"Kissing the Witch" is a collection of thirteen interconnected feminist fairy tales written by Irish author Emma Donoghue. Published in 1997, the book retells well-known fairy tales from a feminist perspective, offering a fresh and thought-provoking interpretation of these traditional stories. In "Kissing the Witch," Donoghue takes classic tales such as Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Hansel and Gretel, and subverts their traditional narratives. Each story is linked to the next, with characters from one tale appearing in the next tale as a supporting character or narrator. This structure creates a coherent and interconnected world, where the characters and their stories blend into one another. What sets "Kissing the Witch" apart from other fairy tale retellings is its focus on female empowerment and agency.
What sets "Kissing the Witch" apart from other fairy tale retellings is its focus on female empowerment and agency. Donoghue's rewriting dismantles the traditional gender roles and expectations found in classic fairy tales. The female characters in the book become more than just passive objects awaiting rescue; they become active participants in shaping their own destinies.
Norse Paganism: what is it, and what do its followers believe?
Slowly abandoned when Christianity spread throughout Scandinavia, and then forgotten about for centuries, Norse Paganism is making a bit of a comeback.
But what is this Old Norse religion, and what do its followers believe? And, most importantly: should you also become a Norse Pagan?
Throughout the collection, Donoghue explores themes of love, power, identity, and self-discovery. The tales often confront societal norms and expectations, challenging readers to question traditional narratives and gender roles. By giving voice to the often-marginalized female characters in these stories, Donoghue celebrates their strength, resilience, and ability to defy expectations. The stories in "Kissing the Witch" are beautifully written, filled with rich descriptions and captivating storytelling. Donoghue's prose vividly brings to life each fairy tale world, creating a powerful atmosphere that draws readers in. Her writing style is engaging, poetic, and sometimes haunting, making for an unforgettable reading experience. Overall, "Kissing the Witch" is a remarkable collection that breathes new life into familiar tales. By reimagining these stories through a feminist lens, Emma Donoghue invites readers to view fairy tales in a fresh and empowering light. The book serves as a reminder that even in the fantastical worlds of fairy tales, women have the power to shape their own narratives and break free from societal constraints..
Reviews for "The Enchanting Art of Kissing the Witch: How to Woo with Magic"
1. John Smith - 2/5 - I found "Kissing the Witch" to be overly confusing and disjointed. The storyline jumped from one fairy tale to another without any clear connection. It was difficult to follow the characters and their motivations, and I often found myself lost in the narrative. Additionally, I did not feel any emotional connection to the stories or the characters, which made it hard for me to engage with the book. Overall, I was disappointed and felt like it was a missed opportunity to explore interesting themes in a more coherent and compelling way.
2. Sarah Johnson - 3/5 - I wanted to like "Kissing the Witch" as I am a fan of fairy tales, but I found the retellings in this book to be lacking depth and originality. The stories felt rushed and underdeveloped, lacking the richness and complexity that makes fairy tales so timeless. The language and writing style were also quite simplistic, which made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the stories. While I appreciate the idea of exploring feminist themes through fairy tales, I feel like "Kissing the Witch" fell short in its execution, leaving me somewhat unsatisfied.
3. Robert Davis - 2/5 - I struggled to find any enjoyment in "Kissing the Witch". The book lacked clear structure and coherence, making it hard to follow the individual stories and their connections. Additionally, I found the writing to be overly pretentious and unnecessarily convoluted, making it a chore to read. The attempt to reinvent fairy tales with a feminist twist felt forced and contrived, adding little value to the overall narrative. Overall, I was disappointed with "Kissing the Witch" and would not recommend it to others.