These stories are not the Disney versions that you remember. They are for adults only now, even though our long ago ancestors used them to scare the pants off their own children. The author even includes trigger warnings referencing animal cruelty, child abuse, and sexual misconduct. These are some seriously F*cked Up Fairy Tales.
That said, the tales are fascinating reading. The author’s somewhat snarky and usually humorous asides echo what present day readers may be thinking about the plots of some of these tales. For example, a snake curls up in your clothing while you are bathing in a lake. What’s a young girl to do? Marrying the snake is not even my 100th guess.
The tales are not just the familiar stories from Western Europe either. There are stories from around the world and from various eras included.
Overall, F*cked Up Fairy Tales is an intriguing and well-researched book showing how non-politically correct our ancestors really were. 5 stars & a favorite!
Thanks to NetGalley and W. W. Norton & Company for providing me with an advanced review copy.