Letters to Annie: A Grandmother's Dreams of Fairy Tale Princesses, Princes, & Happily Ever After

Dr. Monika Hilder’s Letters to Annie is an enchanting novel that is part children’s literature, part adult fantasy literature, and part wisdom literature. The insights that the grandmother narrator shares with Annie emerge from discussions of a rich array of fairy tales. Hilder’s take on these fairy tales is nothing like the dumbing down so characteristic of the Disney franchise. Rather, the author mines the deep repositories of culture for timeless truths that speak to Annie as she grows from child to adult. And as the novel traces the growth of Annie by her responses to the fairy world, the novel also features the aging of the grandmother.This is a novel for all seasons and for all ages. In its wisdom, Letters to Annie hearkens to the literary classics, and in its relevance, it fits comfortably with current young adult fiction. Hilder is not afraid to tackle the “problem” fairy tales that traffic in violence and assign worth by external beauty. Instead, the author is always attuned to the ways that fairy tales redeem themselves from these imposed limitations. Monika Hilder’s novel is a gift to the imagination. The author’s note sets the tone for the entire novel, especially her quotation of Dorothy L. Sayers: “The only way to deal with the past is to accept the whole past, and by accepting it, to challenge its meaning.” I found the meaning of my life challenged and enlarged by this jewel of a book.David AnonbyAssistant Professor of English

This charming epistolary story - in the form of letters from a fictional grandmother to her granddaughter - draws on Hilder’s deep knowledge of literature and culture, both as an academic and as a creative writer, and is, among other things, a testament to the value of investing time into young people’s lives, a demonstration of love in action. Recommended.

As a busy parent, I enjoyed being able to spend some time at the end of the day to pick up Dr. Hilder’s “Letters to Annie” and read another chapter or two. This book is very reflective and full of deep meaning and truth. A few times, I even found myself moved to tears! I highly recommend this timeless and beautifully written book as being suitable for all ages, especially for those who love classic fairy tales.

I received this book as a gift and I was captivated from page one. I cannot praise it highly enough! It was thought-provoking, pleasantly surprising, and deeply moving. As someone who had both my grandmothers pass away, reading this book was like hearing them speak to me again. Each letter tells the kinds of stories I hope to share with my own children and grandchildren someday. If you want a deeper look at the timeless themes and valuable life lessons contained in classic fairy tales, this book is for you. I very HIGHLY recommend this charming, heart-warming book for readers of all ages!

Monika has done an excellent job of connecting important life lessons with classical children's literature in a very personal way as she writes letters to her make believe granddaughter, Annie. Each letter leaves the reader feeling nostalgic and encouraged at the same time. I highly recommend.