What do you think?
Rate this book
Arabian Nights & Arabian Nights: Traditional tales from a thousand and one nights, Contemporary tales for adults
Magic carpets and flying horses, caverns glittering with gold, unexpected plotlines following the fortunes of heroes and villains - who can fail to be enthralled by the magic and wonder of the tales of the One Thousand and One Nights ? This most celebrated collections of tales feature shape-shifting and miraculous transportation across continents, powerful jinn who rise like smoke from simple vessels, dreams that delve into the secrets of the subconscious, and gigantic, man-carrying birds. The backdrop for the tales moves from barren deserts to spectacular cities, from the edge of the world to the inner sanctuaries of mighty rulers. Kings and paupers, benevolent sages and devious magicians, worthy princesses and unscrupulous harlots - all play their part in teaching important truths and providing lively entertainment. This innovative book offers retellings of a selection of tales that have captured the imaginations of countless people over many centuries. Accompanying each is a contemporary short story that reframes the messages and teachings of the original, specifically written for an adult / young adult (student) audience. Here are stories of betrayal and murder, exploitation and sibling rivalry, soul-searching and discovery. The modern parallel tales swap the busy alleyways of old Baghdad for the horror of Saddam's prisons, move from following caravans sweeping across the Sahara to modern day pilgrims trekking along the Caminos of northern Spain, and lift Aladdin out of his cave to unwittingly face Triad gangsters and antiques smugglers. Wayward Baptist ministers, adulterous accountants, and eco-warrior backpackers follow in the footsteps of the no-less colourful characters than those that feature in the original tales. Each pair of stories is accompanied by a commentary on how they might be interpreted. The result is a gripping collection of tales that may continue to bring the mystery and magic of the Nights to life, as well as provoking fresh thought and feeling for adult readers. Prepare to be surprised, uplifted and - in the spirit of the original Arabian Nights Entertainments -enthralled.
330 pages, Paperback
Published October 11, 2016
About the author
Clive Johnson
62 books2 followersI am a student and follower of the perennial tradition – the belief that many myths, fairy stories and faith traditions point to common truths at their heart. I have had a lifelong interest in the power of myth and the oral tradition of story telling.
I enjoy reading contemporary fiction, short stories, literary classics, and tales with a mystical or spiritual element. I am slowly increasing my appreciation of other genres, and like to be surprised by new discoveries, especially to find tales that don't follow set formulae or reach tidy conclusions.
Similarly, I like to discover new meaning in familiar tales – for which fairy stories, myths, legends and their like offer rich territory.
I also write myself – short stories, books relating to spirituality and (previously) a few business titles.
I am an interfaith minister ordained by the One Spirit Interfaith Foundation, as well as a teacher, storyteller and retreat host. I previously worked as a management consultant and conflict coach.
Being autistic, a would-be mystic and not approaching my reflections from an academic standpoint, I like to think that I approach my writing with an open heart and a keen curiosity.
I have no fixed home, pursuing a nomadic lifestyle that allows me to follow my heart.
I may be reached via my website, www.clivejohnsonministry.com.
Please add me as a friend if you share similar interests. I look forward to sharing reviews!
I enjoy reading contemporary fiction, short stories, literary classics, and tales with a mystical or spiritual element. I am slowly increasing my appreciation of other genres, and like to be surprised by new discoveries, especially to find tales that don't follow set formulae or reach tidy conclusions.
Similarly, I like to discover new meaning in familiar tales – for which fairy stories, myths, legends and their like offer rich territory.
I also write myself – short stories, books relating to spirituality and (previously) a few business titles.
I am an interfaith minister ordained by the One Spirit Interfaith Foundation, as well as a teacher, storyteller and retreat host. I previously worked as a management consultant and conflict coach.
Being autistic, a would-be mystic and not approaching my reflections from an academic standpoint, I like to think that I approach my writing with an open heart and a keen curiosity.
I have no fixed home, pursuing a nomadic lifestyle that allows me to follow my heart.
I may be reached via my website, www.clivejohnsonministry.com.
