"Kissing the Witch" is a collection of interconnected stories written by Emma Donoghue. Published in 1997, it offers a feminist and LGBTQ+ retelling of well-known fairy tales. Instead of a traditional linear narrative, the book presents a complex intertwining of stories, where characters from one tale appear as main characters in another. Within the collection, the stories explore themes of gender, power, and identity, often subverting traditional gender roles and highlighting the agency of female characters. Donoghue delves into the complexities of female relationships, exploring the dynamics between women who are pitted against each other by societal expectations. The title "Kissing the Witch" represents a motif that appears throughout the stories.
The title "Kissing the Witch" represents a motif that appears throughout the stories. The act of kissing a witch is a recurring symbol of transformation, liberation, and breaking free from restrictive societal norms. It is a metaphorical act of empowerment, where women embrace their desires, defy expectations, and challenge the patriarchal structures that confine them.
Apartamentos Magic Atrium Plaza, Benidorm (ES) - Deals & Reviews
Featuring an elevator and a tour desk, the smoke free Apartamentos Magic Atrium Plaza offers accommodation 10 minutes' drive from Mundomar. Wi Fi is available in the rooms, so that you can stay connected.
Location
This attractive modern apartment is located near an entertainment district feet from El Casco Antiguo de Benidorm. L'Aiguera Park is within 650 feet of the hotel, while Placa del Castell is merely 0.6 miles away. The accommodation is located not too far from Aqualand Water Park. Apartamentos Magic Atrium Plaza is located minutes’ driving from Festilandia.
This Benidorm hotel is located 38 miles from Alicante airport and a 5-minute walk from Jaime I bus stop.
Rooms
The Benidorm property offers 53 rooms overlooking the park, and featuring a sun terrace and a kitchen. In addition, the rooms offer a microwave, a refrigerator and a ceramic hob for self-catering as well as a bathtub and showers in the bathroom.
Eat & Drink
Serving a wide range of dishes, Mediterranean Balcony Museum and Playa de Levante Beach can be reached within 18 minutes' walk.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the apartment rooms for free.
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site (reservation might be needed) at EUR 15 per day.
Number of floors: 8. Number of rooms: 53.
The collection draws from a range of well-known fairy tales, including "Cinderella," "Snow White," and "Sleeping Beauty," but it reimagines them from a new perspective. Donoghue's retellings add depth and complexity to these stories by focusing on the experiences and motivations of the female characters. She shines a light on their inner lives, giving them agency and the ability to shape their own destinies. Through her skillful storytelling, Donoghue raises important questions about gender roles, identity, and the power dynamics inherent in traditional fairy tales. By depicting women as complex, multidimensional characters, she challenges the traditional narratives that often reduce them to passive objects of desire or prize to be won. "Kissing the Witch" is a thought-provoking and empowering collection that embraces diversity and challenges societal norms. Emma Donoghue's talent for storytelling shines through, creating a compelling and rich tapestry of interconnected stories that will captivate and inspire readers..
Reviews for "Fairy Tale Retellings: A Study of 'Kissing the Witch"
1. Jane - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to read "Kissing the Witch" as I love fairy tale retellings. However, I was completely disappointed with this book. The retellings felt forced and lacked the depth and originality I was hoping for. Additionally, the writing style was difficult to follow and confusing at times. I found myself struggling to connect with the characters and the overall storyline. Overall, I did not enjoy "Kissing the Witch" as much as I had hoped.
2. Mark - 1/5 stars - "Kissing the Witch" was a total letdown for me. The premise sounded intriguing, but the execution fell flat. The writing felt pretentious and overly literary, making it difficult to immerse myself in the stories. The characters lacked development, and the interconnectedness between the tales felt forced and contrived. I found it hard to remain engaged and ultimately gave up on finishing the book. I would not recommend "Kissing the Witch" to anyone looking for a satisfying fairy tale retelling.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Kissing the Witch", but unfortunately, it failed to deliver. The book felt disjointed and lacked a cohesive narrative. The blurring of various fairy tales only added to the confusion, making it difficult to understand the intended message. The writing style was overly poetic and dense, making it hard to connect with the stories or the characters. Overall, I found "Kissing the Witch" to be a disappointing reading experience.
4. Michael - 2.5/5 stars - "Kissing the Witch" had an interesting concept, but it fell short of my expectations. The prose was overly flowery and dense, making it a struggle to stay engaged. The retellings felt superficial and lacked the depth I was hoping for. While some stories had potential, they were overshadowed by the overall writing style. I wouldn't necessarily say it's a terrible book, but it didn't resonate with me.