Sophia Considine

Set in Australia, Sophia Considine’s pair of stories follow the basic plot of the familiar Grimm and Perrault versions while drawing on tellings from other cultures, particularly tales such as “Yexian” (China, 9th c.) and the cognate versions from Southeast Asia that conclude with the violent destruction of the stepmother and sister(s). Also shared with these less familiar versions is the transformation of the heroine into a strong, smart woman who “makes her own magic” and succeeds in marrying the prince. “Facing the Fear” combines the fast-paced linear narration typical of fairy tales with the psychological growth of the main character that is more commonly seen in contemporary adaptations. The companion tale, “Spoiled to Death,” is the same story retold from the stepsister’s perspective. Sophia Considine is finishing her second year at the University of Iowa with a major in English and Creative Writing and minors in Communication Studies, News and Media Literacy, and Theatre Arts.

Facing the Fear

Spoiled to Death