About the Author Barbara Comyns was born in 1909 and brought up in rural Warwickshire,where she began writing and illustrating stories at the age of ten. Heridiosyncratic novels have been described as like pictures painted on glass.She died in 1992.Margaret Drabble was born in Sheffield in1939 and educated at Newnham College, Cambridge, where she studiedEnglish Literature. She has published seventeen novels, most recently Read more
J**Z
Modern re-telling of classic fairy tale.
I loved this book. I am partial to fairy tales and I loved this modern re-telling of the classic Grimm-brothers fairy tale of the same name. It does not adhere too closely to the original story, but concerns a young single mother of a biracial little girl who becomes involved with a wealthy, aristocratic family. It deals with issues of race, class, family dynamics and mental illness in modern-day England. The characters are well-drawn, and the main character, although she fills the role of the "wicked stepmother" in the original tale, is very sympathetic. It has some elements of magical realism. It is probably my favorite book among all the books I have read in the past year.
J**Y
A wonderful few hours
I downloaded it and didn't stand up until I had finished reading it. An old tale may lace through it but it never burdens. The journey of the step-mother is the focus of this version and it's unforgettable.
B**E
Scary and wonderful
This novel deserves a wider audience. The writing is pared down, plain and understated, so that the creepiness comes through loud and clear. Comyns is loaded with literary gifts, and they're on full display here. If you can find it buy it!
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