Stephen King and the late Maurice Sendak are set to collaborate on a new rendition of the classic fairy tale, “Hansel and Gretel.” This unique edition, merging the dark and distinctive styles of these two literary giants, is scheduled to be released on September 2, as announced by HarperCollins Publishers. King, renowned for his chilling novels such as “The Shining” and “Carrie,” will provide the narrative, while Sendak’s illustrations from a 1997 opera adaptation will accompany the text.
The idea for this project originated from the Maurice Sendak Foundation, with King expressing his decision to participate after being captivated by Sendak’s artwork. In a statement released by HarperCollins, King shared, “Two of his pictures in particular spoke to me… I wanted to write that!” He found inspiration in Sendak’s depiction of the wicked witch and the candy house, viewing them as the essence of the story. King’s fascination with the darker elements of fairy tales resonates with the depth and complexity of “Hansel and Gretel.”
Although there is no evidence of a direct meeting between King and Sendak, their shared passion for storytelling and creating compelling narratives has brought them together in this project. Lynn Caponera, the executive director of the Sendak foundation, praised King as the perfect collaborator due to his mastery of scary stories and exceptional writing skills. The combination of King’s storytelling prowess and Sendak’s evocative illustrations promises to breathe new life into this timeless tale.
Sendak, who passed away in 2012, had previously expressed his admiration for “Hansel and Gretel,” considering it the most profound story in the Grimm canon. In an interview featured in “The Art of Maurice Sendak,” he highlighted the resilience and bravery of the titular characters, referring to them as the most heroic children in fairy tales. Sendak’s deep appreciation for the story’s honesty and complexity mirrors King’s own fascination with the darker aspects of childhood narratives.
The upcoming release of this collaborative edition of “Hansel and Gretel” is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the timeless appeal of classic fairy tales. As readers eagerly anticipate the merging of King’s gripping narrative with Sendak’s haunting illustrations, this project represents a meeting of two literary minds that transcends time and space. Stay tuned for the release of this captivating reimagining on September 2, where the magic of storytelling will come alive once again.
