This is a truly original book-of-fairytales rendition. It provides narration for all of the famous (and some not so famous) fairytale characters from legend. They each take a turn telling their story, each example gruesome and completely new. Some of it is in verse, some in documentary-style explanations, others in brief monologues--all are provided with sinister black-and-white illustrations. Koertge keeps the original fairytale themes, gore and all. I know Ron Koertge through his previous novel "Stoner & Spaz," which is a hysterical but contemporary novel. I did not expect such a startling genre departure for him. I do have to admit, like others have said in reviews before me, that this may not necessarily be a book for teens. Not to say that teens couldn't understand it, because there are many adults I know who wouldn't be able to handle the material. This is one of those books that isn't defined by an age group, but by an interest group; I'm not sure who this book would be for, except fairytale-lovers. Personal note: "Godfather Death," "Wolf," and "Rapunzel, a Story in Five Parts" are my three favorites.
