Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher

T. Kingfisher has brought readers a novella that retells a version of Sleeping beauty, and what an unexpected retelling this is! Readers are introduced to Toadling, who had been stolen from her cradle when she was born and substituted with a changeling by the fae. Brought up by the greenteeth in a swampy area, she is happy and loved and can change from human form to that of a toad. When the hare goddess comes for her and tells her that she must offer a blessing of protection to a child, she travels back to the castle where she was born. Unfortunately, she does not utter the right words over the cradle and the child grows without the protection she needs. Centuries later, when the tower is hidden by a thick thorn hedge, a knight appears wanting to break the curse on the sleeping princess. When he meets Toadling he gradually learns what has happened.

In 119 well-crafted pages, Kingfisher turns the classic fairy tale on its head. Sleeping Beauty, the wicked fairy godmother and the brave knight are certainly not what one expects. I loved the character of Toadling, one moment a woman and another moment in toad form and who is desperate to keep the curse surrounding the princess. Halim, the knight, loves his mother and is gentle and compassionate. There are all the delightful, whimsical and thoughtful ideas and wonderful setting that Kingfisher is renowned for in her retellings. Readers may like to follow this with another, The seventh bride or stories by Shannon Hale and Juliet Marilllier.

Themes: Fairy tale retelling, Princesses, Folklore, Toads.

Pat Pledger