The Fairy Tale of the World

by Jurg Amman, Käthi Bhend (Illustrator)

This is not a fairy tale in the usual sense. There are no princesses, no golden eggs, no happy endings. A brooding portrait of a solitary postapocalyptic existence, The Fairy Tale of the World is nonetheless compelling. The story was originally conceived by a brilliant young German writer, Georg Büchner, who died tragically at the age of twenty-three. His dark vision reflects the social injustice of his time. Award-winning Swiss author Jürg Amann has adapted The Fairy Tale of the World from a scene in Büchner’s Woyzeck, a moving play about the effects of poverty. Internationally acclaimed artist Käthi Bhend has stunningly and surprisingly interpreted Amman’s lyrical language and bleak imagery. Together they have created a book that offers not only Buchner’s dark vision but also a promise of innocence and hope in a dark, despairing world.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2010

Reviews

[else fine]

Awesomely bleak with beautiful illustrations. There's been some debate at the store about whether or not this is appropriate for kids - I say, let them at it. It's never too early for existential despair.

[Kiersten]

The illustrations are exquisite (which is why I’m giving it two stars instead of one), but the story is bleak, and the picture of a child sitting in a pile of junk in his room at the end doesn’t make it less so. I personally don’t think this is a children’s book, although it looks like one and is billed as one.

[Saints]

Just wow! Really great book when it comes to the imagery and the story. This book definitely has a deeper meaning and the author does an extraordinary job. This book doesn’t seem like a children’s book but definitely for older ones

[Michelle Brandstetter]

This is a very sad, although interesting little picture book.

[Amy J]

Whoa...I loved it...and did not love it.

[Joshua Rubin]

I am shocked at the decisions made in the illustration of this book. The fairy tale is an allegory of poverty, and the hopelessness that it entails. The illustrator realized this but says she wanted to paint pictures that contrasted with this. What an ass. She says "maybe the story...is a dream". Its a fucking fairy tale ya schmuck and a despairing one at that. Leave the dark to those that are comfortable facing the dark. This book is vert irritating. everything in life can't have a silver lining. Hope is not everywhere appropriate. Through hard work, not everyone can succeed.

[Sem]

Any kid who reads this is going to be as depressed as hell afterwards but the art is beautiful. I sense though that the book is directed at adults to some degree because of the introductory piece about the authors.

[Laurel]

I think I need to read this about 20 more times to really get it. I love it when a picture book makes me feel like that! And the illustrations are gorgeous!

[Sarah Stumphf]

This was a sad story and my three year old was saddened by it. Beautiful illustrations.

[Zoë Fields]

This was a depressing-ass book that had no happy beginning or happy ending and I guess that's a metaphor for life.

[angel]

forever changed.
eternally lost.
i've never felt more alone.