Magic realism, modern fairy tales...?

Question

One of my favourite writers is Angela Carter, who I think writes superb magic realism - kind of like "fairy tales for adults."

Who are some of your favourites in this genre?

Hafwen x

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Do fairy tale adaptations count? If so, Mercedes Lackey is at the tip-top of my list. She has a whole series of books, each one based (loosely) on a different fairy tale.
http://www.librarything.com/series/Eleme…

The Fire Rose (Beauty & the Beast)
The Serpent's Shadow (Snow White)
The Gates of Sleep (Sleeping Beauty)
Phoenix and Ashes (Cinderella)
The Wizard of London (Snow Queen)
Reserved for the Cat (Puss n' Boots)

However, my favorite isn't part of the series. It's called The Black Swan, a wonderful retelling of The Swan Princess told from several unexpected POVs.
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Swan-Daw-Boo…

There's also a popular series of YA books written by different authors, which you can find listed here: http://www.librarything.com/series/Once+…

Another favorite from an unexpected source is Enchanted by Orson Scott Card, it's a wonderful time-traveling Sleeping Beauty story. Very well done!
http://www.amazon.com/Enchantment-Orson-…

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

This is a fantastic list - thank you. I'm especially keen to track down the Mercedes Lackey books - I do love fairy tale adaptations!

Hafwen x

Answer 2

Wow. I must congratulate you on excellent taste in literature. Not many here are clever enough to know about Angela Carter - and yes her fairy tales were amazing. My personal favorite - Lady in the House of Love. Pax-C

Answer 3

i haven't tried books by carter yet, but i've enjoyed reading books by isabel allende and neil gaiman so far

Answer 4

My absolute favorite is Laura Esquivel.

Answer 5

I havent actually read any of her work, but I have heard of her ... its very hard to find adult lit in that genre. A couple that I've come across:
The Orphan's Tales: In the Night Garden by Catherynne M. Valente
The Complete Stories by Flannery O'Connor (one of my faves)

Answer 6

of modern fairy tales?
m. buckley's 'the sisters grimm'
and sarah beth durst's 'into the wild'
both are amazing. give them both a try.

Answer 7

Put Robin McKinley right at the top of your list. Others are Ellen Kushner, Patricia Wrede, Charles de Lint, and there is a series of anthologies by Ellen Datlow (often with others) like BLACK SWAN, WHITE RAVEN, and others that she's edited like THE ARMLESS MAIDEN.