We all know that there are some really screwy fairy tales out there, and I’m happy to say that the author left out the usual ones that most people know, such as the version of sleeping beauty where the prince rapes her while she is asleep, and she gives birth to two children, all while sleeping. No, that weird one isn’t in there. Instead we get stories of clams that become women, and pee in their husbands soup, to give it flavor. Or ones where snakes keep killing their wives, until one learns how to fight back.

The best part of this collection is the comments the author makes, in each story. She doesn’t point out just the usual stuff, but the stuff we may not know, such as what earlier translations have said about each story in the book. Sometimes she will give the alternative endings, or will say that the story didn’t make sense with one ending.

If you want a good collection of unusual fairy and folk tales, then this book is for you. But, if you want your fairy tales sanitized beyond belief, then I pity you, as you are missing out.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is being published on October 7th 2025.

What a hilarious book full of short stories with more of their original intention. Prior to being Disney-tied, fairy tales weren’t always so sweet. If you want a laugh (and some ideas to scare your children) this is a great book for you!