Booklist

“When the Brothers Grimm published their celebrated folktales, critics took aim at the inclusion of disturbing material unsuitable for children. Modeled after the grimmest of the Grimm tales, Bullington’s debut about a pair of villainous medieval brothers throws aside any concerns for children from the first chapter…Bullington makes little attempt to cast his protagonists as sympathetic anti-heroes; the Grossbarts are cutthroats to the core. Yet Bullington’s masterfully engaging style marks him as a writer of considerable promise.”

  • Review by: Carl Hays

Booklist’s favorable review is mostly plot synopsis but is very much appreciated. Thanks Carl!

Library Journal Review

“...This debut novel is kind of like the unexpurgated versions of Grimm’s fairy tales, as imagined by Chuck Palahniuk on some seriously bad drugs. Bullington clearly has a great appreciation for the rich history of folklore, and his viscerally evocative writing is excellent. On the other hand, he has also clearly gone out of his way to be as disgusting as possible. There are certainly people who will enjoy this book but probably not a lot of them. Verdict A zestfully grotesque adventure; not for the squeamish or faint of heart.”

Meant to post this ages ago. The less mature part of would like to point out that I have by no means gone out of my way to be as disgusting as possible—if I had the result would be something else entirely! Thanks Jenne!

Splice Today

“At this point, a good three quarters of the way through Jesse Bullington’s wildly energetic first novel, I realized exactly why I had been enjoying the book so much. Bullington has given Dark Ages Europe the Deadwood treatment, heaping profanity, humor, grit and violence on the shoulders of a wandering adventure through medieval Europe….Brothers Grossbart is, in its coarse and sanguinary grandeur, rather unlike any other novel I have ever read. Bullington does not dare complex themes—he treads lightly on class conflict, desires for paternal approval, prejudice, the weakness of knowledge in an age of ignorance and the indelible bond of the brothers themselves, but overall he sticks to brisk action and memorably grotesque showstoppers. The novel smacks of Blood Meridian, Army of Darkness, various westerns, maybe Umberto Eco, but despite its multiple influences it belongs wholly to its author.”

The reviewer had some quibbles with the novel but overall enjoyed it, and uses a lot of the magic words that make me happy: Eco, Blood Meridian, Army of Darkness, The Dark Tower, Deadwood, etc. Thanks Ari!

Interzone 226

“Dancing through the grotesque and shit-stained beauty of the medieval, the story cavorts in its possibilities…Bullington’s book expresses joie de vevere throughout, as well as giving periodic knowing winks to the audience. It reminded me of my initial excitement at reading China Miéville or Jeff VanderMeer and the possibilities that they outlined for the reader. The Sad Tale of the Brothers Grossbart asks the reader to continually question what they are expecting from different varieties of the fantastic, in the same way that any of the post-modern fantasy writers have done, whilst also being an engrossing read.”

Interzone is an awesome UK magazine, and Mr. Emsley really nails it with his intelligent, in-depth review. Thanks, Iain!

Strange Horizons

“...Just as we think we’ve found a way to deal with Bullington’s manipulation of our emotion, he comes at us from another direction and overpowers us again. Even in the midst of a deeply negative reaction to this assault, it can’t be denied that Bullington’s ability to navigate these sudden shifts in tone is impressive, and that with The Sad Tale of the Brothers Grossbart he has proven himself to be an extremely talented writer, who has written an unusual, even remarkable, debut in which he showcases a prodigious talent for manipulating his readers’ emotional responses. I say this, however, in much the same way that Doctor Who will on occasion express admiration for the villain of the week’s master plan—it’s very clever, but why would you want to overrun the universe with your hordes of killer robots?”

One of the most thorough and in-depth reviews the novel I’ve received, and one that is all the more intriguing due to the critic’s obvious and stated dislike for the novel. A very interesting read, though one that is, as with most academic examinations of texts, rather spoiler heavy. Thanks for taking the time, Ms. Nussbaum!

Esquire UK

One of their “Three To Read” in their January 2010 issue, with a wee blurb that describes the novel as “raucous, lewd, and grisly.”

An awesome surprise—thanks, Esquire!

The Telegraph

“Jesse Bullington’s modern folk tale reminds us that for most people the Dark Ages were a time not of fearless warriors and fair damsels but of brutish squalor. This is a tale grimmer than the grimmest of the Grimms’, redolent of blood, excrement, vomit and putrefaction. After butchering a farmer’s family, the Grossbart twins, scions of a line of grave-robbers and two of the most loathsome characters in modern fiction, set off for Egypt, where they believe the tombs offer lavish pickings. Along the way the brothers encounter witchery, plague, demonic possession and manifestations of all the fears and myths that inhabited the superstitious minds of medieval man. As the antithesis of conventional fantasy, this is a tour de force, but only for those with a strong stomach.”

