Six-Gun Snow White by Catherynne M. Valente

While the individual voices change at the transition (Snow White’s runs thick with the patois of the Wild West, while the narrator is a little cooler, but definitely that of an experienced storyteller), Valente’s voice shines throughout the novella. Whereas the classic fairy tales were morality stories or allegories designed to impart practical lessons, Six-Gun Snow White warns of sexism, colonialism, class divides, company towns, shootouts, and the ills of America.īut like those old tales, Six-Gun Snow White is written as if it is meant to be told, first by Snow White herself and then by an unnamed narrator (as if the story is already being passed down, retold, exaggerated). But there are also pistols and Pinkerton men and coyotes. Yes, there is a magic mirror, and yes, there are poison apples. This is a story of prairies, racism, and outlaws. This isn’t a story of dark woods, royalty, and dwarves. It’s not traditional, and it’s not even European. Hardened by years of abuse, Snow White eventually takes her pistol and her pony, Charming, and rides into the territories.Īs you can see, this isn’t the Brothers Grimm or the Disney version. remarries a beautiful and cruel woman, it is this wicked stepmother that names the girl Snow White, a constant reminder of the pale skin (and other privileges) she will never have. When Gun That Sings dies in childbirth, the half-native, half-white daughter is hidden away and ignored, like the deed to a mine that didn’t produce. He then pursues her like he would any other piece of property: using charm and gifts and finally threats.

H., a silver baron, who spots a beautiful Crow woman, Gun That Sings, and covets her instantly. She remakes Snow White into an American fairy tale and creates something new and tragic and wonderful. Valente transforms the story of Snow White and tells it beautifully, painfully well. This isn’t a simple retelling or putting an old tale in new set dressing Catherynne M. Although many have adapted fairy tales across a variety of media, very few have done it this well.

Six-Gun Snow White by Catherynne M. Valente