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The Sister Who Ate Her Brothers: And Other Gruesome Tales

Revisiting the Dark Origins of Classic Fairy Tales

Jen Campbell author Adam De Souza illustrator

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Thames & Hudson Ltd

Published:7th Oct '21

Should be back in stock very soon

The Sister Who Ate Her Brothers: And Other Gruesome Tales cover

This collection revives fourteen dark fairy tales, showcasing their original, gruesome forms. The Sister Who Ate Her Brothers is a captivating read for those seeking the macabre.

In The Sister Who Ate Her Brothers: And Other Gruesome Tales, Jen Campbell presents a captivating collection of fourteen chilling fairy tales from around the globe. Each story is meticulously retold, bringing back the original, often gruesome elements that have been softened or altered in modern adaptations. Campbell draws upon her deep understanding of fairy tale history to dismantle the sanitization of these narratives, revealing the darker truths that lie within them. This collection not only entertains but also invites readers to reflect on the complexities of morality and human nature as depicted in these tales.

The stories feature a diverse array of characters, showcasing a range of cultural backgrounds and traditions. Campbell's approach is refreshingly bold, as she reclaims the rawness of these narratives, which often include themes of vengeance, betrayal, and the macabre. The illustrations by Canadian comic artist Adam de Souza enhance the reading experience, blending 19th-century Gothic styles with modern graphic novel aesthetics. This visual accompaniment adds depth to the already rich storytelling, making each tale a feast for the imagination.

Beautifully bound in a hardback format with a rose gold ribbon marker, The Sister Who Ate Her Brothers is not just a book; it is a striking gift for readers of all ages. With 86 illustrations, including 30 in color, this collection promises to both thrill and chill, ensuring that the tales resonate long after the last page is turned.

'Guaranteed to raise the hairs on the back of your neck. A wonderful addition to the bookshelf of any young reader who seeks to walk on the spookier side of the street' - Neil Gaiman
'Deliciously dark, provocative, modern and relevant...Think Grimm’s tales told with a splash of Roald Dahl from a world turned upside-down' - The School Reading List
'This collection ... intentionally avoids the Disney-fication of folklore ... These tales are disturbing - and satisfyingly so... Atmospheric illustrations pair effectively with the text, and Campbell departs from tradition to include overtly feminist stories as well as gay and lesbian romance without a hint of societal condemnation... Creepy and progressive' - Kirkus Reviews
'Smart, layered and full of beautiful storytelling ... The stories are dynamic and thrilling and the illustrations are just so incredibly vivid … brilliant!' - Elle McNicoll, author of 'A Kind of Spark'
'Quietly revolutionary... fairy tales retold from a perspective – feminist, queer, disabled – that you don't often find in traditional tales. Beautifully done' - James Catchpole, author of 'What Happened to You?'
'I loved this! Jen puts an unconventional twist on classic scary fairy tale tropes... I love how each is a peek into the culture of different countries all over the world' - Morgan Long, YouTube vlogger
'With its stunning illustrations and beautifully written stories, The Sister Who Ate Her Brothers is a deliciously dark and provocative subversion of traditional fairytales' - Louise O'Neill, author of 'Almost Love' and 'The Surface Breaks'
'A frighteningly good read-aloud' - The School Librarian

ISBN: 9780500652589

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 480g

120 pages