The Prince and the Troll

Faraway collection

De: Rainbow Rowell

Narrado por: Rebecca Lowman

A charming everyman and a mysterious something-under-the-bridge cross paths in a short fairy tale by the number one New York Times bestselling author of Eleanor & Park and the Simon Snow series.

It’s fate when a man accidentally drops his phone off the bridge. It’s fortune when it’s retrieved by a friendly shape sloshing in the muck underneath. From that day forward, as they share a coffee every morning, an unlikely friendship blooms. Considering the reality for the man above, where life seems perfect, and that of the sharp-witted creature below, how forever after can a happy ending be?

The Prince and the Troll is part of Faraway, a collection of retold fairy tales that take the happily-ever-after in daring new directions. Whether read or listened to in one sitting, prepare to be charmed, moved, enlightened, and frightened all over again.

©2020 Rainbow Rowell (P)2020 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved

Loved This

This was a great combination of some of my favorite things. I love Rainbow Rowell and I love fairytales. This one hits you hard.

This was great

I really love the short story. I have read all of Rainbow Rowell’s books, and this seems like a short, but sweet version of her writing.

short and sweet

This is short and sweet with great inflection on the narration. It was an entertaining way to pass time.

Eh

3.5 stars
Was this a Starbucks ad cleverly disguised as a book? That’s how it felt honestly.

Metaphors and Macchiatos

I’m not entirely certain what it was I just read. It was either a metaphor for homelessness, or global warming, or something else In not smart enough to understand.

Regardless, I didn’t have to understand it to enjoy it. The only real thing there is to hold onto in this story is the sweet unfolding of the relationship between Adam and “You”. It was understated and melancholy, and I’m surprised to say it gave me a sniffle at the end.

Not bad for a story that’s essentially nonsense!

Very Unique

I didn't know anything about this short story before I listened to it. It was a great mix between fairy tale and modern. I thought Adam was great, and so was She. I'd advise that this is not a kid's book and it is not kid friendly. There is an f word.

Awesome

So awesome, author clearly does well blending mythological and contemporary elements. I highly recommend it

Powerful, meaningful

Lower ratings are likely from readers who came in with different expectations for what this story is. It is not a cheerful holiday tale, and the happiness of the ending is one-sided, at the expense of a would-be protagonist.

Sometimes metaphor tells truth more clearly than plain words. This short story shook something deep in me, I am so grateful to Rowell for putting words and imagery to what had up to this point been vague gut feelings. I think about this story often.

gripping narrative

I thought I might be listening to just a children's story, but there is much to consider in this little tale. The narrative keeps you engaged until the end

A caffeine charged fairytale

Quite an interesting short story. I loved the connection that the prince and the troll forged over daily coffees. But, the story was so darn sad!!!!! I was fully prepared for a little HEA and didn’t get it! 😭