The Best Fairy Books for Adults, recommended by Jo Walton
Fairies have long stood for the numinous other, and since the twentieth century authors have put fairy tradition to a variety of uses. Award-winning author Jo Walton introduces us to five landmark stories of fairies – wide-ranging in setting and themes, but always at once alluring and discomfiting. This interview appeared first on Five Books .
Fairies, often associated with whimsical tales and childlike wonder, have long been a source of fascination for writers. In the twentieth century, authors began to explore the fairy tradition in new and innovative ways, using it to explore a range of themes and settings. Award-winning author Jo Walton, known for her intricate storytelling and deep understanding of fantasy, has curated a list of five landmark fairy stories that captivate and unsettle readers. These works, which span various settings and themes, are a testament to the enduring allure of fairy lore.
Walton's recommendations are not your typical fairy tales. Instead, they delve into the complexities of human relationships, the mysteries of the natural world, and the boundaries between reality and fantasy. Each of these stories offers a unique perspective on the fairy tradition, inviting readers to question their own perceptions of the magical and the mundane.
The first book on Walton's list is "The Second Life of the New Comedian" by Peter S. Beagle. Published in 1967, this novel tells the story of a washed-up actor named Tam, who stumbles upon a hidden world of fairies and enters into a complex relationship with them. Beagle's storytelling is both whimsical and poignant, exploring themes of loneliness, creativity, and the power of storytelling. Walton praises Beagle's ability to blend the fantastical with the real, creating a world that is both enchanting and deeply human.
Another standout recommendation is "The Fairy Owl" by Diana Wynne Jones. Published in 1997, this novel follows a young girl named Molly, who discovers that she is destined to become the fairy owl, a creature that protects the fairy kingdom. Jones's story is a clever blend of fantasy and coming-of-age narrative, filled with wit and imagination. Walton highlights the way Jones subverts traditional fairy tale tropes, offering a fresh and engaging perspective on the fairy tradition.
For those who prefer a more historical setting, Walton recommends "The Mabinogion" edited by Lady Charlotte Guest. Published in the mid-nineteenth century, this collection of Welsh myths and legends includes tales of fairies, dragons, and other magical beings. While the language may be archaic, the stories within are rich with folklore and myth, offering a glimpse into the fairy tradition as it was understood in ancient times. Walton notes that these tales are a reminder of how fairy lore has been passed down through generations, adapting and evolving over time.
"The Fairies" by Lord Dunsany, published in 1918, is another classic that Walton recommends. This collection of short stories is a masterclass in fantasy writing, filled with intricate worlds and unforgettable characters. Dunsany's tales are both playful and profound, exploring the nature of reality, power, and the human condition. Walton admires Dunsany's ability to weave together elements of the fantastical and the absurd, creating a world that is both alien and familiar.
Finally, Walton turns to a more contemporary work with "The Increment" by Greg Egan. Published in 2003, this novella is a science fiction tale that reimagines the fairy tradition in a futuristic setting. Egan's story explores themes of identity, consciousness, and the ethics of artificial intelligence. Walton is drawn to Egan's innovative use of fairy lore, blending it seamlessly with hard science fiction to create a thought-provoking and original narrative.
These five books, recommended by Jo Walton, represent a diverse range of approaches to the fairy tradition. From the whimsical to the historical, from the playful to the profound, each of these works offers a unique exploration of the fairy tradition. They remind us that fairy tales are not just for children but can be a powerful tool for adult readers to grapple with complex themes and emotions. As Walton's recommendations demonstrate, the fairy tradition continues to captivate and inspire writers and readers alike, offering a timeless and enduring source of wonder and insight.
