This was a magical short story, filled with whimsical intrigue inspired by Balkan folklore. I felt this to be too short though, a bit more explanation about the magical elements would have been appreciated. Overall this is quick fantastical read.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this audiobook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was looking for a short story to listen to in an attempt to relax after a long exam session, when my attention was caught by "True loaf". Why?

1) The cover. I know, I know, "the cover is not the book", am I right? But it definitely makes the difference when you're simply browsing whatever site looking for something to read (but without any idea of what you're actually looking for). The drawing style is adorable, and contributed positively to the curiosity I felt towards the audiobook.

2) The title. I don't know if the word play True loaf / True love was intended or not (I suppose it might be, considering the style of the story), but in any case I appreciated it immensely. It already sets the atmosphere for the rest of the story, which I'll describe in a second.

Before going into detail about the story itself, I feel like some opinions on the narrator are needed. The narrator voice was definitely suitable for the story, as it reminded me of a mum/grandma telling a tale; moreover, she did her best to express the personality of the different characters by changing the way she spoke.
If there is some little flow that I can point out, it's that in some parts I felt like the narration was a bit too fast and the speed didn't really match what was happening in the story. It's not a major issue, though, and it won't ruin your reading experience.

And finally, the story.
When I first read the plot, I imagined that the story would consist of a tale with the features of traditional tales, but written by a contemporary author. What I did not expect (and don't get me wrong: I'm not saying this as a criticism, but rather a compliment) was that yes, in terms of structure it reminds us of traditional fairy tales, but at the same time it includes several modern details. For example Riley, the main character, owns both a phone and a car. Despite surprising me for a second, these details actually made the story more interesting.

However, what I enjoyed the most about this short story are Riley's witty remarks. Fairytales are usually narrated with a third person narrator and this means that they are quite impersonal, but in "True Loaf" the point of view adopted is Riley's, and her irony makes the story much more relatable for a modern reader and especially an older reader.

It's almost a pity that "True loaf" lasted for so little time, because the ending definitely gives the possibility to expand the narration much more. Despite this, I can openly say that I enjoyed this story a lot and that it's a great choice to spend some time in relax and have a nice laugh thanks to Riley honest, relatable and funny reactions.

"Hey, you lost?"
"I prefer to think that I'm just not found."

This does not even qualify as a novel; it is a short story.

But I loved it so much that I finished it and then immediately played it again ( and then 4 more times just for good measure); then I bought it for my kindle. If I could find a physical copy, I'd swipe it up in a heartbeat. I loved this book so entirely; I am tempted to listen to it again.

Listening to this book is the closest I feel like I've been to child-like wonder in a long time.

This is not a retelling of how one would normally think of retellings, It's of the same thread of the standard fairytale, but L. Austen Johnson has woven it into something new and interesting. Hence, in addition, its length making it easy for anyone to pick up.

loved this short story! already looking into what else L. Austen Johnson has published! also definitely ended up on a foraging website about the different types of yarrow

This short audio book is like a teaser for a modern fantasy series - it whets your appetite for the movie. It's a pity there is no sequel (yet?). Fabulous narration by Penny Scott-Andrews.

I am grateful for NetGalley, IBPA, Lore and Lyre, and the author for this ARC.

This was an interesting short story inspired by a Balkan folktale. The story was very short and though it was interesting, there seem to be some gaps in the story line. I would have appreciated more depth and backstory to understand this better.

This is indeed a short story - in fact, it almost feels too short. The audio version was delightful to listen to, but I wanted more from it. Her friend sounded really interesting, and I wanted to know more about her. I wanted to know more about Riley, for her to be a bit more fleshed out. I feel like I would have benefited from knowing the Balkan Folklore that this was based on before I listened to this version. The ending came on fast, and I wasn't sure I totally understood who the two men were, or why they showed up. In the last fifteen seconds, we get some sort of answer, but it wasn't enough for me.

As an educator, I could see using this in a unit if I could find the original tale this was based on. Then I could supplement this material, and answer the questions I know my students will definitely have.

Thanks to Netgalley and Lore & Lyre for the audio ARC of this in exchange for my honest review.

This short story was a little too short for me. I felt like it wasn’t fleshed out enough and could’ve easily been better explained without leaving the short story length. I was hoping to find out more about why the mysterious strangers needed yarrow, where they came from, why it impacted them the way it did, why they needed Riley to get it, etc. The narrator did a good job!

Cute and fun short story! I wish it was a full book I would love to see what the author would do if they had more time to develop the characters and plot!

A very short story, it wasn't bad but as short storied go not a lot was explained or told.
No character description or anything and Riley just does what she is told no questions asked.

The narrator did a fantastic job. The story was inspired by a Balkan fairy tale and it definitely had that feel. Overall, I enjoyed what I heard.

