Book Review: Troll's Eye View

Troll's Eye View, edited by Ellen Datlow



This new anthology of fairy tales written from the villain's point of view is intended for children. Still, it is so fun to read that anyone who enjoys fairy tales should pick up this story collection. I chose the book because it contains a story by my favorite author, Neil Gaiman. Unfortunately, Gaiman's two-page offering is disappointing because it is so short. As with any anthology, the stories here are hit or miss. Despite my disappointment with Gaiman's story, I kept reading because I was looking for stories that might enhance or change my understanding of the original fairy tales. The book usually delivers exactly what I was hoping for.

My favorite story, Catherynne M. Valente's "A Delicate Architecture," imagines the supernatural origin of the witch in Hansel & Gretel's story. The story goes from being whimsical to horrifying, and it fascinated me throughout. The book ends with Kelly Link's "The Cinderella Game," which is so sophisticated and deliciously suspenseful that even adult readers will enjoy it.

I recommend this books for all young people, and for adults who are young at heart. At the Brentwood Library, this book can be found in the Juvenile Story Collection area. Its call number is J SC TRO.