Girls: Life Isn't a Fairy Tale by Annet Schaap, Laura Watkinson (translator) - Book Review

Publication Date: 04th March 2025

Genre: Fairytale Retelling, Short Story Anthology, YA

3.9 Stars

One Liner: Darkish but suitable for YA readers

There are many fairytale retellings, right? This one, as the title suggests, focuses on the girls in these tales while pointing out that life is not a fairytale. Naturally, we can conclude that the collection of seven stories will have a darker note. However, the target age group seems to be young adults, so the content isn’t gruesome or graphic. There are some triggers (at the end) but nothing terrifying.

The book was first published in Dutch in 2021. Annet Schaap is an author and an illustrator. She included a few rough illustrations in the book. The sketches are in black and white (pencil or charcoal) and represent a character or an item in the story. Each story has about 3-5 illustrations. They don’t particularly add to the story but do create a sense of creepy vibe.

I reviewed each story after reading (as I always do).

Mr. Stiltskin – 3.5 Stars

(Retelling of Rumpelstiltskin)

The storyline is pretty similar to the Grimm’s version with a few changes. However, it’s the ending that makes all the difference. A rather good one; understated but good.

Wolf – 4 Stars

(Retelling of Little Red Riding Hood)

The story uses the core elements of the original and presents it with a fresh perspective. It is set in the future where technology is a bit more advanced than now. We get the girl’s and the wolf’s POVs, making it an interesting read.

Biscuits – 4.5 Stars

(Retelling of Hansel and Gretel)

Oh, this is really good! Another modern retelling set in a city but the presentation of human nature is terrific. The kids did what they had to, and the adults did… well what they are known for! My favorite from the collection.

Frog – 3.5 Stars

(Retelling of The Frog Prince)

It took a while to determine if this was historical or contemporary but I did find out! Here, the girl already has a frog that now needs to turn into a prince. She will soon realize that life isn’t a fairytale! It was good but not great.

Blue – 4 Stars

(Retelling of Bluebeard)

I didn’t read the original so I wondered what this was about (found it after finishing the story). This retelling has quite a few changes and works as a standalone as well. It’s the characters (Anne and Lisa) that stand out.

Sleeper – 4 Stars

(Retelling of The Sleeping Beauty)

It seems the book is also about sisterhood in various forms! What if Sleeping Beauty had a twin sister? Do parents love one child more than the other? Much to think about but it has a hopeful ending. I like this.

Monster Girl – 4 Stars

(Retelling of Beauty and the Beast)

This is the longest of the collection and quite detailed. It moves between the past and the present, showing many elements of social standards and expectations without being OTT. The ending is unexpected too and well done.

NGL, I finished the stories much sooner than I expected. The writing style is easy to follow and the narration flows well even between different POVs and timelines.

To summarize, Girls: Life Isn't a Fairy Tale is an interesting take on fairytales and leaves readers with much to think about. There’s a lot that’s unsaid but left for readers to feel. Despite the darkness, quite a few stories have hopeful endings. I like the overall vibe. Will definitely look up more books by the author.

Thank you, NetGalley and Pushkin Children's Books, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #Girls

TW: Parental death, parental abandonment, body shaming, chronic illness, murder (non-graphic).