The Sleeper and the Spindle by Neil Gaiman

The Sleeper and the Spindle

by Neil Gaiman

WINNER of the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2016

A thrillingly reimagined fairy tale from the truly magical combination of author Neil Gaiman and illustrator Chris Riddell – weaving together a sort-of Snow White and an almost Sleeping Beauty with a thread of dark magic, which will hold readers spellbound from start to finish.

On the eve of her wedding, a young queen sets out to rescue a princess from an enchantment. She casts aside her fine wedding clothes, takes her chain mail and her sword and follows her brave dwarf retainers into the tunnels under the mountain towards the sleeping kingdom. This queen will decide her own future – and the princess who needs rescuing is not quite what she seems. Twisting together the familiar and the new, this perfectly delicious, captivating and darkly funny tale shows its creators at the peak of their talents.

Lavishly produced, packed with glorious Chris Riddell illustrations enhanced with metallic ink, this is a spectacular and magical gift.

Reviewed by anne on

5 of 5 stars

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Great twist ending.Subverted fairytale and mashup of quite a few. Even reminded me of The Merchant of Venice in one part.Beautifully illustrated.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 1 January, 2015: Finished reading
  • 1 January, 2015: Reviewed