10 exciting fairy tales for adults

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

A selection of non-childishly profound magical stories that will make you think.

1. The Wild Swan and Other Tales by Michael Cunningham

A collection of 10 recognizable classic fairy tales, which Cunningham revised and supplemented with new, relevant meanings. For example, you will learn about the life of the Prince, whose sister did not have time to finish his shirt, so instead of his right hand he had a swan wing. It is not very convenient to ride the subway and get into a taxi with him. Cunningham offers his own version of the development of events, which usually remain behind the scenes in fairy tales.

2. "The Ocean at the End of the Road" by Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman's books often blur the line between real life and magic. Likewise, in Ocean at the End of the Road, the protagonist, a boy from an ordinary English suburb, discovers that the world is not at all what it is considered to be. He will have to see with his own eyes strange creatures from the other world.

Each reader decides for himself that this is a played out fantasy of a boy who is trying to escape from reality, family problems and loneliness, or there really is a place for something unusual in our life.

3. "Winter's Tale", Mark Helprin

The most famous novel by Mark Helprin, written in the genre of magical realism. What is not here: snowy New York, heroes in unusual circumstances, love and miracles. A magical story in which the fates of the characters are intertwined into a gripping narrative.

4. "The Dwellers of the Hills" by Richard Adams

The story of the rabbits who left their home and went to look for a new one is not childishly psychological and stressful. The rabbits in Hill Inhabitants, like humans, have their own language, culture, legends (for example, about the terrible Black Rabbit Inle). And rabbits act in difficult situations also in different ways, just like people.

5. "Tales of the Brothers Grimm in a New Way", Philip Pullman

British writer Philip Pullman prepared his own interpretation of stories familiar to us from childhood - the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. He chose fifty of his most beloved stories and retell them as close as possible to the original. The most interesting thing is that after each tale there is a detailed commentary: its type, analysis, other interpretations of the same story in different countries and by other authors.

6. "The Wind in the Willows" by Kenneth Graham

The story of the adventures of Mr. Rat's water rat, Mr. Mole, Mr. Badger and Mr. Toad's toad remains popular even 100 years after the first publication. The adult reader will like not so much the plot (it is rather uncomplicated), but rather the philosophical attitude, subtle English humor and the poetry of the story. The very book that will brighten up the evening with a cup of tea and a blanket.

7. "The Mystery of the Old Forest" by Dino Buzzati

A gloomy fairy tale-legend about childhood and how fleeting it is. And, of course, about the connection between man and nature. All this is presented in the form of a parable, where trees have spirits, animals talk, and the wind sings its songs. Buzzati's style is simple, laconic, with hints and understatements. An adult reader will surely be captivated by the atmosphere of the work.

8. "Moomin and the Comet", Tove Jansson

The world of Moomins captures in childhood and does not let go over the years. Jansson's stories are always about good and bad, adventure and calm reflection in the world. "The Moomintroll and the Comet" is one of the first books in a large series of fairy tales. Here, even in the unsettling atmosphere of anticipation of impending catastrophe, there is a place for hope. We love Tove for this philosophical optimism.

9. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Like any good fairy tale, the story of the boy Charlie is an adventure. Together with other children, he goes on an excursion to the most unusual Chocolate Factory in the world. And, as in any other good fairy tale, good will be rewarded and evil punished.

10. Urban Legends by Charles de Lint

Charles de Lint writes fairy tales that are set in the modern urban world. The collection of stories is united by the setting - the fictional large city of Newford. Ordinary people - students, artists, office workers, the poor - are confronted with strange and inexplicable things.

De Lint's world is full of magic, and the main magic is strength of character, courage, fortitude, kindness, which will always find a place in our boring everyday life.