Please add me as a friend if you share similar interests. I look forward to sharing reviews!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 14, 2016
Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley
On one hand giving this book three stars is a bit unfair. There is much to love about this book. Johnson takes some of the stories from the 1001 Arabian Nights, presents translations, then gives a modern update, and concludes with an essay about the story. The stories and afterwords are chosen with an eye to faith, inter-faith to be more exact.
The strongest part of the book is the afterwords. Johnson is at his best when he is showcasing how the stories can be used to illustrate certain aspects of all faiths (Christianity, Wicca, Judaism, Islam and so on). The afterwords also include much about historical references and different views of criticism about the tales. To borrow a cliché, Johnson has done his homework.
The reason why the three stars and the possible unfairness of it, is the modern stories. The modern stories are written as if someone is telling them to you, and while the narrators are varied – a housewife from Kentucky, a man from Iraq and so on - the voice all feels the same. The stories aren’t bad – though the woman from Kentucky is a bit forgiving, I think. There is just a something a bit off for me about the stories – perhaps too much telling, as strange as that sounds. I can understand why Johnson included them – they illustrate the “lesson” of the original tales, making it modern and showing how it is still applicable. So maybe it’s just me. Still, I am really glad that I read this, and I will be buying it.
On one hand giving this book three stars is a bit unfair. There is much to love about this book. Johnson takes some of the stories from the 1001 Arabian Nights, presents translations, then gives a modern update, and concludes with an essay about the story. The stories and afterwords are chosen with an eye to faith, inter-faith to be more exact.
The strongest part of the book is the afterwords. Johnson is at his best when he is showcasing how the stories can be used to illustrate certain aspects of all faiths (Christianity, Wicca, Judaism, Islam and so on). The afterwords also include much about historical references and different views of criticism about the tales. To borrow a cliché, Johnson has done his homework.
The reason why the three stars and the possible unfairness of it, is the modern stories. The modern stories are written as if someone is telling them to you, and while the narrators are varied – a housewife from Kentucky, a man from Iraq and so on - the voice all feels the same. The stories aren’t bad – though the woman from Kentucky is a bit forgiving, I think. There is just a something a bit off for me about the stories – perhaps too much telling, as strange as that sounds. I can understand why Johnson included them – they illustrate the “lesson” of the original tales, making it modern and showing how it is still applicable. So maybe it’s just me. Still, I am really glad that I read this, and I will be buying it.
August 11, 2017
Oh silly me. To think what I actually expected from a book with that title was in fact some Scheherazade tales and maybe some more of her tales. But no, this volume contains only a select few stories inexplicably coupled up with Johnson's own takes on the classics updated for the modern world. The thing is wherein the original stories are timeless morality driven charmingly exotic species...Johnson's versions are puerile jejune imitations of varied but invariably low quality (and decidedly lacking in magic real or otherwise) and side by side comparison only makes them all the paler for it. It's as if he was concerned the readers might not understand the originals without his assistance. And you'd think that an afterword he includes after every story would do the trick rife with banal insights as they are, but no, apparently not. So either the author's delusional enough to think his stories measure up or thinks so lowly of his audience that he needs to over explain and simplify to this extent. Either way, what an ego. Either way, outside of the actual Arabian Nights stories, this book doesn't have much to offer, but at least it's a pretty quick read. Thanks Netgalley.
October 25, 2016
Arabian Nights & Arabian Nights: by Clive Johnson
The tales of Arabian Nights & Arabian Nights are made up of scoundrel and noble characters. This book is made up of various stories that all tend to be quite extraordinary in their own way. Author Clive Johnson took the classic iconic tales and gave them a makeover with their underlying classical whimsy intact. There is more though, can’t forget about the new clever twist. Who doesn’t like a good twist.
These days re-writing classic tales, fairytales , folklore, folktales, has become a staple in publishing and on the screen. One Thousand and One Nights, affectionately known as Arabian Nights in English editions is a collection of folktales. For me this is the first time I have had the pleasure of seeing a fresh “modern” take (as you would say these days) on it. I can’t say either that I was dissatisfied with it. You never know when you love a classic so much if a the “new” will disappoint. Just thought for me it didn’t…all you hardcore folktale, folklore, fairytales lovers, who just appreciate the classics to the point seeing it altered is blasphemous, maybe thank twice before reading. Others more adventurous and open…you know what you want to do.
