A Knot in the Grain: And Other Stories

A collection of Robin McKinley's finest tales! Though I find myself ever coming back to "The Blue Sword," McKinley's quintessential work about the magical land of Damar, this collection of tales is quite a sterling example of the author's fine hand at descriptive imagry and evocative emotional response. Why shouldn't people keep magic in their hearts, and enjoy a good book of fairy tales from time to time?

Robin is true to form, and weaves together a lovely collection of short stories. The settings vary. Some are set in traditional fantasy, while the last is a very modern tale. All feature Robin's excellent wry writing style. Nothing in here is going to blow anyone away, but then why would it? That's just not her style. Delightful read.

This book has rapidly become one of my favorite short story collections of all time. I rate a book by the way I feel when I finish reading it. If I am frustrated or disappointed, there is a good chance that I will trade it in with my next used book store visit. This book left me feeling warm and comfortable and satisfied. I had a small smile on my face and the afterglow of knowing that for just a few moments, I saw magic. I have gone back to it several times when in need of comfort or escape and it has drawn me in each and every time. Ms. McKinley seems to have a lovely little window through which she can glimpse a wild and magical place. I am only grateful that she also has the skill to show it to us as well. Buy it.

I was impressed by Robin McKinley's beautiful stories. I am more pleased by the beauty and composition of words along the way than the plots of these stories. Robin McKinley does create airy, ethereal settings in these tales, but as others have mentioned, they are left a little loose. What matters to me is why McKinley wrote these stories so; hopefully she intended to leave them with strings dangling and not because she "didn't want to write anymore"! I was fond of her retelling of Raphunzel (sp) and "Buttercups". I feel that those two stories were the most enchanting and fulfilling. I enjoy her tales because she can develop such a complex and beautiful plot without bringing in many characters or settings. The one place she chooses to write about seems to represent the whole world. I am now reading her earlier collection of short stories titled "The Door in the Hedge", which seems to be constructed more gracefully. "A Knot in the Grain" really does not deserve negative criticism; McKinley is a notable author who is allowed to experiment with different writing styles. Her "Beauty" is one of my favorite stories. She is able to travel deep into her character's minds and express things as no one else can. I admire her soft but powerful stories - stories that are neither weak or adventurous, ones that reveal just enough so the reader can understand. I think her style carries on into absolutely every piece she creates, and that is a priceless thing.

These stories are mezmerizing and full of color. I especially enjoyed the Rapunzil re-telling. There are many stories in here for different tastes, but are all fantastical. "A Knot in the Grain" itself is modern, while the rest are set in the middle ages probably. The stories are so original and different. These stories give you a a taste of McKinley's style.