I recently read Stories from Pentamerone by Giambattista Basile and was completely enthralled by the rich and imaginative tales within this collection. Basile's storytelling is captivating, filled with magical creatures, curses, and fantastical adventures that kept me turning the pages until the very end.

Each story is beautifully written and full of depth, with underlying themes of morality, justice, and the consequences of one's actions. I appreciated Basile's use of intricate storytelling techniques, such as framing narratives within narratives, which added layers of complexity and intrigue to the tales.

One aspect that stood out to me was Basile's skillful blend of humor and darkness throughout the stories. The whimsical and humorous moments provided a lightness to the overall narrative, while the darker elements added depth and complexity to the characters and their journeys.

Overall, Stories from Pentamerone is a timeless collection of fairy tales that have stood the test of time. Basile's vivid imagination and storytelling prowess make this a must-read for fans of folklore and fairy tales. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a magical and enchanting read.

Book Description:

This is one of the oldest written collections of fairy tales. Although the names are different, listeners should recognise many of the stories as the basis of modern fairy tales. Be warned however, that these stories are a lot more violent and gruesome then the Disney versions you may be familiar with. Parents should listen to the files to gauge their suitability before allowing children to listen to them.