Reinventing the Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm

Fairy tales ought to be spellbinding, magical, and should always have a touch of darkness thrown in for good measure. In Grimm Tales for Young and Old, Philip Pullman carefully selects 50 of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales ranging from classic feel-good fables to obscure stories and adds in a creative twist or two. Most of them are retold with their origin in mind but are assimilated into a more modern setting. All of them are clearly written and easy to read. It is also fascinating to read the little note Pullman adds after each story.

What Adult Would Want to Read a Bunch of Fairy Tales?

If you’re a fan of good writing and maybe even secretly enjoy letting your mind escape into an imaginary world, this remake is for you, no matter how old your inner child. And even if you’re really (really) not into fairy tales, this book is entertaining, engaging, and doesn’t require any major mental effort, which makes it perfect for a relaxing read. Every story moves from one event to the next and tells over only what is necessary. There are no redundant words or extended explanations and dialogues. Believe it or not, the stories in this book are actually action-packed. In many modern works, stories are about introspection and character development. In Grimm Tales, each story focuses primarily on what happens to the characters rather than on their individual characteristics.

This Book Is Far from Boring

Even if you have read or been told all the Brothers Grimm fairy tales since you were a kid and think you’re tired of them, this book will not disappoint. Pullman manages to make even the more familiar tales quite unfamiliar in the way that he relates them. He skillfully structures the narrative for a masterful modernization of old favorites like Cinderella, Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel. Pullman also successfully instills his own sense of danger and wit into the more macabre stories like Godfather Death and The Three Snake Leaves.

Successfully Revamping the Classics

The tales of the Brothers Grimm have been around for over two centuries and have been celebrated by families around the world. The stories and characters—evil wives, wicked kings, and courageous children—have withstood the test of time and have tapped into the imaginations of both young and old. It is the type of masterpiece that you can confidently throw into your bag before going on a trip, knowing that you will have a great read on the plane or wherever you go and that you will probably reread it in years to come.