false 4 0 false false Thu Aug 06 00:00:00 -0700 2009 Sat Sep 19 02:23:55 -0700 2009 Sat Sep 19 02:27:56 -0700 2009 1 The Poison that Fascinates by Jennifer Clement is a fable, a work dripping in symbolism. It builds on ancient myths (both pagan – the story of the god Quetzalcoatl is fundamental to a deeper understanding of the book – and Christian – saints are everywhere) and modern folklore, specifically the tales told about murderesses, such as Lizzie Borden, Belle Gunness, and Myra Hindley.

Our archetypical Red Riding Hood is Emily Neale, a not very typical Mexican girl of English decent. Her age is not given. She is probably about nineteen although she acts younger. But more about her later.

The Poison that Fascinates is also a mystery novel. We know whodunit, (Emily's mother, Greta, is the guilty party – she abandoned Emily when her daughter was six months old); what we don't know is why she did it. And no one can seem to get their story straight.

I've written a detailed review on my blog here.]]>