This collection of short stories is an offering of familiar fairy tales retold in gorgeous prose with unforgettable visuals.  The women are strong and the men, well, are beasts. The visuals are so memorable that you may think you saw the movie instead of read the book.  Angela Carter is said to have influenced Neil Gaiman, David Mitchell, Audrey Niffenegger, J. K. Rowling, and Kelly Link. You will definitely want to read more of this author.