Books Like...
'There Once Lived a Woman Who Tried to Kill Her Neighbor's Baby: Scary Fairy Tales' by Ludmilla Petrushevskaya is a collection of dark and macabre short stories with surprising twists that delve into the gritty and bleak aspects of Russian life during the Cold War period. The stories are described as having a fairy tale format, with some being more captivating than others. The author's writing style is noted for its quirky and catchy storytelling, often leaving readers with a sense of horror and discomfort, similar to the eerie twists found in episodes of The Twilight Zone.
The book is a mix of fables, horror, and suspense that provide a unique insight into the Soviet psyche, drawing on the author's experiences growing up in post-WWII Soviet Union. The translation of the stories into English is mentioned as a factor that may impact the original edge and beauty of the tales, but the collection is still considered solid and well worth a read for those interested in dark and twisted narratives.
If you liked There Once Lived a Woman Who Tried to Kill Her Neighbor's Baby: Scary Fairy Tales, here are the top 8 books to read next:
- #1
'Snow White, Blood Red' is an anthology of fairy tale retellings for adults, edited by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling. The stories are modern adaptations of classical fairy tales, featuring dark twists and gruesome elements. The anthology includes tales based on well-known stories such as Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel, Snow White, and Little Red Riding Hood, with settings that range from fantasy worlds to real-life scenarios. The writing style is described as captivating, with brilliant twists that make the stories seem plausible and memorable, holding the reader's attention from the first page to the last.
Susan Wade originally wanted to write a story about magic gardens and stealing roses—like “Rapunzel” or “Beauty and the Beast”—but she claims that when she started, things got away from her. She is co... - #2
'Red As Blood' by Tanith Lee is an anthology of re-imagined fairy tales that takes the familiar stories we all know and love and twists them into dark, sensual, and original narratives. The book features stories like 'Wolfland,' where Little Red Riding Hood is turned on its head, and 'The Golden Rope,' a mysterious and romantic version of Rapunzel with a demonic twist. Tanith Lee's writing style is described as poetic and imaginative, creating a collection that is both horrifying and sensual, with each story sending a specific message to the reader.
The book explores themes of feminism, dark fantasy, and challenges traditional storytelling norms. Readers are drawn to the unique retellings of classic tales, the thought-provoking narratives, and the unsettling endings that deviate from the original fairy tales. Tanith Lee's ability to weave together folklore, fantasy, and horror in a captivating manner keeps readers engaged and eager to delve deeper into each story.
- #3
Deerskin by Robin McKinley is a dark and powerful retelling of the fairy tale Donkeyskin, focusing on the story of Princess Lissar who is subjected to a horrific trauma at the hands of her own father. The novel delves into themes of abuse, survival, recovery, and self-healing as Lissar embarks on a journey of escape and redemption with her loyal hound, Ash, by her side. The writing style is described as lyrical, dreamlike, and at times, nightmarish, weaving together elements of fantasy, mythology, and raw emotion to create a compelling narrative that explores the depths of human resilience and the healing power of love.
MANY YEARS LATER SHE REMEMBERED HOW HER PARENTS HAD looked to her when she was a small child: her father as tall as a tree, and merry and bright and golden, with her beautiful black-haired mother at h... - #4
'Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West' by Gregory Maguire offers a unique perspective on the classic story of The Wizard of Oz, delving into the life of the supposed villain, the Wicked Witch of the West, named Elphaba. The narrative reimagines the well-known tale, exploring themes of morality, religious zealotry, human behavior, and the nature of good and evil. Through a dark and sometimes sexually explicit tone, the book provides a complex and intricate storyline that challenges readers' perceptions of traditional fairy tales.
The author, Gregory Maguire, skillfully weaves a tale that captivates adult readers by delving into the personalities of fairy tale characters, offering a fantasy world that blurs the lines between childhood memories and adult realities. is characterized by its imaginative storytelling, clever twists on familiar characters, and a narrative that goes beyond the surface story of Oz, delving into deeper themes and character motivations that resonate with readers on a philosophical level.
Journalists, armed with the thesaurus and apocalyptic scriptures, fumbled and were defeated by it. “A gulfy deliquescence of deranged and harnessed air” … “A volcano of the invisible, darkly construed... - #5
'In the House in the Dark of the Woods' by Laird Hunt is a dark and atmospheric fairy tale set in New England. The story follows a woman named Goody who ventures into the woods to gather berries for her family but ends up encountering eerie characters and experiencing unsettling events. As the plot unfolds, the narrative weaves elements of horror, folklore, and mystery, leading the reader through a dreamlike journey filled with outlandish characters and dark twists. The writing style of the book is described as lyrical, creepy, and immersive, creating a sense of unease and suspense as the protagonist navigates through a world that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy.
I told my man I was off to pick berries and that he should watch our son for I would be gone some good while. So away I went with a basket. I walked and picked and ate and took off my shoes. I left th... - #6
'Deathless' by Catherynne M. Valente is a novel that intricately weaves together Russian folklore with the historical backdrop of pre and post-revolutionary Russia. The story follows Marya Morevna, the human bride of Koshchei the Deathless, as she navigates a world filled with magical elements such as firebirds, Baba Yaga, and house spirits, all set against the grim realities of the Soviet era. Valente's writing style is described as seductive, mesmerizing, and poetic, drawing readers into a dark and enchanting narrative that delves into themes of love, power, and the duality of life and death.
In a city by the sea which was once called St. Petersburg, then Petrograd, then Leningrad, then, much later, St. Petersburg again, there stood a long, thin house on a long, thin street. By a long, thi... - #7
"The Stranger" by Albert Camus is a novel that delves into existentialism through the story of Meursault, a man who seems indifferent and detached from the world around him. The plot follows Meursault as he navigates through life events such as his mother's death, a murder he commits, and a trial he faces, all while displaying a lack of emotion and connection with those around him. The writing style is described as choppy, matter-of-fact, and detached, reflecting the character's own demeanor and emphasizing the themes of absurdity and alienation.
Camus' exploration of the absurdity of life and society's inability to understand a man like Meursault forms the core of the narrative. Through vivid storytelling and a compelling portrayal of existential themes, the book challenges readers to reflect on concepts of meaning, morality, and the human condition. The character of Meursault serves as a vehicle for Camus to question societal norms and beliefs, ultimately leading to a poignant exploration of existential philosophy and the complexities of human existence.
The old people’s home is at Marengo, about eighty kilometers from Algiers, I’ll take the two o’clock bus and get there in the afternoon. That way I can be there for the vigil and come back tomorrow ni... - #8
"Spinning Silver" by Naomi Novik is a reimagined fairy tale based on Rumpelstiltskin, following the story of three young women from different backgrounds who find strength and agency in challenging circumstances. Miryem, the daughter of a moneylender, discovers her ability to turn silver into gold and attracts the attention of the powerful Staryk king. Alongside Wanda, a poor girl seeking to escape her abusive father, and Irina, the daughter of a duke caught in a political scheme, the women's lives intertwine as they navigate magic, danger, and self-discovery. The narrative seamlessly weaves between the perspectives of these characters, showcasing Novik's talent for intricate world-building and character development.
The real story is, the miller’s daughter with her long golden hair wants to catch a lord, a prince, a rich man’s son, so she goes to the moneylender and borrows for a ring and a necklace and decks her...