the sleeper and the spindle illustrations

With little need for princes, this tale may have a what some will consider a modern twist, but it also has the sense of having always existed, had we just opened our eyes enough to see it.

Take from The Sleeper and the Spindle what you will. The meaning is there for the interpretation of the reader. Likewise there is nothing simple and neatly tied up, as with all good fairytales. (Neil Gaiman and Chris Riddell both dedicated the book to their daughters and the theme of independence and strength of character is evident throughout the tale.) Our heroine has agency and is determined to fulfil her mission. The plot has a feminist twist which would fit alongside Angela Carter’s The Bloody Chamber collection. Words and pictures combine to keep you on the edge of your seat. From the thrill of the forbidden to the fright of sleepwalkers and the fear of missing out, there’s nothing that won’t keep you biting your nails hoping for the Queen to succeed. It’s puckish glee in winking to the classics is done with brilliant Gaiman flourish. I was entranced with the storytelling which suits this picture book style perfectly. It’s perilous out there for a lover of fairytales. Just when you think you know what Gaiman has up his sleeve, the story takes another unexpected turn. The journey is full of dark dangers, but the Queen is determined and donned in her armour she will fight her way to a fitting end.

Hidden in a tower is a princess and the evil Queen/Enchantress/Dark Fairy who cursed her. Of course, to break the spell there has to be a kiss, and Her Majesty sets out on a mission to save her Kingdom. However her friends the dwarves hear tell of a sleeping curse which is fast spreading across the nation. The Queen, with her Snow White skin, ruby red lips and hair as dark as a ravens wing, is soon due to be married. Plus the story inside is as lovely as the physical book itself. It demands to be soaked in, eyes wide and nose pressed to the page all the better to see it. The Sleeper and the Spindle has line art as delicate and spiked as the roses which surround the sleeping castle, illustrations with sublime beauty and devilish detail. With breathtaking two tone illustration from Chris Riddell, including Golden embossed vines, jewels, skulls and weapons, the pictures truly draw the eye to each scene and makes the book a true piece of art which is a joy to behold. Gaiman puts a delightful spin on the stories in this artful reimagining. If you thought you knew the tale of Snow White and Sleeping Beauty, think again. Originally published as part of the Rags and Bones: New Twists on Timeless Tales anthology, this beautiful fairytale by Neil Gaiman has now been sent out into the world on a quest of its own, to fight battles in book shops and seek its very own happily ever after. Purchase hereĪ wish granted fairytale delight.

The sleeper and the spindle illustrations