The Girl in Red
“From the national bestselling author of Alice comes a postapocalyptic take on the perennial classic "Little Red Riding Hood"...about a woman who isn't as defenseless as she seems. It's not safe for anyone alone in the woods. There are predators that come out at night: critters and coyotes, snakes and wolves. But the woman in the red jacket has no choice. Not since the Crisis came, decimated the population, and sent those who survived fleeing into quarantine camps that serve as breeding grounds for death, destruction, and disease. She is just a woman trying not to get killed in a world that doesn't look anything like the one she grew up in, the one that was perfectly sane and normal and boring until three months ago. There are worse threats in the woods than the things that stalk their prey at night. Sometimes, there are men. Men with dark desires, weak wills, and evil intents. Men in uniform with classified information, deadly secrets, and unforgiving orders. And sometimes, just sometimes, there's something worse than all of the horrible people and vicious beasts combined. Red doesn't like to think of herself as a killer, but she isn't about to let herself get eaten up just because she is a woman alone in the woods...
A Gripping Post-Apocalyptic Retelling of Little Red Riding Hood
Christina Henry's "The Girl in Red" is a captivating reimagining of the classic fairy tale "Little Red Riding Hood" in a post-apocalyptic world. The novel seamlessly blends familiar elements of the original story with a thrilling survival tale, creating a unique and suspenseful read.
Red, the protagonist, is a complex and compelling character. Unlike the innocent young girl of the original tale, Christina Henry's Red is hardened by the harsh realities of the post-apocalyptic world. She is a skilled survivor, fiercely independent, and unafraid to fight for her life. Red's internal conflict between her desire for safety and her thirst for revenge adds depth and intrigue to her character.
The world-building in "The Girl in Red" is excellent. Henry paints a vivid picture of a desolate landscape ravaged by a deadly virus. The reader is constantly reminded of the dangers that lurk around every corner, creating a sense of constant tension and suspense. The story alternates between Red's present journey through the woods and flashbacks to her life before the crisis, adding further depth to the world and Red's character.
One of the novel's strengths is its exploration of themes such as survival, trust, and the nature of good and evil. In this post-apocalyptic world, morality becomes blurred, and Red is forced to make difficult choices about who she can trust and what she is willing to do to survive. The story raises thought-provoking questions about human nature and the lengths we go to in the face of adversity.
The writing in "The Girl in Red" is both lyrical and suspenseful. Henry's descriptions are vivid and evocative, drawing the reader into the story and making them feel like they are right there alongside Red on her journey. The pacing is well-balanced, alternating between moments of quiet reflection and high-octane action sequences.
Overall, "The Girl in Red" is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of dystopian fiction and fairy tale retellings. It is a well-written and suspenseful story with complex characters and a captivating world. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a read that will stay with them long after they turn the last page.
Here are some additional points to consider:
- The novel is not a straightforward retelling of "Little Red Riding Hood." While it borrows elements from the original story, it also diverges in many ways, creating a fresh and original narrative.
- "The Girl in Red" is a dark and violent novel. It is not suitable for younger readers or those who are sensitive to violence.
- The novel has been praised for its strong female protagonist and its exploration of feminist themes.
If you are looking for a unique and suspenseful read, I highly recommend "The Girl in Red." It is a well-written and thought-provoking story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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Christina Henry, American Novelist 
Horror and Dark Fantasy Author
Christina Henry, born on August 13, 1974, is an accomplished American novelist recognized for her contributions to the horror and dark fantasy genres. Under the pseudonym Christina Henry, derived from her name (Tina), her husband's name (Chris), and her son's name (Henry), she has crafted captivating narratives that often delve into retellings of classic children's tales.
Biography:
- Christina Henry resides in Chicago, Illinois, with her husband and son. Her love for the written word began at a young age, expressing a lifelong desire to be a writer.
Literary Works:
- Henry's notable works include the national bestseller series, Black Wings, featuring the character Maddy Black.
- She gained acclaim for her unique retellings of classic children's tales, such as the Chronicles of Alice series, which offers a dark and twisted perspective on Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
- Other renowned works include Lost Boy (2017), an origin story of Captain Hook from J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan, and The Girl in Red (2019), a post-apocalyptic reinterpretation of Little Red Riding Hood.
- In addition to horror and dark fantasy, Henry has explored historical fantasy with novels like The Mermaid, which revolves around P.T. Barnum and the Fiji Mermaid.
Notable Novels:
- Near the Bone - A horror/thriller that unfolds as a woman finds herself trapped on a snowy mountain with various monsters.
- The Ghost Tree - A coming-of-age horror novel that follows a teenage girl growing up in a small town marked by mysterious deaths.
Chronicles of Alice Series:
- Alice
- Red Queen
- Looking Glass
Podcasting and Interests:
- Apart from her writing, Christina Henry is engaged in podcasting, showcasing her passion for storytelling in different forms.
- She has a keen interest in various cinematic elements, including a fondness for movies featuring samurai, zombies, and subtitles.
- Henry enjoys running long distances and indulges in her love for sushi in her spare time.
Online Presence:
- Website: www.christinahenry.net
- Facebook: authorChristinaHenry
- Instagram: authorChristinaHenry
- Twitter: @C_Henry_Author
- Goodreads: CHenryAuthor
Christina Henry's literary journey encompasses a diverse range of narratives that captivate readers with their dark fantasy elements, creative retellings, and explorations of horror in various forms.
This story might take some people out of the suspension of disbelief because the mentions of a red hoodie, going to grandma’s house, and the direct (clunky) comparison of the dangerous people in a chaotic world to wolves...is pretty heavy handed. The fable within the story is not subtle, and it’s not at all hidden. For those of us who don’t care about being fancy, and will give anything written well an honest try (and TBH have read fan fiction before and aren’t snobs about rejecting story variants), this is a good read.
This fun, fast paced novel was a quick read. It does get quite gory in places, especially when Red wields her trusty axe to slay the bad guys (some human, some not). Red is a smart and capable heroine with an encyclopedic knowledge of post-apocalyptic movies and books so knows what she needs to do to survive. There were some unresolved issues for me and I would have liked a bit more resolution in the ending. Overall, it was an enjoyable, suspenseful read and I'll be adding more of Christina Henry's books to my reading list.
