Description
In contemporary America, an un-named college student sets out on an obsessive journey of discovery to collect and record the life-stories of total strangers. The interviews that follow have echoes of another, far more famous literary journey, undertaken long ago and in another world.
Drawing on the original, unexpurgated tales collected by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, six of their most famous works are re-imagined in the rich and endlessly varied landscapes of contemporary America.
From the glass towers of Manhattan to the remoteness of the Blue Ridge mountains; from the swamps of Louisiana to the jaded glamour of Hollywood, New World Fairy Tales reclaims the fairy tale for the modern adult audience. A haunting blend of romance and realism, these stripped-back narratives of human experience are the perfect read for anyone who has read their child a bedtime fairy story, and wondered who ever said these were stories meant for children.
A beguiling collection of present-day fables that effortlessly transcend their folk origins. -- Jonathan Pinnock A joyous celebration of humanity in all shapes and sizes, infectious in its enthusiasm and stunning in its ambition. It's magical, funny, tragic, fierce, soft, cutting, and eminently readable. -- A J Kirby
About the Author
Cassandra Parkin has a Master's degree in English Literature from York University, and has been writing fiction all her life - mostly as Christmas and birthday presents for friends and family. She is married with two children, has so far resisted her clear destiny to become a mad old cat lady, and lives in a small but perfectly-formed village in East Yorkshire. "New World Fairy Tales" is her first published book.
Reviews
New World Fairy Tales is immensely enjoyable and utterly compelling; I was drawn into each world and into the concerns of each of the characters. I would highly recommend it.
-- Rebecca Rouillard * Writers' Hub *Drawing on the original, unexpurgated tales collected by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, six of their most famous works are re-imagined in the rich and endlessly varied landscapes of contemporary America. From the glass towers of Manhattan to the remoteness of the Blue Ridge mountains; from the swamps of Louisiana to the jaded glamour of Hollywood, New World Fairy Tales reclaims the fairy tale for the modern adult audience. A haunting blend of romance and realism, these stripped-back narratives of human experience are the perfect read for anyone who has read their child a bedtime fairy story, and wondered who ever said these were stories meant for children.
-- Jen Campbell * This Is Not The Six Word Novel *The best newcomer I've comes across this year is fellow Scott Prize winner Cassandra Parkin with her New World Fairy Tales.
-- Jonathan Pinnock * Jonathan Pinnock's Write Stuff *Awards
Long-listed for Edge Hill Prize for the Short Story 2012 (UK) and Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award 2012 (Ireland).
Book Information
ISBN 9781844718818
Author Cassandra Parkin
Format Paperback
Page Count 168
Imprint Salt Publishing
Publisher Salt Publishing
Dimensions(mm) 203mm * 127mm * 12mm
