Prepare to delve deep into the dark, beguiling twists of two illustrious minds as a new edition of 'Hansel and Gretel' is set to launch on September 2nd, under the renowned banner of HarperCollins Publishers. This reimagined version of the timeless Brothers Grimm tale combines the narrative prowess of Stephen King with the artistic genius of late Maurice Sendak.
This collaboration is spearheaded by the Maurice Sendak Foundation, realizing a project that interweaves King’s penchant for horror and Sendak’s evocative illustrations. Stephen King, famed for his mastery in horror with classics like ‘The Shining’ and ‘Carrie,’ was captivated by Sendak's sketches. The inspiration stemmed from Sendak’s designs for a 1997 production of the Humperdinck opera adaptation of 'Hansel and Gretel'.
King recounted his fascination with two competing illustrations: a wicked witch soaring through the skies with a sack of abducted children and the sinister visage of the iconic candy house. These images were pivotal, as King explained, 'I thought, this is what the house really looks like, a devil sick with sin, and it only shows that face when the kids turn their backs.'
In King's eyes, this revelation encapsulated the essence of 'Hansel and Gretel' and indeed all fairy tales—a veneer of cheerfulness shrouding an ominous heart. He commented, ‘In a way, I have been writing about kids like Hansel and Gretel for much of my life.’
While King did not recall ever meeting Sendak, he acknowledged admiration for 'Really Rosie,' a unique Sendak-Carole King collaboration. Remarkably, Lynn Caponera, Executive Director of the Maurice Sendak Foundation, expressed her confidence in King’s involvement, emphasizing, 'He's the master of scary stories and a wonderful writer to boot.'
The enduring appeal of 'Hansel and Gretel' is reflected in Sendak's own words spoken during his opera work, declaring it the most profound of Grimm tales. He hailed the titular characters as exceptionally heroic amidst the Grimm canon. This sentiment is evident in Sendak’s art, noted for masterpieces like 'Where the Wild Things Are,' which illustrates the courage and tenacity of youthful protagonists.
This forthcoming release not only promises to captivate but also to invoke thought and reflection. It is a celebration of the hauntingly beautiful synergy between King's narrative force and Sendak's compelling visuals—making it a must-read for those captivated by the layers and complexities of fairy tales.
