by Gwen Strauss
First published 1990
The familiar figures from childhood stories gather at the edge of the dark wood. Each character carries their burden as they step between the trees. Little Red Riding Hood wrestles with her fear of opening her heart again. Cinderella discovers that shame follows her even after the ball ends. The characters move deeper into the forest, where shadows reveal truths about grief that cuts deep and jealousy that burns. Some wander alone, isolated by their own choices. Others find unexpected moments when joy breaks through the canopy like sunlight. In this collection of illustrated poems, each verse captures a different character confronting what it means to be human. The wood becomes a place where fairy tale endings give way to the messy reality of emotions that have no simple solutions.
Genres: literary-fiction, fantasy, poetry, fairy-tale-retellings
Vibes: atmospheric, intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, grief, isolation
Setting: Dark Wood
35 pages · Hardcover · Alfred A. Knopf