, the thought-provoking narratives, and the unsettling endings that deviate from the original fairy tales. Tanith Lee's ability to weave together folklore, fantasy, and horror in a captivating manner keeps readers engaged and eager to delve deeper into each story.