There is a story for everybody and everyone to enjoy. This book is for young adults and up. The traditional tales is always a favorite of mine, the contemporary version is enlightening but maybe not for everyone. Its however how the reader may interpret the story. The way one does will determine how much they find it enjoyable. There is fantasy, murder and betrayal, a little of most everything thrown in. A little just for everyone.
The tales of Arabian Nights & Arabian Nights are made up of scoundrel and noble characters. This book is made up of various stories that all tend to be quite extraordinary in their own way. Author Clive Johnson took the classic iconic tales and gave them a makeover with their underlying classical whimsy intact. There is more though, can’t forget about the new clever twist. Who doesn’t like a good twist.
These days re-writing classic tales, fairytales , folklore, folktales, has become a staple in publishing and on the screen. One Thousand and One Nights, affectionately known as Arabian Nights in English editions is a collection of folktales. For me this is the first time I have had the pleasure of seeing a fresh “modern” take (as you would say these days) on it. I can’t say either that I was dissatisfied with it. You never know when you love a classic so much if a the “new” will disappoint. Just thought for me it didn’t…all you hardcore folktale, folklore, fairytales lovers, who just appreciate the classics to the point seeing it altered is blasphemous, maybe thank twice before reading. Others more adventurous and open…you know what you want to do.
There is a story for everybody and everyone to enjoy. This book is for young adults and up. The traditional tales is always a favorite of mine, the contemporary version is enlightening but maybe not for everyone. Its however how the reader may interpret the story. The way one does will determine how much they find it enjoyable. There is fantasy, murder and betrayal, a little of most everything thrown in. A little just for everyone.
May 8, 2017
I enjoyed reading the translations and the afterword sections a lot. I learned things I didn't know and was able to view the tales from a new angle, through a different lens. That part of this book is really well done and enjoyable to read, and easily earns three to four stars. What I didn't enjoy was the retelling sections, in a modern voice. For me, this part was flat and unpolished, the characters didn't feel fleshed out and the dialogue felt unnatural. It was all telling and little to no showing. I ended up skipping over the modern versions and just enjoying the translations and afterward sections. Overall, I feel this would be a better read without the modern versions or with considerable editing and polish but the rest of the read felt very well done. I received an ARC through the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2017
I had the greatest of hopes for this book. Sadly, my hopes were dashed but the book was not a complete waste of time. Rereading my old favorites was quite enlightening and I have to admit some of the insight provided by the author was fun.
I can neither recommend nor lead you away from this book.
I can neither recommend nor lead you away from this book.
September 23, 2016
I remember reading Aladdin and Ali Baba when I was young, imagining I had a magic carpet and could fly all over the world. Now, Clive Johnson has breathed new life into these fantastic stories with his collection of modern-day stories. From Aladdin to Scheherazade to even Sinbad the Sailor, these classical tales are paired with a modern retelling along with detailed analysis and insight.
It’s clear that Johnson is a scholar and has studied these tales. His passion for these stories, as well as the modern retellings, comes through clearly and it drew me in. Seven stories featuring everyday people dealing with astonishing circumstances.
If you loved reading about Sinbad the Sailor or Aladdin as a kid, you’ll love these retellings as an adult. A great way to escape for a few hours and a must read!
My Rating: 4 stars
This review first appeared https://princessofthelight.wordpress....
It’s clear that Johnson is a scholar and has studied these tales. His passion for these stories, as well as the modern retellings, comes through clearly and it drew me in. Seven stories featuring everyday people dealing with astonishing circumstances.
If you loved reading about Sinbad the Sailor or Aladdin as a kid, you’ll love these retellings as an adult. A great way to escape for a few hours and a must read!
My Rating: 4 stars
This review first appeared https://princessofthelight.wordpress....
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews