A beautifully written collection of fairytales, some dark and some playful. They are enchanting and mysterious, with galaxies full of quirk and charm. The writing is poetic and warming. I didn’t want it to end. My only criticism is that I would want a little more unpacking of these tales at times. I wanted more, to get a little deeper. But, can that really be a criticism? I wanted more!

The Beginning of the World in the Middle of the Night is a collection of weird and wonderful short stories, making connections with old fairy tales while also bringing up modern problems. But for me, the stories varied greatly in quality: many I could not figure out (though I think they might improve upon a reread) and others I loved deeply. What I was able to appreciate through every piece however is Jen Campbell´s brilliant imagination - this book is filled with extraordinary things.

I'm holding off on rating this for the moment, because none of them seem right. I got this book solely because I watch Jen Campbell's BookTube channel and enjoy it. It's not anything I would normally read, as along with not being big on short stories, I am less of a fantasy or fairy tale fan. Harry Potter and King Arthur are as far I go. So I would have been really surprised if I just loved this off the bat, and I didn't. Mostly I was just confused. Parts I did like, were, no surprise, where she provides non-fictional background information.... I was pleased to see a story centered around "Ecce Ancilla Domini" by Rossetti, a favorite of mine. The creatively level is high, I can hear her voice, I just found myself saying "huh?" a lot. Which is why I will just sit on this and try it again later.

A wonderful eclectic collection of short stories from an author more known for her poetry. This background in poetry allowed an almost lyrical feel to some of her prose. I found myself picking up the book to read one story and falling headfirst into the book and being unable to stop devouring them.

3.5/5 ⭐

A wonderful collection. My favourite stories were: Aunt Libby's Coffin Hotel, Margaret and Mary and the End of the World and Animals.

My favourites were: animals, bright white hearts and margaret and mary and the end of the world.

The concept is interesting and promising but the execution is underwhelming and boring? Not gonna lie but most of the stuff seemed also unnecessary like explaining fish??? I know the last story was about an aquarium but still.... Jumping from one sentence unrelated to the next was confusing and meh. Props to the cover i wouldn't have tried it if it wasn't for the gorgeous cover lol

I picked this up after hearing Jen Campbell interviewed on a podcast, and was excited to read the collection of fairy tales! Well how wrong was I?!?! The fact she was being interviewed by friends so they only had good things to say, should have sent warning alerts!!!

This was not for me! Her writing style is .....? Jumpy? Too many thoughts? Verbal diarrhoea? I honestly hated the book, and trust me I forced myself hoping the next story would grab me!

Off to the charity shop for the book...and trust me that is saying alot as I love my books snd lend them out, rarely give away!