66 pages • 2 hours read
T. KingfisherA Sorceress Comes to Call
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2024A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Background
Literary Context: Modern Retellings of Fairy Tales
Modern retellings of fairy tales, including A Sorceress Comes to Call, often explore the underlying themes and moral complexities of the original narratives while reinterpreting them for contemporary audiences. The classic tale of “The Goose Girl,” for instance, revolves around themes of identity, betrayal, and the struggle for agency. In the original story, a princess is betrayed by her maid and must reclaim her rightful place, highlighting the fragility of trust and the power dynamics between women. The maid’s actions not only steal the princess’s identity but also reveal the societal pressures that can lead individuals to betray those closest to them.
Contemporary adaptations of this fairy tale allow writers to delve deeper into these themes, using the familiar structure as a foundation for richer character development and emotional complexity. T. Kingfisher’s narrative expands on the original by exploring the oppressive relationship between Cordelia and her mother, Evangeline, emphasizing the impacts of emotional abuse and the quest for autonomy. This transformation of the characters illustrates how modern retellings can give voice to those who are often marginalized, particularly women navigating difficult familial dynamics.
By situating their stories within the frameworks of classic fairy tales, authors can engage with significant societal issues, such as familial betrayal and the expectations placed on women. This approach encourages readers to reflect on the enduring relevance of these themes, bridging the gap between traditional narratives and modern concerns. In doing so, A Sorceress Comes to Call exemplifies how contemporary adaptations can breathe new life into age-old stories, inviting exploration of complex emotions and moral dilemmas that resonate with today’s audience. Such narratives not only entertain but also provoke thoughtful discussions about identity, power, and resilience in a changing world.
Authorial Context: T. Kingfisher
T. Kingfisher is the literary pseudonym of Ursula Vernon, an American writer and illustrator of both children’s literature and adult fiction. Kingfisher was born in 1977 in Japan to an American family. She began taking art classes while attending college in Missouri, and afterward, she started working as an illustrator. She then began publishing some of her own works for children, such as the Hamster Princess series. She started writing for adult audiences under the Kingfisher moniker and has since produced numerous works of fantasy and magic, such as A House With Good Bones (2023), A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking (2020), and Nettle & Bone (2022). She has won various awards, including a Hugo Award and a British Fantasy Award.
Kingfisher is known for blending humor with folkloric horror, offering contemporary takes on classic fairy tales by focusing on their darker, often unexplored elements. This approach is evident in her other works, such as What Moves the Dead, a retelling of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher.” In this novella, Kingfisher delves into themes of decay and mental illness, showcasing her talent for reimagining traditional narratives while maintaining their core emotional truths. A Sorceress Comes to Call is a characteristic example of how Kingfisher not only pays homage to fairy tale traditions but also reinterprets them, challenging societal norms and exploring the consequences of power and control.
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By T. Kingfisher
