I have always been vaguely insulted by the 'cleaning up' of what are meant to be teaching stories told in a relaxed setting. Life isn't clean and sexless and cleaning up a story that is meant to delve into the underside of life can give a warped view of reality and human nature to young adults just striking out on their own. For this reason I have to admit that I like it when an author sets out to 'reclaim' a fairy story and return to it the innate dignity and reality that has been stripped away. 'In Sleeping Beauty's Bed' by Mitzi Szereto is not one of these types of books.

This book is a wonderful, light book of reclaimed fairy tales meant to be read by adults who have lived a while in the world and have experienced enough kinkiness to be able to appreciate the subtle descriptions and innuendo that fills each tale of the book.

Mitzi Szereto begins each tale with a possible time line of where and when each tale could have begun, and why it might have been told. It is by no means an exhaustive history but it provides some background and interesting facts that the reader may not know. These stories are not graphic in their depictions of sex acts instead they employ fairy tale language and one is reminded of the innocence of the protagonist.

There are 15 tales retold in this book from more obscure tales like 'The magic Muntr' and Mighel Michelkleiner's Good Luck' to old favorites like 'Rapunzel', 'Cinderella' and 'The Sleeping Beauty'. Each story is relatively short and well written. The twists and turns in each story are charming and thought provoking rather than bodice rippingly erotic.
The book begins with a Preface written by Tobasha Learner that introduces both Mitzi Szereto and her stories in such a way that one is quickly ready to suspend all preconceived notions about fairy tales and just enjoy this new interpretation of old favorites. The reader is then given an opportunity to hear about the thoughts and intent behind the writing of this book from the author, herself. In her Introduction, Ms. Szereto tells us about how fairly tales have changed through the ages and a bit about why. She then recounts her own desire to retell the stories adding back into the expurgated texts the sex that was stripped away in the name of morality. In doing so she changes each story and crafts something that is unique and her own.

The book seems to flow from 'Cinderella' through some less well known tales and lest the reader become lost in the newness of these unfamiliar tales sprinkled in are tales that are perennial childhood favorites, all with an erotic twist. Averaging 6-9 pages, not including the introduction to each tale, these stories are a medium length read. Not too late for a quick story before bed but certainly not short enough to read on a quick break at work.
The cover of the book is actually very discreet. It is an erotic picture of a woman draped in sheer pink organza laying on her side on a white, pillowy mattress. She is apparently sleeping and one cannot see anything that would leave the picture considered immodest. Printed beside the sleeper is the title of the book in red. A short review of the book is printed in small font above the title and in an orange stripe along the bottom of the cover are the words 'Erotic Fairy Tales by Mitzi Szereto'. It might be safe for all workplaces but it didn't generate any sort of reaction reading this book in public even at a restaurant. The book is an oversized paperback of the same high quality I have come to expect from Cleis Press.

Mitzi Szereto has written and edited a number of books that span all genres. Her personal blog and webtv channel are included in the 'About the Author' section at the end of this book.

Imagine if you will that Cinderella's prince actually meant what he said when he mentioned in a lovesick voice that he loved that little glass slipper. What is Rapunzel's wicked guardian had simply cut off her hair rather than banishing her from the tower? What if the Shrew was tamed through exposure to BDSM and subservience? All of these questions are answered in this book and I was amused, delighted and entranced by each and everyone of the stories! The language won't leave you reaching for your favorite vibrator but it will leave you intrigued and entertained. Truly this is a great story to read just before turning out the light and slipping into sleep.

This book got loaned out to a friend and returned rather dog eared! Her partner was totally taken by the lush writing and unique take on the fairy tales. I may actually have to order another copy since this one is getting rather beat up.