A Curse Dark as Gold

by Elizabeth C. Bunce

Summary: Have you ever wondered why exactly Rumpelstiltskin wanted the miller's daughter's firstborn child? So did the author of this retelling of the famous Grimm's fairy tale, so she set out to answer it herself. Charlotte, the oldest Miller sister, is left in charge of the wool mill, called Stirwaters, after her father's death. She's certain she can run the place, until her Uncle Wheeler shows up with plans to sell it. Misfortune after misfortune continues to befall the Millers as Charlotte tries to save Stirwaters. Just when she thinks all is lost, a strange man, who calls himself Jack Spinner, appears, and claims he can weave straw into gold. The price he asks is ridiculously small, so Charlotte accepts. But soon she finds herself owing Spinner a debt she cannot possibly pay. Can she break the Stirwaters curse, or will she have to pay an unspeakable price?

My thoughts: If you've been reading this blog you'll know that this is one of my favorite genres--the retold fairy tale. A Curse Dark as Gold is a long, epic story that is creepy, absorbing, and mysterious. It's very loosely based on the tale of Rumpelstiltskin, but don't think that just because you know that story that you'll know this one.