Podcast
The Ezra Klein Show
Patti Smith discussed the dark and 'grim' nature of the original German versions of these fairy tales, noting their raw intensity. She shared how she accepted their darkness as a vital part of the imaginative world, distinct from social reality. The book was highlighted for its profound impact on her early reading and creative development.
Episode: Patti Smith on the One Desire That Lasts Forever
The speaker mentioned reading German versions that were very grim and dark, but accepted them as fairy tales, understanding the separation between the imaginative world and the social world.
Yes, like you, there was the German versions of Grimm's fairy tales that were very grim. That is literally the book I'm talking about. Very grim, very dark. But I also accepted them as what they were, fairy tales.