I was left wanting more though, in a good and bad way. I was drawn in to the (very) short story so I wanted to know what happened afterwards. However, it ended so abruptly that I was a little confused. It felt like there should have been another chapter or section. It probably would have translated better as a picture book rather than an audiobook.

A whimsical (little) listen. Worth the time though.

𝙍𝙀𝙑𝙄𝙀𝙒

TRUE LOAF
Author: L. Austen Johnson
⭐⭐
#gifted by @netgalley in exchange for an honest review
pub date is 27 July 2021

𝙎𝙔𝙉𝙊𝙋𝙎𝙄𝙎:
Riley, a baker, receives an unusual request from a strange man who enters her work place one day. Due to this request Riley goes on an adventure to search for a secret ingredient, and later finds out a different secret altogether.

𝙈𝙔 𝙊𝙋𝙄𝙉𝙄𝙊𝙉:
This was a YA fantasy micro-story inspired by Balkan folklore that lasts about 15 minutes in audiobook format (took me a little longer because I was taking notes). It wasn't terrible, but I didn't love it either, and wouldn't want to listen to it again. Maybe if the story was a little longer and had more characters or plot twists or something of the sort...

It's described in NetGalley as "a fun and enchanting modern fairytale" but it just didn't do it for me.

But a positive aspect I'd like to mention is that, according to information present on the NetGalley website, the author has partnered with One Tree Planted and for each audiobook sold within the first year of release one tree will be planted in North America. Also about the author: she is also a disability advocate and a book cover designer.

💬 Buuuut I'd like to get to know more about Balkan folklore so please reply if there's any book you think I should read. Fiction or non-fiction, YA or adult fiction, anything will do!


#TrueLoaf #NetGalley


📸: goodreads
no copyright infringement is intended

Cute story, shorter than I'd like. It could have used a little more fleshing out all around. I generally like a short story and a good fairy tale re-telling, but this one needed a little more oomph. It was very bare bones and really if you want me to get my "happily ever after" feels, a few more conversations would be good. Maybe instead of just giving directions, they could walk together for a while? Maybe the story could take place over more than 24 hours? There's definitely more story to be told here.

Thank you for the ARC!

Things I liked about the audiobook of "True Loaf": The narrator was pretty good, the story was short but quirky and atmospheric. Stuff I think I missed: It was maybe too short and although it definitely read like a fairytale, i feel it lacked a more impactful or fun ending.

i'm sure this story is great and it sounds really interesting so i will check it out later on my own on my kobo or with a physical copy, but i couldn't continue listening to the audiobook. nothing against the narrator, but i just dont think that narration was for me and that sucks because the narrator sounds very talented, but their narration was my cup of tea.

A wonderful and engaging short story with a beautiful cover and a great narrator in the audiobook edition. I was drawn into the story from the beginning and enjoyed all of the magical twists and turns. My one complaint is that it ends too soon; I want to know what happens to Riley next!

VERY short story. Had a "fable" like feel, even though it was set in a modern setting (cell phone, car, even though the bakery and the woods felt more traditional/fantasy). I just expect a fable-type to have a purpose, or a meaning ... and I didn't really get that here. Maybe a "be nice" or you'll get the lesser bread (which was apparently a bad thing). It started off strong, interesting ... but then kind of ended with a "what?" ... didn't really get it. 2.5 stars.

Thought there might more made of the title ... is it straight, one of the loaves was true, or punny "true loaf/love" ...

I liked the narrator a lot - I don't think it's a voice I've heard before, but one I would like for a full novel.

Received the audio free in exchange for an honest review. The cover on Netgalley was different than the one featured on GoodReads. I liked the Netgalley one better.

“Bring me bread baked with yarrow, and I’ll make sure you’re compensated.” -From True Loaf

3 stars

A super short story about Riley, a girl who works at a coffee type of shop. For some reason when this stranger wanders in and demands an odd type of bread she goes trampling through the woods in order to find the ingredient necessary. It was okay, I’m just not really sure of the point- other than just don’t go out fulfilling weird special requests from customers.

I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Absolutely loved this retelling. I really felt myself pulled into the story and wanting to know more about the original folk tale. But I wished it had been longer. I understand that maybe the original material cut short at the end as well but I wanted more from the characters. Especially since this book was more modern.
Overall I absolutely loved it and would recommend it to anyone
Rating: 4.5 stars

This short, short story is inspired by Balkan Folklore. This isn't something I'm very familiar with and I definitely didn't expect it to fly by so quick but it was a fast-paced engaging short story. It reads like Grimms' fairytale-esque. If one thinks too long and hard about the plot you would be frustrated but that is not the point of this story, I don't think.
The protagonist, Riley is a baker in a small town where everyone knows everyone. A strange comes in with a special request and promises her she will be rewarded for fulfilling this request. She must go on an adventure and requires help from a stranger to fulfill this request.
The ending lacks full closure and details but again I think that is part of the point.

The narration was very good and I recommend it to fans of short stories who just have a bit of time and want to start and finish something.