A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

Reviewed by Anandita

Twins Hansel and Gretel are born to a handsome king and beautiful queen. They lead an enjoyable life, until one frightening day when their father takes his sword and slashes it across the twins’ necks! They magically revive, but escape from their house thinking that their parents do not love them anymore. As they step out, they encounter candy houses and cannibal witches, seven swans, mythical forests, and worst of all, bloody beasts and murderers. Hansel and Gretel are separated, and they must learn to go on without each other, and when they reunite, there is an unpleasant surprise for them waiting at home.

I really enjoyed A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz. The author’s smooth, elaborate writing submerged me into the book, and he really allowed me to clearly have a sense of exactly what all the characters were feeling. The cruel murderer, bloodthirsty dragon, and flesh-eating devil are some of the characters in the book which gave the original happily ever after Hansel and Gretel tale a twist.

 Another reason why I favored this action-packed book is because I loved how it was written. You could see how much the siblings loved each other, no matter what. They both are separated and have to face their own adventure alone, but they risked their lives just to come together again. It may seem like an ordinary book, but after you read it, you will find a hidden meaning to it.

I would rate this book a 10/10, and would recommend this book to anyone who likes a high paced book full of action, suspense, and comedy. But keep in mind that this book is a little disgusting and disturbing. I truly loved this book, and I really could not put it down without finishing it. If I were you, I would run to the library and get this book right now!

Dutton Books for Young Readers, 256 pages.