My first “tour de force”—exciting! Considering the book seems to be a love-it-or-hate-it novel I’m thrilled to have such praise from the Telegraph; many thanks to Peter for such a great write-up.

Sci-Fi-London’s Favourite Books of 2009

Not a review, but a list of Rob Grant’s ten favorite books of 2009—with The Sad Tale of the Brothers Grossbart ranking number one! Thanks Rob!

The Guardian

From the December 5, 2009 print edition of The Guardian: “To claim that the brothers Grossbart were cruel and selfish brigands is to slander even the nastiest highwayman.”  Thus the first line introduces the unsuspecting reader to a pair of the vilest, meanest, most murderous thugs ever to grace the pages of a fantasy novel … This is not for the faint-hearted or the queasy – imagine Tarantino crossed with Rabelais – but Bullington refrains from moralising and presents a buboes-and-all portrait of life in the middle ages.  It’s not all blood and guts… that the brothers believe they have God on their side in their crusade into the Holy Land adds a level of pertinent satire.’

  • Review by: Eric Brown

The Guardian! The Guardian! Thanks Eric!

San Francisco Book Review

“One is never sure what to expect in a debut novel. With prepublication endorsement from the likes of Jeff VanderMeer, The Sad Tale of the Brothers Grossbart, perhaps unfairly, has a high level of expectation. Fortunately for Jesse Bullington, he’s got the writing and storytelling chops to back up the expectations…Readers who can handle Hegel and Manfried as protagonists will be rewarded with an ultimately rich and entertaining reading experience, that is especially more impressive since it is the author’s first novel.”

Being compared to Angela Carter made me swoon. A thoughtful and choice review, and the author also included the book as one of his three favorite debuts of 2009—thanks a lot, Rob, very much appreciated!

My Wife’s Grandmother

“It makes the Shining look like the Bible.”

  • Review by: Granny

Frankly, this is one of my favorite reviews to date. Thanks for reading, Granny!

Lateral Books

“...The Grossbarts, I think, will remain two of my favourite characters ever created and that’s a fact…There’s humour, action sequences which leave you breathless, dark fairytale monsters and secondary characters caught in the Grossbart web to feel sorry for. You’ve just got everything you need for an absolute ripper of a book…Pageturner? I ate this like it was my last meal.”

A great review that does give away one or two little details, so spoilers ahead and all. Thanks Lucas!

SFFWorld

“This book has a bit of a background behind it, in that the story goes that this debut author was discovered by none other than Jeff Vandermeer, upon whose recommendation the author’s first book was sold. Consequently some have felt that this book is nothing more than the consequence of a literary ‘leg-up’. However, in my opinion that’s a little unfair, because I think the book is good enough not to need such backing. TSTotBG is a morality tale for characters with no morals. It is dark, cynical, and at times unpleasant, VERY unpleasant. And yet, in that strange watching a car-crash manner, an enthralling read…Whilst I would not say this was a book for everyone, the wicked sense of amorality and humour will appeal to many who like their humour dark. Like its amazing cover, it is a satisfyingly clever, well-plotted book that never takes itself too seriously and a very promising debut.”

A great review from Mr. Yon; many thanks!

The Mad Hatter’s Bookshelf and Book Review

“The Sad Tale of the Brothers Grossbart is one of the most original books I’ve read all year in terms of style and it is a debut to boot. It also sports one of the best covers of the year with M.C. Escher like art from István Orosz. The Sad Tale of the Brothers Grossbarts reminds me a lot of Christopher Moore’s recent Fool, only not as nice.  Jesse Bullington twists folktales to places they have never gone before with the strength and bravado of an author much more seasoned. Forget about the Brothers Grimm.  Long live the Brothers Grossbart!”

Not only did Monsieur Hatter’s thoughtful review conclude with a 9 out of 10 Hat rating, but he also named it as the Most Original Debut of 2009 in his end of the year review. Thanks!

Forbidden Planet International

“Its rude and vulgar and nasty in places, but for appropriate effect, not just shock (it suits the historical period and characters perfectly), as it plays brilliantly with Medieval mores, folklore and the old fairy tales before they were cleaned up and sweetened for the delight of children…Its not for the easily offended but for those who do pick it up its one of the most original fantasy novels I’ve read in years (if you loved SF writer Richard Morgan’s hardboiled, noir take on fantasy the other year then this is for you) and, much as I love the genre, it’s fair to say it has more than its share of interchangeable generic series, so its immensely refreshing when someone comes along and kicks the genre up its leather britches-covered behind like this. The Sad Tale of the Brothers Grossbart will be making my list of best books of the year; highly recommended.”

I’m finding very few things as rewarding as stumbling over reviews by people who really get and appreciate what I was going for.

