'Sharing gods, monsters and heroes'

 

“Fairy tales are stories of triumph and transformation and true love, all things I fervently believe in.” – Kate Forsyth

 

Born in Australia on this date in 1966, Forsyth is the author of more than 60 books ranging from Contemporary and Historical Fiction to Young Adult and Children’s fairy tales, and Poetry collections.  She earned her most acclaim for her historical novel Bitter Greens, interweaving a retelling of Rapunzel with the true-life story of the 17^th century Frenchwoman who first shared the tale.  Her most recent book is The Crimson Thread, a retelling of the Minotaur’s myth but set in Greece during World War II.

 

A journalist by training, Forsyth is the direct descendant of Charlotte Barton, author of Australia’s first known children’s book.   Like her famous ancestor, Forsyth also has authored a number of children's books, including The Gypsy Crown. Dragon Gold and the heroic fantasy series Rhiannon's Ride.    She’s earned Australia’s top award for children’s literature 5 times and the Australian Fairy Tale Society Award “for her inspiration and contribution to Australian fairy tale culture.”

 

Forsyth’s work in journalism has included writing and editorial positions at Hair and Money Watch and authorship of numerous freelance articles for magazines and journals like Vogue Australia, Black+White and Australian Collections.

 

“Storytelling,” she said, “is as old as speech. It existed before humans first began to carve shapes in stones and press their hands upon the rocky walls of caves. When our ancestors crouched about the campfire at night, they told each other tales of gods and heroes, monsters and marvels, to hold back the terrors of the night. Such tales comforted and entertained, diverted and educated those who listened, and helped shape their sense of the world and their place in it.”