FARAWAY Fairy Tales for the Here and Now

Don’t look for happy endings in these five fairytale-themed stories. Instead they offer thoughtful contemporary impressions of classic works. In “The Prince and the Troll,” narrator Rebecca Lowman’s lilting voice and endearing laugh are captivating—as the prince discovers. Kimberly Woods is authentic in “Hazel and Gray,” a frightening cautionary tale based on “Hansel and Gretel.” Hazel and Gray are in love; things in the forest go very badly. The large cast of “The Princess Game” delivers a murder mystery that unfolds via police interviews. It’s anxious, desperate, and edge-of-your-seat creepy. Kate Rudd narrates “The Cleaners” with an eerie detachment that fits it. The title characters glean others’ memories—one cleans, one removes, one investigates. All are damaged. Frankie Corzo delivers “The Wickeds,” a story of wicked stepmothers. Be advised: These stories contain mature content. L.T. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2021]