SFF

Speak Easy

by Catherynne M. Valente
Subterranean. Aug. 2015. 144p. ISBN 9781596067271. $40. FANTASY
COPY ISBN
Valente (Deathless) reinterprets the classic fairy tale of the 12 dancing princesses by resetting the story in the 1920s and placing the action inside a magical hotel where the party never stops. From the rooftop gardens to the secret basement lair of the Fairy King, the Artemisia Hotel is full of characters and stories and a never-ending flow of forbidden alcohol.
VERDICT Casting infamous flapper Zelda Fitzgerald as the lead (and a pelican as her devoted follower) is just one of several inspired alterations that makes this novella a cut above the usual fairy-tale retellings. The lyrical language will capture a mass audience, though owing to its mature content, this book is best for adult collections only. [Genevieve Valentine's The Girls at the Kingfisher Club also sets this fairy tale in the Roaring 20s.—Ed.]
Reviewed by Jessica E. Moyer , Aug 01, 2015
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

FICTION

L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future, Vol. 40: The Best New SF & Fantasy of the Year
FICTION

The Sword Unbound
by Hanrahan, Gareth
FICTION

Asunder
by Hall, Kerstin
FICTION

The Witchstone
by Neff, Henry H
FICTION

Yoke of Stars
by Lemberg, R.B
FICTION

Haunt Sweet Home
by Pinsker, Sarah
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?