Member Reviews

This book is compiled of short stories that are not merely tales, but retellings of classics such as Black Beauty, The Hobbit, Mary Poppins, Harold and the Purple Crayon, and more. The multiple points of view vary, allowing readers to experience the perspective of a horse one moment and a child the next, enriching the book's depth and appeal.

Every author gives their unique view to the world of each tale and an advantage is that the context of each story is already made, so the reader doesn’t have to struggle with getting adjusted to the world if they’re already familiarized with it. Therefore, this anthology can serve as a scavenger hunt for classic books.

This anthology is intended for readers who enjoy short stories and are aware of the format. Those who prefer long stories with extensive world-building may find the individual books of each tale more appealing than this work.

Wink is a compelling book based on the ambiance of each tale, however not every story is exceptional. The writing style remains neutral for most of the stories and there’s nothing remarkable about it. This book won’t change lives, but it does make you want to read more fairy tales.

I’m grateful with NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity of letting me read this before its publication.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoy anthologies, a reading sampler of authors I know and want to read more of, authors I've heard of and have been meaning to try, and those that are completely unfamiliar to me who may become a favorite. An anthology is a way to try these authors without committing to a longer format. A good anthology has an interesting theme to tie the stories together and the premise of Wink is a take on one of my favorite...I adore a good retelling. Wink reinterprets stories that many of us grew up with, the childhood tales that sparked my imagination and I guess also sparked the imaginations of these authors. These "winks" honor the originals but update them to a current or future time, shift the setting, or reset the point of view. I found it fun guessing the story being adapted but also seeing which stories seeded now familiar authors in their formative years. This was a great collection for nostalgic adults but also appropriate for pre-teens and young adults who may enjoy the update or even discover an original they hadn't read yet. (3.5/5)
I received advanced digital access to this book thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Brigids Gate Press) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

Was this review helpful?

A thoughtful collection of reamiginations of childhood tales. As a Non-Native English speaker, I liked the concept of them and enjoyed most stories. However, I did not feel a connection to these stories as English or US-American Readers might have.

Was this review helpful?