Block, Francesca Lia. (2001). The Rose and the Beast: Fairy Tales Retold. Harper Collins.
The Rose and the Beast is an anthology of separate stories that are loosely based upon familiar Fairy Tales. Yet, they are told from a contemporary standpoint; and most of them have a surprising twist at the end.
For instance, the story titled “Snow” is about 7 midgets who work together on a ranch, where they rear a young girl, who was abandoned in their care.
If this were the traditional Fairy Tale, a handsome prince would happen along; kiss the young maiden; and carry her off into the sunset.
Yet, “Snow” is not that same, old tale.
Other Tales are developed in similar ways. “Wolf” is loosely based on Little Red Riding Hood; but in this story, Grandma does not live in the medieval forest. “She lives off the highway on this dirt road surrounded by cactus and other plants.” (p. 119).
Block’s writing is excellent throughout this book, which often deals with painful parts of contemporary culture. “Wolf” deals with sexual abuse. Another of the stories deals with drug addiction. All in all, this is a collection of magical, twice-told tales.
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