Fabulous

**Dive into a World Where Myth Meets Modernity: Explore Lucy Hughes-Hallett's *Fabulous*** Prepare to be captivated by *Fabulous*, a collection of short stories by the acclaimed Lucy Hughes-Hallett that reimagines classic myths and folklore for the 21st century. This isn't just a retelling; it's a vibrant, startlingly original exploration of contemporary Britain, viewed through the lens of ancient narratives. Hughes-Hallett, celebrated for her biographical work and historical insights, brings her masterful storytelling to bear on these potent and unsettling tales. Readers and critics have drawn comparisons to Angela Carter's groundbreaking *The Bloody Chamber* for its bold reimagining of familiar narratives and its ability to make the old feel utterly, electrically new. In *Fabulous*, Hughes-Hallett takes the familiar archetypes and moral quandaries of myth and plants them firmly in the everyday. Forget idealized heroes and distant lands; here you'll encounter a people-trafficking gang-master, a struggling prostitute, a vulnerable migrant worker, and a slick estate agent driven by ambition. You'll meet ordinary people grappling with the complexities of modern life: the anxieties surrounding healthcare, the pervasive threat of criminal gangs, the stark reality of homelessness, and the minefield of dating in the #metoo era. Each character, though seemingly ordinary, is inextricably linked to a powerful myth, a biblical story, or a chilling folktale. What emerges is a startling commentary on the timelessness of human nature. Hughes-Hallett deftly exposes how the anxieties, desires, and moral struggles of our ancestors continue to resonate in our present. Her sharp wit and keen observational skills bring a vivid realism to the stories, while the underlying myths lend a haunting, almost hallucinatory quality. *Fabulous* is not simply a collection of short stories; it's a work of literary alchemy. Hughes-Hallett masterfully blends the mundane and the magical, the sacred and the profane, creating a reading experience that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply emotionally resonant. As some reviewers have noted, the book echoes the poetic and evocative style of Wim Wenders' *Wings of Desire*, seamlessly weaving the numinous into the fabric of everyday life. **More About Lucy Hughes-Hallett:** Lucy Hughes-Hallett is a renowned British writer celebrated for her insightful biographies and historical works. She won the Samuel Johnson Prize (now the Baillie Gifford Prize) for *The Pike: Gabriele D'Annunzio, Poet, Seducer and Prophet*, a biography of the Italian poet and fascist figure Gabriele D'Annunzio. Her expertise in history and culture shines through in *Fabulous*, enriching the short stories with layers of meaning and historical context. Hughes-Hallett's work often explores themes of power, identity, and the enduring influence of the past, making *Fabulous* a natural extension of her previous literary explorations. Expect to be challenged, moved, and thoroughly entertained by this unique and compelling collection. *Fabulous* is a must-read for fans of literary fiction, mythology, fantasy, and anyone who appreciates a fresh and thought-provoking take on the enduring power of stories.