The sleeper and the spindle
- London Bloomsbury 2016
- 66
The Sleeper and the Spindle by Neil Gaiman is a reimagined fairy tale that blends elements of Sleeping Beauty and Snow White in a dark and captivating way. The story follows a queen (reminiscent of Snow White) who, on the eve of her wedding, embarks on a perilous journey to a neighboring kingdom. There, an enchanted sleep has taken hold, spreading from the cursed castle where a mysterious "sleeper" lies, a victim of a spell. Accompanied by three dwarfs, the queen travels through the sleeping land, encountering challenges as she seeks to break the curse. The tale twists the traditional narrative of a helpless princess waiting for rescue, offering a strong, independent heroine who takes action into her own hands. The story explores themes of power, sacrifice, and the subversion of classic fairy tale tropes, all wrapped in Gaiman’s signature dark, lyrical prose. Illustrated by Chris Riddell, the book is as visually enchanting as it is narratively rich, with detailed, gothic-style artwork that complements the mood of the story.