This column began with one Holocaust story and ends with another, originally published in 1992, that is arguably the most memorable of Terry Windling's "Fairy Tales" series (Tor). Becca's Grandmother Gemma has always told the story of Briar Rose, Sleeping Beauty, insisting that she is the princess who was awakened from slumber with a kiss. After her Gemma's death, Becca seeks the truth and learns that her grandmother survived the Holocaust and nearly died in the Chelmno concentration camp in Poland. One Josef Potocki saved Becca with a "kiss" after she was gassed. Yolen's interpretation was ground-breaking both for its focus on the experience of Polish Jews and for its handling of Josef's homosexuality. A can't-miss book. Angelina Benedetti, "35 Going on 13", Booksmack!, 12/2/10
The woods are full of mystery in The Sisters of the Winter Wood, an enchanting tale of family loyalty and secrets. Drawing on elements of Jewish and Russian myth, along with Christina Rossetti’s poem, “Goblin Market,” Rena Rossner’s debut novel makes for an intoxicating brew. Sisters Liba and Laya couldn’t be more different—and each will discover […]