In a touch upon a latest publish about fairy tales being retold, a reader with the username Crimson Admiral really helpful Nicholas Stuart Grey’s 1963 novel, “The Stone Cage,” which he learn as a toddler. This advice piqued my curiosity, so I did what any avid reader would do: I looked for the ebook on Google. Sadly, it’s now not in print, however I used to be in a position to borrow it from my library.
After studying the abstract on the duvet, I used to be satisfied I might get pleasure from it, and I used to be excited to get it residence to learn. The ebook had that acquainted odor of an outdated novel, which was much more interesting. I used to be significantly intrigued that the protagonist is a cat—not simply any cat, however Tomlyn, the apprentice witch cat of Mom Gothel. Sure, that witch! The very one who stored Rapunzel in a stone cage on the high of a tall tower.
Rapunzel was not one among my favorite fairy tales rising up, although I’m undecided why. I suppose I most well-liked a number of others a bit of extra. Nonetheless, I didn’t need that to cloud my judgment about this ebook, so I made a decision to offer it an opportunity. To be trustworthy, I don’t keep in mind a lot concerning the authentic story other than the truth that she grows her hair to be rescued. However I do love makeover story, because it permits me to see issues from a special perspective.
Let’s dive in. Maybe finest recognized for his books “The Seventh Swan” and “Grimbold’s Different World,” Nicholas Stuart Grey, born Phyliss Loriot Hatch in 1912, was a transgender British writer and playwright who handed away in March 1981. He usually wrote continuations or variations of fairy tales, comparable to “The Additional Adventures of Puss in Boots,” and is credited with 29 novels.
“The Stone Cage” is a retelling of Rapunzel from Tomlyn’s viewpoint. It’s darkish and painful, and it brings tears to my eyes as I write this assessment as a result of it jogs my memory of the cruelty and kindness that may exist within the hearts of humankind. The witch reveals no empathy when she forces a father to surrender his solely daughter, making a riveting but disturbing narrative. The continued rivalry between the cat and the chicken to achieve the witch’s favour is the perfect a part of the ebook; it’s like watching two youngsters compete for consideration from their dad and mom. It’s each darkish and comical on the similar time. It left me questioning if the underlying theme of the ebook poses the query of whether or not pets are victims of Stockholm syndrome. Why is there a lot loyalty between the witch and her pets when she is undeserving of it?
The ebook is well-written and flows properly. The tempo is fast, contemplating the precise occasions happen over a very long time.
The one downside is that it was written in 1963, and among the phrases and conditions really feel outdated within the fashionable world. That’s considerably anticipated. I imagine in leaving literature because it was meant throughout its time. Nonetheless, I might love for somebody to rewrite a few of these traditional tales with a contemporary twist, persevering with what Mr. Grey began.
Thanks to my reader for recommending this ebook; it was a wonderful selection, and I stay up for studying extra strategies from our viewers.
Writing has at all times been her ardour and a voice for many who can not converse. She considers herself lucky to jot down daily and says her mantra is, “I drink espresso, write, and I learn about individuals and know-how.” Her writing is numerous and might be discovered on-line on web sites like LifeHack, You Have a Calling, Medium, TechCrunch and, She Is aware of.
