The Ladies of Grace Adieu by Susanna Clarke

The Ladies of Grace Adieu

Susanna Clarke

These witty, moving takes on old legends should appeal not only to fantasy enthusiasts but also to those who enjoy an off-centre slant on well-known historical facts and figures - 'The Duke of Wellington Misplaces his Horse' being my favourite here, or stories written in the style of, for example, Jane Austen.

Extract
'Yes, sir,' said she, 'I dare say you will not have heard of John Hollyshoes for Mrs Edmond does not like such things to be spoken of and scolds us for our ignorant, superstitious way. But we country people know John Hollyshoes very well. He is a powerful fairy that lived hereabouts - oh! since the world began for all I know - and claims all sorts of rights over us.'
Parallels
  • Stardust by Neil Gaiman
  • Faerie Tale by Raymond E Feist
  • The Deverry Cycle by Katherine Kerr