A curse as deep as gold is a phrase that speaks to the dark side of wealth. It symbolizes the idea that while money and material possessions can bring great power and privilege, they also carry with them a host of negative consequences. The pursuit of wealth can sometimes consume a person's life, leading to a never-ending cycle of greed and the sacrificing of meaningful relationships. The desire for more and more money can overshadow everything else, creating a curse that weighs heavily on the individual. Additionally, the acquisition of great wealth can also attract envy, jealousy, and even danger. People may become targets for theft, extortion, or manipulation by those who seek to exploit their wealth.
“Paddy Eagan, stay away from falling signs for a bit and you'll be as right as rain come the weekend.”
― Elizabeth C. Bunce, A Curse Dark as Gold
Although I did point out that even the innumerable charms of Delight would be long exhausted by the end of our fortnight, he merely laughed and said I didn t understand the purpose of a honeymoon. Rosie, in a fit of desperation, tries a bit of magic and Rumplestiltskin, in the form of Jack Spinner appears and, overnight, turns straw into gold thread that Charlotte and sell and stave off the first of several foreclosure threats.
People may become targets for theft, extortion, or manipulation by those who seek to exploit their wealth. The curse of wealth can isolate individuals from friends and family, as suspicions and ulterior motives become rampant. Moreover, the curse of wealth extends beyond the individual to society as a whole.
A Curse Dark As Gold
A Curse Dark as Gold (2008), by American author Elizabeth C. Bunce, received the 2009 William C. Morris Debut Award from the American Library Association and was praised for its combination of fantasy, romance, and historical fiction. Bunce began writing this debut novel when she asked herself if there were more to the seemingly cruel actions of Rumpelstiltskin. Its themes include love, hope, secrets, and dishonesty.
Told in the first person, A Curse Dark as Gold is set in the 1780s in England. Charlotte Miller is grieving the death of her father. A beloved figure in the town of Shearing, everyone in The Golden Valley is out to honor his memory and/or to reminisce.
Seventeen-year-old Charlotte is a very brave and stalwart individual, but she has trouble moving on without the steady hand of her father. As she thinks about her father’s life, she gives the history of the town. The mill that her father founded was the first infrastructure in town. If anyone wanted to know where the heart of the town was, they would point to the mill. The mill gave nearly everyone in the village a job.
In her narration, Charlotte mentions in passing that, according to rumor, there is a curse upon her family’s mill; she’s always laughed out loud over these misgivings. For generations, people have called it “Miller Curse.” The rumor says that all the males of the Miller family die as young men and their firstborn die as toddlers.
Immediately, the two face many challenges. Charlotte learns that her father was hiding massive debt. They can’t pay a majority of their workers, so more than half of their workforce leaves the mill. Every day, they have a horde of minor problems: the doors won’t open, the water current isn’t swift enough, just when they think something is fixed, it breaks down again, and a rival mill run by the Pinchfield family has successfully expelled them from the wool union, meaning they cannot sell their products in local markets anymore.
Soon after her father’s death, Stirwaters is vandalized. Unlike Rosie, who believes in curses, Charlotte refuses to believe that their ill-luck is caused by a curse. Rosie, whose temperament is best described as volatile, has little patience for her sister’s insistence that “Miller’s Curse” is a lie. She finds a spell in her father’s notebook and recites it, hoping for a remedy to their troubles.
An antagonist appears in the form of Uncle Wheeler. He’s a posh man. Unfortunately, he’s also overbearing and selfish. He wants Rosie and Charlotte to sell the troublesome property so they can focus on raising children (but mostly so that he can profit).
It turns out that Rosie is right: magic and curses still exist. Her spell works. Jack Spinner (he doesn’t tell them his real name) appears. Spinner resembles Rumpelstiltskin, the notorious figure from various fairytales who blackmails a young girl until she can guess his peculiar name. But in A Curse Dark as Gold, this Rumpelstiltskin-figure holds her firstborn son for ransom.
Of course, that’s all in the future. When Charlotte first meets Jack Spinner, he says that he will solve her debt problems by spinning straw into gold. All she has to do is give him her mother’s prized ring. Though she hates to depart with a family heirloom, she realizes she has no choice. She does not consult Rosie, and she is too closed minded to put together that she is stepping right into the “Miller Curse.”
Meanwhile, Charlotte starts to fall in love with the local banker. He helps her sell the gold that Jack Spinner makes. They’re able to pay their mortgage, more of their workers, and rejoin the wool union.
Jack Spinner demands more and more material wealth and sacrifice from Charlotte. To keep the rest of her family safe, she slowly distances herself from Rosie and others.
Charlotte learns that for generations, the Miller family has struck a deal with Jack Spinner: he can have the souls of their firstborn males if he will provide ample tree growth around their town (timber was an essential commodity) as well as gold (a material they weave into their textiles, hence their glistening appearance).
In a twist, Charlotte learns that Jack Spinner has several valid reasons for his ostensibly detestable actions: historically, the Miller family has not treated him with kindness. A Curse Dark as Gold ends with the curse lifted, Charlotte and Rosie having sympathy toward Jack Spinner, and Stirwaters Woollen Mill (as well as the town, Shearing) finally safe.
"A Curse as Dark as Gold" is good-a worthwhile read, for sure-but it's not mindblowingly spectacular. It deviated from the original story in a way that made it clear that it was still a Rumpelstiltskin story, but still made enough changes to feel fresh.
It exacerbates wealth inequality, creating a divide between the haves and the have-nots. This can lead to social unrest, resentment, and a breakdown of trust in institutions. Furthermore, the curse of wealth often comes with a high price tag in terms of personal happiness and fulfillment. Studies have shown that beyond a certain point, money does not directly correlate with happiness. Instead, factors such as strong relationships, good health, and a sense of purpose are key to overall well-being. In conclusion, a curse as deep as gold reflects the negative side effects of wealth. It highlights the dangers of becoming consumed by money, the social and personal consequences of great wealth, and the importance of prioritizing non-material aspects of life. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder that true happiness and fulfillment cannot be found solely in material possessions..
Reviews for "The Gold Curse: A Scourge of Ancient Civilizations"
1. John - 2 stars
I found "A Curse as Deep as Gold" to be a disappointing read. The story started off promising with its blend of mystery and romance, but it quickly fell flat for me. The characters lacked depth and felt one-dimensional, making it difficult to care about their fates. Additionally, the pacing was uneven, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. Overall, I found the book to be predictable and lacking in originality, making it a forgettable read.
2. Sarah - 1 star
I cannot express how much I disliked "A Curse as Deep as Gold". The writing style was dull and pretentious, making it a chore to get through. The plot was convoluted and confusing, leaving me scratching my head in frustration. The characters were unlikable and their actions often made no sense. The romance aspect felt forced and lacked any real chemistry. I was left feeling disappointed and regretful for investing my time in this book.
3. Mike - 2 stars
I was expecting so much more from "A Curse as Deep as Gold", but it ultimately fell short of my expectations. The story had potential, but it failed to deliver on its promises. The world-building was weak and underdeveloped, leaving me feeling disconnected from the setting. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the characters. Overall, I found the book to be a lackluster and forgettable experience.
4. Emily - 2 stars
"A Curse as Deep as Gold" did not live up to the hype for me. The writing was mediocre at best, with excessive exposition and a lack of compelling descriptions. The story felt disjointed and poorly paced, making it difficult for me to stay engaged. The characters were forgettable, lacking any real depth or growth. I found myself skimming through the pages, eager to finish the book and move on to something more enjoyable.