foggy_rosamund's review against another edition
4.0
Written in 1856, this is a selection of seven fairy stories, linked by the wonderful chair, and Snowflower, an impoverished girl, who is the only person able to ask the chair to tell its tales. Frances Browne was one of twelve children, and was from Donegal. She was blind from infancy, and her sister wrote her stories down for her. This book was a favourite of my grandfather's, who used to read to me from it. I hadn't read it in many years, but decided to track down a copy. The stories are old-fashioned in many ways: characters are named after their principal character traits, so the selfish queen is Queen Wantall, and the sensible prince is Prince Wisewit. We meet fishermen called Sour and Civil, and shepherds called Clutch and Kind. People are born good or evil and there is no possibility of change. But despite these limitations, the stories in this book are imaginative, immersive, and full of beautiful language. I was surprised by how well I remembered many of them, and I enjoyed encountering them again. The Lords of the White and Grey Castles, about lords bespelled by fairies, and whose children follow them into the deep woods and live in a house made of moss, was a particular favourite. I'm also very fond of Merrymind who saves a kingdom by playing a magical violin, and The Christmas Cuckoo, in which the good humour of a humble cobbler saves the day. A really enjoyable selection, although I'm sure the nostalgia I feel makes them particularly compelling.
shadylane_00's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
pamelajobrownlee's review against another edition
4.0
I am tempted to give five stars to this charming, lovely little book. If I had read this as a child, it would have been one of my most cherished memories. I am glad to have discovered it at all.
kailey_luminouslibro's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of my favorite books from when I was a young girl. Fairy tales at their best!
Young Snowflower's grandmother leaves her alone in the cottage with only an enchanted chair for company. The chair tells wonderful stories and takes Snowflower on a journey to the court of King Winwealth. Each evening Snowflower is called to the court after their feasting, and she asks her magical chair to tell the company a story. The King rewards Snowflower for each story that is told.
In each chapter a different fairytale story is told, and although they follow the classic fairytale structure, they are not common or well-known. Each one is a delight to read!
Young Snowflower's grandmother leaves her alone in the cottage with only an enchanted chair for company. The chair tells wonderful stories and takes Snowflower on a journey to the court of King Winwealth. Each evening Snowflower is called to the court after their feasting, and she asks her magical chair to tell the company a story. The King rewards Snowflower for each story that is told.
In each chapter a different fairytale story is told, and although they follow the classic fairytale structure, they are not common or well-known. Each one is a delight to read!
cdnmrs's review
5.0
One of my absolute favourites as a child. Love it still.
It's a morality tale, but the imagery is beautiful.
It's a morality tale, but the imagery is beautiful.
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