Our Need for Redemption in Fairy Tale Retellings

When talking about the need for redemption in fairy tale retellings, I suppose it would make sense to start with “once upon a time in a faraway land,” and proceed with who was good, what was evil. But fairy tale retellings of our time are far more complicated than that. I’ve discussed before why we love to retell fairy tales and what makes them our favorite. Now I’d like to explore further and discuss light versus dark and the need of humanity for stories of redemption.

One of my favorite authors likes to say on his podcast, “I’m about to take things too seriously” and I completely relate. Imagine me raising my hand. I do take books seriously. Like, probably too seriously. These books that I love reading often have a dark edge, like a razor’s blade. That’s not always a bad thing! Stories are the expression of what we believe and feel, they can cut to the truth of the matter and I need that in my life. But what if the cutting isn’t clean, what if they mar or mutilate under the guise of telling an engaging story?

Does Redemption Mean Light and Fluffy?

Don’t get me wrong. I understand dark and twisty, I really do. My life has been dark and twisty at times, and like most people, I need to know I’m not alone. A great story is a reflection of the struggle of humanity since the fall of creation. For now in this fallen world, we cannot comprehend our need for the light until we recognize the darkness. But like the book of Romans says, I yearn for the day when that will no longer be the case.

If you are looking for dark and complicated stories that cause you to question what you believe, there’s nothing wrong with that as long as you’re up for it. Sometimes I am, sometimes my mental and spiritual health aren’t. Some of the more mature ya fantasy fairy tale retellings like Melissa Albert’s Hazel Wood series, Brigid Kemmerer’s Cursebreaker trilogy, even Erin A. Craig’s The House of Salt and Sorrow might intrigue you. Do I appreciate these books? I do. There is a quality to the storytelling that exceeded my expectations. Albert’s prose is gorgeous. Kemmerer’s pacing is fantastic. Craig’s world building is hypnotic.

Why We Need Redemption in Fairy Tale Retellings

My caution here is that books like these tend to get so dark, that we can miss the point. We probably need to discuss books like these in order to get to what the truth is. It doesn’t have to be a formal book club, but a trusted person or group of people who share your beliefs. What we consume and how we digest it matters. It has the power to transform or harden us.

Are you shaking your head at me, yet? I told you, I take books seriously and yes, I’m one of those people. I believe every tale has a theme, a distinct arrow directing us {hopefully} to the truth. Though it should never be beating you over the head with it, I want my stories, both those I read and write, to enlighten. To literally redeem and bring healing into what was broken.

In recognizing the darkness and depravity of the fallen world, we need stories that make room for light, that focus on what’s right and pure, that allow and encourage the growth in the characters as good fights evil. If something is going to get very dark, then I hope and pray for the light that will eradicate the dark.

Just For You

In case you are wondering what I mean about redemption at play in a story, I have included this theme throughout my Rapunzel retelling. Click through and purchase Beyond the Tower for free and Amidst the Castles for only .99 USD. Then, decide for yourself. Should light triumph over darkness in fairy tale retellings, or not?

Photo Credit: Nana Kim, Christina Woc, Jayalekshman.

About JacQueline

Author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, and  Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, which chronicles her battle with chronic pain and depression, JacQueline uses her writing to share stories of hope and joy. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline to keep her writing healthy at no additional cost to you.

JacQueline currently lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All of her writing is from her own experience and based on her opinion. Do not substitute it for a professional therapist.

JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

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