funny_bunny_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
bethany_t's review
4.0
Not usually a fan of short stories, but some of these were narrated by the lovely Alan Cumming so I couldn’t help myself!
Thoughts on the stories in this collection:
The Snow Queen: This made me realize Jadis, the White Witch, in "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" is based on the Snow Queen. It was an interesting tale. A bit darker than I expected. The Crow was my favorite.
The Ugly Duckling: Love it! I’d been exposed to other versions but had never read this original tale. It was heart-warming and easily my favorite in this collection.
The Princess and the Pea: Hmm. Not sure why there are so many adaptations of this. There’s not much substance. It’s only a few sentences.
The Little Mermaid: Stalk much, little miss mermaid? Also the sea witch cuts out the little mermaid’s tongue. Metal!
The Goblin at the Grocer’s: Aww. Little goblin.
Thumbelina: Pretty close to other interpretations. I didn’t actually care for it. Too much of a focus on everyone falling for Thumbelina and the importance of her finding a husband.
The Steadfast Tin Soldier: Love this one. It warms my heart. This was one story though that I couldn’t help but conflate the other adaptation with which I was familiar (Disney’s “Fantasia 2000” has very much stuck with me through my life).
The Emperor’s New Clothes: Enjoyable and funny.
(Not too sure what was meant by "retold by Naomi Lewis." I don't know if she actively rewrote these or if they were as true to Hans Andersen's original words as possible. Either way, I enjoyed these classic tales.)
Verdict
Very entertaining despite it being meant for a young audience.
So, who would enjoy this book?
I think anyone who is familiar with other adaptations of the stories in this book would enjoy visiting these original tales. They’re not quite Grimms' Fairy Tales, but they are surprisingly darker in ways and more interesting than modern reimaginings.
Thoughts on the stories in this collection:
The Snow Queen: This made me realize Jadis, the White Witch, in "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" is based on the Snow Queen. It was an interesting tale. A bit darker than I expected. The Crow was my favorite.
The Ugly Duckling: Love it! I’d been exposed to other versions but had never read this original tale. It was heart-warming and easily my favorite in this collection.
The Princess and the Pea: Hmm. Not sure why there are so many adaptations of this. There’s not much substance. It’s only a few sentences.
The Little Mermaid: Stalk much, little miss mermaid? Also the sea witch cuts out the little mermaid’s tongue. Metal!
The Goblin at the Grocer’s: Aww. Little goblin.
Thumbelina: Pretty close to other interpretations. I didn’t actually care for it. Too much of a focus on everyone falling for Thumbelina and the importance of her finding a husband.
The Steadfast Tin Soldier: Love this one. It warms my heart. This was one story though that I couldn’t help but conflate the other adaptation with which I was familiar (Disney’s “Fantasia 2000” has very much stuck with me through my life).
The Emperor’s New Clothes: Enjoyable and funny.
(Not too sure what was meant by "retold by Naomi Lewis." I don't know if she actively rewrote these or if they were as true to Hans Andersen's original words as possible. Either way, I enjoyed these classic tales.)
Verdict
Very entertaining despite it being meant for a young audience.
So, who would enjoy this book?
I think anyone who is familiar with other adaptations of the stories in this book would enjoy visiting these original tales. They’re not quite Grimms' Fairy Tales, but they are surprisingly darker in ways and more interesting than modern reimaginings.
lali_sweety's review
3.0
Challenge: Read a book that's more than 100 years old
I struggled a lot with this book. Even though the book is quite short, it seemed that the more I read the less progress I made.
I was expecting a lot from this anthology and, honestly, I was quite disappointed by the second or third story.
I'm glad I read the source material for so many well-known stories but I was left wanting more from it too.
I struggled a lot with this book. Even though the book is quite short, it seemed that the more I read the less progress I made.
I was expecting a lot from this anthology and, honestly, I was quite disappointed by the second or third story.
I'm glad I read the source material for so many well-known stories but I was left wanting more from it too.
lindagomes's review
3.0
Gostei de algumas histórias mas de outras nem tanto. E já conhecia duas ou três. Mesmo assim acho que valeu a pena ler.
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