The reviewer appreciates Angela Carter's mastery of language and her reimagining of classic folk tales in 'The Bloody Chamber', but finds the book ultimately a curiosity rather than a life-changing read. They argue that the stories, while beautifully written, do not offer new insights into contemporary issues.
Angela Carter's 'The Bloody Chamber' is a collection of short stories that reimagine classic folk tales with a feminist twist. The reviewer admires Carter's skillful use of language and her ability to create rich, baroque worlds. The stories explore themes of power, gender, and sexuality, often subverting traditional fairy tale tropes. For instance, the titular story 'The Bloody Chamber' features a Bluebeard-like figure with a bedroom full of mirrors, symbolizing his perverse desire to watch himself. The reviewer also highlights Carter's class criticism and her portrayal of women as complex characters who are not merely victims but active participants in their own narratives. However, the reviewer finds that the book does not offer new insights into contemporary issues. They argue that the stories, while beautifully written, do not address the complexities of modern life in a meaningful way. The reviewer also notes that the book's focus on morally ambiguous defilement as a major event in the stories does not resonate with them personally. Overall, the reviewer appreciates Carter's work but finds it ultimately a curiosity rather than a life-changing read.
Quick quotes
The virgin, you see, craves it; that beauty wants it; and that girl has always been waiting for her big bad wolf.
Those blockbusters are like unimaginative Carter tales, not so much diluted as stripped for parts.
The panic that comes from realizing one’s oppression cannot be addressed if the major event in the story is going to be a morally ambiguous defilement.