The Sleeper and the Spindle by Neil Gaiman/Lorenzo MattottiReleased: 11th December 2014
Published by: Bloomsbury
Genre: Fantasy, Fairytales, Illustrated
Source: Publisher
Pages: 56
My Rating: 4 of 5 stars
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The enduring story of the children, the breadcrumb trail and the gingerbread house is brought to life by master storyteller, Neil Gaiman. Who better to retell the Brothers Grimm's greatest, and perhaps darkest, fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel? Coupled with breathtakingly haunting illustrations from Lorenzo Mattotti, you will be enticed into the world and into the woods . . . so beware.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Publishers Australia for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
In this rendition of Hansel and Gretel, Neil Gaiman hasn't strayed too far from the original story. Even so, it has been a long time since I have immersed myself in the Grimm's version - and there is an undeniable ominous edge to this one which you just can't help but be captivated by.
It is undeniable that this is already a dark fairytale in its original form, without any illustrations at all. So it comes as no surprise when you do add these vivid and edgy black sketches that they truly capture the essence of what this story is all about: two children who have the odds pitted against them because of the adults they are supposed to trust.
If you've read Neil Gaiman's The Sleeper and the Spindle which was also released this year, you'll definitely notice the difference in the overall styles of these books. While the former had much more intricately drawn illustrations that reflected the vibe emanating from that book, this one seems more simplistic, but leaves no less of an impact on the reader.
It is undeniable that this is already a dark fairytale in its original form, without any illustrations at all. So it comes as no surprise when you do add these vivid and edgy black sketches that they truly capture the essence of what this story is all about: two children who have the odds pitted against them because of the adults they are supposed to trust.
If you've read Neil Gaiman's The Sleeper and the Spindle which was also released this year, you'll definitely notice the difference in the overall styles of these books. While the former had much more intricately drawn illustrations that reflected the vibe emanating from that book, this one seems more simplistic, but leaves no less of an impact on the reader.
One thing which stood out to me about this book aside from the story itself was the extra part at the end which talked about how the original Hansel and Gretel fairytale evolved over the centuries. It is fascinating to see how one tale can lead to the next one with a minor alteration, before morphing into something else yet again.
FINAL THOUGHTS
In all, reading Hansel and Gretel has reaffirmed why I have come to love Neil Gaiman's work. He has a flair for melding fairytales that we know to make us see them in a different light. I'll definitely be looking out for more of his work in the future!
Ooh that is such a pretty edition of Hansel and Gretel. I haven't read the story in ages, and can barely remember what it's about. Is this possibly an excuse to buy myself a copy? *no comment* heh.
ReplyDeleteLovely review, luv <33
Hehe it probably is a good excuse :) Thanks for stopping by Mel!
DeleteThis looks gorgeous! I definitely do plan on reading Spindle, and now this one, because that both look just fantastic. Great review. :D And lovely photography, too.
ReplyDeleteIt is! I'm loving these fairytale re-tellings that have an extra edge which makes them special. I'm definitely no expert when it comes to photography, but thank you! :)
DeleteI love fairytale retellings already, but knowing that Neil Gaiman wrote this makes me want to run to my closest bookstore! Glad that you liked it :)
ReplyDeleteNeil Gaiman has a special touch when it comes to writing these!
DeleteThis is absolutely beautiful - so glad you enjoyed this one, Genie! Lucky you got it for review! It's quite expensive for the size of it, but I'm definitely going to have to get a copy sooner or later. :)
ReplyDeleteMe too Ebony, I'm definitely becoming more of a Neil Gaiman fan with every book of his I read.
DeleteThis sounds so interesting! I've always wanted to read Neil Gaiman, but haven't yet. I hear from a lot of people that his writing is really good. I didn't know he wrote fairytale retellings though. Now I will definitely have to pick up one of his books.
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy them Ashley, they're something different and absolutely enchanting.
DeleteI love all the middle grade that Bloomsbury have been releasing, and actually just bought this one and also Sleeper and the Spindle as well. I love Neil Gaiman's work, and have only read the graphic novels and illustrated books so far, but have a copy of The Graveyard book that I can't wait to start reading.
ReplyDeleteLovely review poppet, it looks just magical <3
Yay! Hope you like them Kelly, they are really something special :)
DeleteWow how interesting that Neil Gaiman kind of retold the story in a sense, and it sounds like the art added a suitable creepy factor to it. Great review Genie!
ReplyDeleteIt definitely is - I love how even though it is slightly different, with the illustrations it becomes something even better entirely.
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