

And at the end they die
An essay in graphic novel form that reveals the “dirty truth” behind folk tales. Lou Lubie narrates, in very detailed manner, the origins of some of the most famous folk tales, analysing the different versions in which they have been codified, starting with “Lo cunto de li cunti” (“The tales of tale”) by Giambattista Basile, up to Walt Disney's animations and passing through the “didactic” versions by Perrault as well as those by the Brothers Grimm, most faithful to folk culture. In a cynical yet funny style, the author guides us through the evolution of fairy tales, amusing us at times and, at others, making us reflect on the meaning of these stories in terms of our contemporary society, women's roles and morality. The various chapters analyse in depth the narrative progression of tales such as “Cinderella”, “Rapunzel”, “Bluebeard”, “Little Red Riding Hood”, as well as other lesser known once coming from Ancient Egypt or Russian tradition, and include insight on Bruno Bettelheim's psychological interpretation and other studies related to the structure of fairy tales. This volume published by Bao comes in a beautiful edition with gilded embellishment that only adds to its value.
E alla fine muoiono. La sporca verità sulle fiabe (And at the end they die. The dirty truth about fairy tales)
Lou Lubie
Bao Publishing, 2023