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 held a mysterious allure that transcends age. In the twentieth century, authors have reimagined and reinterpreted fairy lore, using it to explore a wide range of themes and settings. Award-winning author Jo Walton, known for her innovative storytelling, has curated a list of five landmark fairy books that captivate and unsettle readers with their unique perspectives. These stories, which span various eras and genres, offer a fresh take on the classic fairy tradition, inviting adults to delve into the enchanting yet unsettling world of fairies.
The first entry in Walton's list is "The Second Life of Thomas Langdon" by Robert Nye. Set in the early 19th century, this novel follows the titular character as he becomes entangled in a web of deception and desire after encountering a group of fairies. Nye's story masterfully blends historical detail with supernatural elements, creating a haunting atmosphere that challenges readers to question the nature of reality and the consequences of obsession. Walton praises the novel for its ability to evoke both allure and unease, making it a compelling read for those seeking a nuanced exploration of fairy lore.
Another standout recommendation is "The Fairies' Road" by Anna Kavan. Published in 1935, this surreal and dreamlike narrative delves into the psyche of a young woman who becomes increasingly entwined with a world of fairies. Kavan's prose is dense and poetic, inviting readers to lose themselves in the vivid imagery and symbolism that permeate the story. Walton highlights the novel's exploration of mental illness and the blurred line between fantasy and reality, noting that it offers a unique and unsettling perspective on fairy traditions.
For those interested in a more contemporary take on fairy tales, Walton recommends "The Incrementalists" by Chris Kuzneski. This novel, set in a small New England town, weaves together elements of mystery, horror, and fantasy as it follows a group of individuals who become involved with a secret society of fairies. Kuzneski's storytelling is intricate and engaging, with a plot that twists and turns as readers uncover the dark secrets lurking beneath the town's seemingly idyllic surface. Walton applauds the novel for its ability to blend classic fairy motifs with modern horror tropes, resulting in a thrilling and thought-provoking read.
"The Mabinogion" edited by Lady Charlotte Guest is another notable recommendation from Walton. This collection of medieval Welsh tales, which includes stories of the goddess Rhiannon and the quest for the cauldron, offers a glimpse into the rich folklore and mythology that underpin fairy traditions. Walton emphasizes the timeless quality of these stories, which continue to captivate readers with their intricate narratives and vivid descriptions of the supernatural world. She suggests that "The Mabinogion" provides a valuable foundation for understanding the evolution of fairy literature in the twentieth century.
Lastly, Walton turns to "The Fairies" by Lord Dunsany, a collection of short stories that reimagine fairy kingdoms and their inhabitants in fantastical and whimsical ways. Dunsany's prose is playful and imaginative, inviting readers to explore a world where the rules of logic and reality do not apply. Walton appreciates the author's ability to balance humor with underlying darkness, creating a sense of wonder that is both alluring and discomfiting. These stories, she argues, serve as a reminder of the enduring power of fairy traditions to captivate and challenge the human imagination.
In her recommendations, Jo Walton highlights the diverse ways in which authors have used fairy lore to explore themes of desire, obsession, reality, and the supernatural. These five novels and story collections offer a wide range of perspectives, from the historical and surreal to the contemporary and fantastical. By delving into these works, adults can discover a fresh appreciation for the numinous other that fairies represent, while being reminded of the timeless power of storytelling to unsettle and inspire. As Walton's selections demonstrate, the fairy tradition continues to captivate and challenge readers, inviting them to explore the boundaries of reality and the depths of the human imagination.
