For the curious reader eager to explore familiar fairy tales from a thrilling, often misunderstood, villain's point of view, challenging perceptions of good and evil.
A parent might reach for this book when their child begins to question why villains are always evil and heroes are always good. This anthology challenges simple narratives by retelling classic fairy tales from the perspective of the 'bad guys'. Stories from renowned authors give voice to the misunderstood troll under the bridge, the giant's lonely wife, and other antagonists, exploring their motivations, fears, and even their moments of kindness. This collection is perfect for older elementary and middle school readers ready to explore complex themes like moral ambiguity, justice, and empathy. It serves as a fantastic tool to spark conversations about perspective, encouraging readers to look beyond surface-level judgments and understand the 'why' behind a character's actions. It is an engaging read that builds critical thinking skills.
Includes monsters, giants, and moments of fantasy peril, but not graphic descriptions.
Sad ThemesMild
Some characters are motivated by deep loneliness, misunderstanding, or past trauma.
Sensitive Topics
The core of the book is its direct engagement with moral ambiguity. The approach is literary and philosophical, asking readers to reconsider their definitions of good and evil. Resolutions are rarely simple or purely happy; they are often bittersweet, ironic, or ambiguous, reflecting the complexity of the characters' situations. Some stories touch on themes of loneliness, betrayal, and injustice. Fantasy peril exists but is not graphic.
Ideal Reader
A curious, thoughtful 10 to 13-year-old who has grown up with classic fairy tales but is now ready for more complexity. This reader enjoys questioning rules and conventions, is developing a strong sense of fairness, and is intrigued by psychology and motivation. They are moving past black-and-white thinking and are ready for stories with moral gray areas.
Parent Prep
No specific pages require previewing, but parents should be ready to discuss the core themes. The main preparation is to be open to conversations about moral complexity and the idea that a story can have more than one valid perspective. Having familiarity with the original fairy tales will enhance the reading experience but is not strictly necessary. A parent hears their child defending a villain in a movie, saying something like, "Maybe they weren't all bad," or asking, "Why did they become so mean?" The child is showing a new capacity for empathy and a desire to understand the 'other side' of the story.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will likely focus on the clever plot twists and the novelty of hearing from a familiar villain, enjoying it as a 'fractured fairy tale'. An older reader (11-14) will engage more deeply with the psychological and philosophical questions, appreciating the nuance, literary style, and the critique of simplistic morality.
What Makes It Special
While many books retell fairy tales, this collection, curated by genre experts Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling, is distinguished by its consistent, high-quality literary focus on the antagonist's viewpoint. It's less about humor or adventure (though it has both) and more a serious, varied, and sophisticated exploration of character and perspective from a stellar list of contributing authors.
Read plot summary
This is an anthology of short stories and poems, each retelling a classic European fairy tale from the perspective of the traditional villain or a secondary antagonist. Authored by a notable lineup of fantasy writers including Neil Gaiman, Holly Black, and Jane Yolen, the collection gives voice to characters like the troll from "The Three Billy Goats Gruff," the giant's wife from "Jack and the Beanstalk," and the evil queen's magic mirror. The stories delve into the motivations, histories, and inner worlds of these figures, often casting their 'villainous' acts in a new, more sympathetic or understandable light.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
In the first story, the troll sees the goats as noisy, destructive invaders. After reading his side, who do you think was right in the story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff? Can both sides be a little bit right?
2
Many 'villains' in this book, like the giant's wife or Rumpelstiltskin, seem to be motivated by loneliness or a desire to be valued. How might their stories have changed if another character had shown them kindness?
3
In "Up the Down Beanstalk," we see Jack from the perspective of the giant's mother. How does her view of Jack as a thief and murderer change the way you think about that classic tale?
4
After reading these different perspectives, do you think 'villain' is the best word for these characters? If you could invent a new word for them, what would it be and why?
