"The Sleeper and the Spindle" is a short story by Neil Gaiman that subverts the traditional fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty. In this retelling, a queen sets out on a quest to save a nearby kingdom from a sleeping curse that has befallen its princess. The queen, accompanied by a group of dwarf miners, journeys through treacherous terrain and battles a horde of enchanted sleepwalkers before reaching the kingdom. There, she discovers the truth about the curse and must make a difficult decision that will determine the fate of the princess and her own future. Gaiman's writing is lyrical and rich, weaving together elements of traditional fairy tales with modern sensibilities. The story is accompanied by striking illustrations by Chris Riddell, which add to the sense of magic and wonder. Overall, "The Sleeper and the Spindle" is a compelling and thought-provoking retelling of a classic fairy tale that will delight readers of all ages.
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