Hans Christian Andersen
Pushkin Press
23 February 2027
224
eBook - PDF
Fantasy
ARC via Edelweiss
Though best known for his beloved children’s fairy tales, Hans Christian Andersen also penned a wide breadth of fiction for adults that similarly captures his magical and descriptive brilliance while engaging with darker social themes.
In this fantastical collection, Andersen turns his eye to the changing social conditions of 19th-century Europe: newfound class mobility; the unfairness with which talents and opportunities are meted out in this world; and the struggle between nature's claims on humanity and civilizations. Containing 2 novellas and 3 short stories, this vibrant collection includes:
The Ice Virgin
A Story from the Dunes
Everything in its Right Place
What One Can Think Of
What Old Johanne Told
Masterpiece among them is the titular novella, a beautifully structured exploration of the true meaning of happiness that follows an orphaned man’s stubbornness to survive in the stunning yet unforgiving mountain landscape of Switzerland. Whether we meet a shipwrecked youngster struggling to fit into his adopted community, or a steadfast friend whose saintly patience is ill rewarded by the object of her loyalty, Andersen’s stories masterfully balance beauty and tragedy against the backdrop of a changing Europe.
Full of irony, enchanting imagery and bravura prose, these stories showcase Andersen's perceptiveness, empathy, and deep engagement with the world around him.
The Ice Virgin was a lovely collection of tales by Hans Christian Andersen. The stories were at times whimsical, at times serious, with elements of fantasy in each, some more prevalent than others. The title piece was the crowning jewel of the collection, but I also loved the idea and sentiment behind 'Everything in its Right Place', as well as the poem 'Jylland', which I was happy to see presented both with the original Danish text and an English translation alongside it. Adult fans of Andersen's fairytales are sure to find something to love in this collection of tales as well. I am giving it 4.5 stars.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
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