Is Kissing The Witch: Old Tales In New Skins Worth Reading?

Emma Donoghue's 'Kissing the Witch: Old Tales in New Skins' is such a fascinating reimagining of classic fairy tales because it twists them into something deeply personal and subversive. The book doesn’t just retell stories—it peels back the layers of familiar narratives to reveal hidden desires, queer perspectives, and feminist critiques. Take Cinderella, for example. Instead of a passive girl waiting for a prince, she’s given agency, questioning the very structure of her 'happily ever after.' What I love is how Donoghue weaves these tales together, creating a tapestry where one story bleeds into the next. It feels like a conversation between characters across time, challenging the idea that these myths are fixed or one-dimensional. The title itself, 'Kissing the Witch,' hints at reclaiming the monstrous, the taboo—the women traditionally vilified in folklore. It’s not just revision for the sake of novelty; it’s about asking, 'Whose voices were erased?' and 'What happens if we center them instead?' The result is a collection that’s lush, provocative, and deeply satisfying for anyone tired of the same old tropes.

If you loved the feminist twists in 'Kissing the Witch', you'll probably adore 'The Bloody Chamber' by Angela Carter. Carter's collection is a masterclass in reimagining fairy tales with dark, sensual, and subversive flair. Both books peel back the sugary coating of classic stories to reveal something raw and real underneath. Another gem is 'Deerskin' by Robin McKinley, which tackles trauma and recovery within a fairy-tale framework. McKinley’s prose is hauntingly beautiful, much like Donoghue’s, and she isn’t afraid to explore the darker corners of these 'happily ever afters.' For something more contemporary, 'All the Ever Afters' by Danielle Teller offers a grounded, gritty take on Cinderella’s stepmother. It’s less magical but just as thought-provoking.

I think people sometimes miss the metafictional layer. The book is about the act of storytelling as transformation. Each character literally passes the narrative to the next, shedding their old story like a skin and stepping into a new one. The 'new skins' are the tales themselves, constantly being retold and reinterpreted. The kiss is the moment of connection between teller and listener, author and reader, that allows that transformation to happen. It argues that no story is ever finished or fixed; its meaning changes with every telling. So the old tale of 'Cinderella' is reshaped simply by being told from a new angle within this specific chain. The book’s structure is its most brilliant argument—the form itself demonstrates the continuous reshaping of narrative.

I totally get the urge to hunt down free reads—budgets can be tight! 'Kissing the Witch' is one of those gems that reimagines fairy tales with such a fresh, queer twist. While I adore Emma Donoghue’s work, I’d gently nudge you toward supporting authors when possible. Libraries are your best legal bet; many offer digital loans via apps like Libby or OverDrive. Sometimes older titles pop up there, or you might find used copies for pennies online. If you’re strapped for cash, keep an eye out for publisher promotions—Tor.com and similar sites occasionally give away classics. Just... maybe don’t dive into sketchy PDF sites? The formatting’s usually awful anyway, and it’s heartbreaking for indie authors. This book’s worth savoring properly—maybe even as a treat after saving up a bit!

The prince is a recurring joke, and that’s thematic. He’s often hapless, shallow, or just a symbol of a boring destiny. The queer energy is in the collective eye-roll the characters (and the reader) share about him. Rejecting him isn’t just about choosing a woman; it’s about rejecting an entire system of value—looks, status, empty charm—in favor of something substantive, even if it’s mysterious and feared.

I picked up 'The Witch's Kiss' on a whim after seeing its gorgeous cover, and honestly, it was such a cozy surprise! The story blends fantasy and romance in this slow, atmospheric way that feels like sipping hot cocoa by a fireplace. The protagonist’s struggle with her powers and family legacy had me hooked—it’s not just about magic battles but also about emotional weight and generational trauma. The romance is sweet but doesn’t overshadow the darker themes, which I appreciated. That said, if you’re looking for fast-paced action, this might not be your jam. The pacing is deliberate, almost lyrical, and it takes time to build its world. But for me, that was part of the charm. By the end, I felt like I’d lived in that world, and the bittersweet ending stuck with me for days. Definitely worth it if you love character-driven stories with a sprinkle of melancholy.

Emma Donoghue's 'Kissing the Witch: Old Tales in New Skins' wraps up in a way that feels both haunting and liberating. The final story, 'The Tale of the Kiss,' subverts the traditional witch archetype by weaving intimacy and agency into its conclusion. The protagonist doesn’t just escape or defeat the witch—she becomes her, embracing power and desire in a way that flips fairy-tale tropes on their head. It’s raw, poetic, and deeply feminist, leaving you with this lingering sense of transformation rather than a tidy 'happily ever after.' What I love about the ending is how it ties back to the book’s larger theme: reclaiming narratives. Each story in the collection reimagines classic tales (Cinderella, Snow White, etc.) through queer, subversive lenses, but the last one feels like the ultimate rebellion. The witch isn’t a villain; she’s a mirror, a teacher, a lover. It’s the kind of ending that makes you close the book slowly, just to sit with the weight of it.

Emma Donoghue's 'Kissing the Witch: Old Tales in New Skins' is this wild, poetic reimagining of classic fairy tales where the characters twist and turn in ways you wouldn't expect. The main figures are all women—Cinderella, Snow White, Rapunzel, and others—but they're stripped of their usual damsel-in-distress roles. Instead, they're complex, flawed, and often queer, which is so refreshing. The book's structured like a nesting doll of stories; one character's tale leads into another's, and suddenly you're seeing connections between them that make you rethink the original tales entirely. What I love is how Donoghue gives them agency. Cinderella isn't waiting for a prince; she's questioning the witch who helped her. The Beauty and the Beast dynamic gets flipped into something tender and mutual. Even the 'witch' figures aren't villains—they're mentors, lovers, or just women who refuse to fit into society's boxes. It's a book that lingers in your mind because it doesn't just retell stories—it cracks them open and lets something new spill out.

I picked up 'Wild is the Witch' on a whim after seeing its gorgeous cover art, and wow, what a delightful surprise! This book blends cozy fantasy vibes with a sharp, modern wit that kept me grinning. The protagonist’s snarky internal monologue feels so relatable, especially as she navigates chaotic magical mishaps. The romance subplot doesn’t overpower the story but adds just enough warmth to make you root for the characters. What really hooked me was the world-building—it’s got this lush, witchy aesthetic without drowning in exposition. The author drops little folklore gems throughout, like how the magic system ties into nature. If you enjoyed 'The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches' or 'Legends & Lattes', this’ll hit the same sweet spot. I devoured it in two sittings and immediately loaned my copy to a friend.

The Nature of Witches' by Rachel Griffin had me hooked from the first chapter. The way it blends elemental magic with a coming-of-age story felt fresh, even though witches aren't exactly a new concept. What stood out to me was Clara's struggle with her power—it's not just about mastering spells, but about accepting herself, flaws and all. The seasonal magic system was beautifully described, making each phase of the year feel alive. I especially loved how autumn's volatility mirrored Clara's inner turmoil. Some readers might find the pacing slower in the middle, but I think it gives room for the emotional weight to settle. By the end, I was wiping away tears and immediately recommending it to my book club. One thing that might polarize readers is the romance subplot. It's sweet and tender, but if you're looking for high-stakes action, this isn't that kind of witchy tale. The focus is really on character growth and atmospheric worldbuilding. Griffin's prose has this lyrical quality that makes even simple moments feel profound. I'd say it's perfect for fans of 'The Once and Future Witches' or those who enjoy magic systems tied to nature. Personally, I still think about that finale scene under the winter stars—it stuck with me for weeks.