Hansel & Gretel by Neil Gaiman

What worked:

The story itself follows the same plot as the Brothers Grimm fairy tale so it should be very familiar to most young readers. Neil Gaiman adds his own touch to it but readers should not expect the eerie, spooky twists of his other books. Gaiman even says at the end that he writes it “matter-of-factly” although his descriptions develop the dire and desperate emotions of the characters. The abstract, black-and-white illustrations help to set the tone and add a mysterious aura to the story.

An interesting addition to the book is found at the back where readers will find notes from the author and artist as well as a history of the Hansel and Gretel fairy tale. Gaiman shares how he was terrified to hear the story on the radio when he was five and how it came to mind at various moments of his life. Readers will learn how different versions of the story have arisen with Hansel and Gretel’s father typically becoming more caring about his children. The mother is not portrayed in a positive light and later versions sometimes describe her as a stepmother. Similar plots can be found in other cultures and the fairy tale was produced into a popular opera in 1893. The book also points out some examples of symbolism that can be found in the story.

What didn’t work as well:

I’m expecting more of Gaiman’s writing style in the story but I’m surprised it’s not there. That’s not a terrible thing but readers will probably anticipate more of a twist than they get.

The Final Verdict:

Bottom line, it’s another version of the popular fairy tale but readers won’t notice anything dramatically innovative. The illustrations help to develop creepy feelings and Gaiman skillfully adds his own descriptive style. Overall, it’s a good story that should appeal to lovers of the Brothers Grimm.