Having just finished R.F Kuang's Katabasis and working on another project involving the idea of Katabasis, this book could not have come at a better time. I enjoyed the idea that the setting of fairy tales and myths play more than just a symbolic role in their respective stories. The tone of the writing (especially when read by the narrator) felt conversational.

However, as someone who has studied classics and literature extensively in university, a lot of the context and explanations felt surface level. There were stories and their explanations but perhaps I was expecting more references to other key bodies of work in folklore studies or a nuanced take on the stories instead of a brief outline. Often stories are introduced quickly and in passing without reference to the various versions of the tales and how they could have transformed our understanding of the setting. I found this the case with the Descent and Ascension stories, namely of Inanna and Persephone.

I think this would be a great book for introductory readers looking to grasp the different 'places' and how they resonate within stories- especially in relation to modern fiction.

Such an interesting take and explanation of the stories we grew up hearing, reading, and watching! An insightful way to look at the mechanics of the tales we love as well as how they may relate to each other.

Have you ever wondered if your favorite childhood story meant something more than the girl falling for the hero? This book explores the deeper meanings behind those stories. Several stories are brought up that I either forgot or hadn’t heard of, you got a brief overview of the story and then a deeper explanation of it. This was an interesting read that I will use when I read future books. If you’re looking for something that will help you think past the enjoyment of a story give this book a read!

The concept behind Once Upon a Place: Forests, Caverns & Other Places of Transformation in Myths, Fairy Tales & Film is undeniably intriguing. However, the execution falls short of its potential. Rather than offering deep, insightful explorations of its themes, the book skims the surface, often reading more like a junior high textbook than a thoughtful analysis. Key ideas are introduced but not fully developed, leaving the reader wanting more substance and depth.

While the premise of Once Upon a Place is interesting, I found the execution fell flat. The author often made claims without providing much support, which made it hard for me to stay engaged. The retellings of familiar fairy tales and myths, which I usually enjoy, felt dry and lacked the spark that makes those stories so enduring.

That said, I do want to highlight that the audiobook narrator (April Doty) did a lovely job. Her delivery brought variety to the material, which made listening easier than reading might have been. Ultimately, this book wasn’t for me, but readers who enjoy reflective explorations of myth and symbolism may connect with it more than I did.

Thank you to Holly Bellebuono, Tantor Media, and NetGalley for the audiobook ARC.

This is a fascinating literary analysis that explores the deeper meaning of places in legends, myths, folktales, and children’s stories. If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, this might not be the book for you, but if you have even a passing interest, I’d encourage you to give it a try.
Bellebuono divides her exploration into thematic categories; the Cavern, the Deep, the Vessel, the Forest, and the Labyrinth. The author shows how these settings shape the universal Hero’s Journey. Alongside these archetypal places, she highlights recurring character elements such as the Descent and Resurrection, the Beast and the Guide, and Chaos and the Void. What I appreciated most was her global perspective: she doesn’t just focus on European myths, but also includes tales from indigenous traditions across Africa, South America, and North America, reinforcing the idea that these patterns are not Eurocentric but deeply human.
This book had me thinking deeper into the books that I read - I typically read Fantasy/Romantasy genres, and i feel like a lot of the books I read are pretty unique within themselves... However reading Bellebuono's piece has made me consider the categories and recurring character elements that a story can be broken down into, and given me fresh insight in how these play out, even in the most unique novel. I don't think I'll look a book in the same way!

I have to be honest, I would buy this book as a physical book. I struggled with the audiobook as I didn't vibe with the narrator's voice sadly.

Something of a companion to Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces, this book explores the archetypal locations that shape a hero’s journey. Bellebuono walks readers through places such as the Cavern, the Deep, the Vessel, the Forest, and the Labyrinth, unpacking their symbolic meanings and illustrating each with examples from myth, legend, folktales, and film.

I found the book both interesting and concise. The short story snippets in each section were especially enjoyable, keeping the material lively and accessible rather than overly academic. That said, a few of the location explanations felt a bit drawn out, and I occasionally caught my mind wandering while listening.

Overall, Once Upon a Place is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in comparative mythology or storytelling.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Media for an advance copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This was an easy 5 ⭐️ book for me. I loved everything about this, from the fairytales, folklore and mythology to the magical places and people. I had such a great time with this
The narration was clear, the length was perfect and never too long or rambling. Each tale and place was short and to the point whilst giving good information
This book would make a wonderful gift and this is something I would buy a hard copy of for my shelves

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book