The Bookbag

“Another way to consider this book then is something like the Van Helsing film, or Terry Gilliam’s Brothers Grimm disaster, as redirected by Quentin Tarantino…I don’t want to denigrate the book however by saying it is merely a mash-up of this meets that, or someone a la someone else. It certainly is its own beast….a fantasy that pretty much succeeds in doing what it wants to - offering a very well imbued sense of period, a well-sustained style (I liked the way the glottal speech was spelled out for us all so vividly), and a finely nailed character for the brothers…”

A tidy four star review, and a recommendation, from the UK site, and the conclusion that “...at this point I generally suggest something else similar to read, either linked in style or subject. Well, I’m happily stumped here. There certainly is nothing like this out there.”

What a Nasty Pair They Are!

“...One of those stories where you find yourself laughing and then checking to see if anyone saw because you get an instant twinge of guilt…Bullington’s written word seriously brings to mind the strange worlds Gilliam portrays in his various films. I’m not sure if Bullington is a fan of Gilliam, but since I am, this is a super cool accomplishment in my book.”

Gilliam comparison FTW!

Sci-Fi-London

“A psychopathic Bob ‘n’ Bing on the ‘Road To Hell’ directed by the bastard child of Scorsese and Tarantino…I have to say right off that as debut novels go this is one the best I’ve read, and while it’s a strangely crafted book - the language changes style and it switches POVs seemingly at random from character to narrator and back again - it is utterly absorbing and as fine a tale as you’ll read this year.”

It’s rare indeed that I get a review that manages to draw in Bob Hope and Bing Crosby, yet Mr. Grant succeeds wildly. Bravo!

Innsmouth Free Press

“The Sad Tale of the Brothers Grossbart is disgusting, violent, and filled to the brim with cursing, blaspheming, great quantities of bodily fluids, and just about every manner of degeneracy, and it takes some getting used to…That said, it doesn’t sound like the kind of thing that’s generally for me, either, but after getting my sea legs, I found it to be wonderfully written, clever, funny, and ultimately, brilliantly itself. It’s a debut novel of a kind we rarely see, and I think it’ll divide a lot of people, and get a lot of much-deserved attention.”

A very tidy and honest review from a talking skeleton.

Falcata Times

“If you want spartan description, cracking prose and a tale with the stuff of legends then this is going to be a must own. Great stuff.”

Short and sweet write-up from the good editors at Falcata.

Ekaterina Sedia

“as you might’ve heard, the book is bloody and grim, the protagonists have no redeeming qualities apart from their heretical and often hilarious theological views, and people get murdered left and right. This is not why this book is good, and not even because of its Terry Gilliam-esque Medieval mud and grime, although that one is delightful. I recommend it because it does such a wonderful job capturing that fevered worldview, apparently common in the Dark Ages, most familiar from works like Malleus Maleficarum—the ease of coexistence between things quite mundane and the monsters so horrifying and obscene as to evoke paintings of Bosch and Bruegel the Elder. All of that against the backdrop of plague-ridden Medieval Europe, crime sprees and grave-robbing.”

Ekaternia Sedia is an amazing author, and her thoughts on the novel are witty and on point.

Best Books of 2009—Top 10 Books: Science Fiction & Fantasy

Not really a review, but squeaking into Amazon’s Top 10 F&SF; Books of the Year warrants mention somewhere, I think.

Holy fuck!

Graeme’s Fantasy Book Review

“If all this wasn’t enough, Bullington paints a world appropriately dark and sinister with a confidence that makes you wonder if he knew someone who lived there.”

9 1/2 out of 10 from such a great site makes me incredibly happy.

Fantasy Literature.com

“For me, The Sad Tale of the Brothers Grossbart is what would happen if the Brothers Grimm, Clive Barker, Chuck Palahniuk and Warren Ellis all came together and wrote a novel…”

A 4 1/2 Star review from Robert Thompson, who reprinted it at Fantasy Book Critic as well.

Kirkus

“Fantasy debut plunges viscerally into the depths of medieval nightmare…Deeply rooted in history and folklore, the novel is both earthier and far more cynical than the original versions of Grimms’ fairy tales; it’s a perverse Dark Ages anti-Candide…amusing, skillfully distasteful…at times as grotesquely pleasurable as picking at a scab.”

Romantic Times

“Almost Rabelaisian…Bullington is definitely a promising new writer of the fantastic.”

Genre Go Round

“...satirical medieval pilgrimage is a humorous over the top of the Alps fantasy thriller…”

As with the Publisher’s Weekly review, this one has more spoilers than I usually like in my reviews so proceed with caution. She appears to have given the book four out of five stars on the Barnes and Noble page.

Publisher’s Weekly

“...The mix of grimmer-than-Grimm fairy tale tropes, spaghetti Western dialogue (“Yeah, can’t suffer no traitorous churls to keep on bein traitorous”) and medieval history is striking and often funny…”

OF Blog of the Fallen

“When I finished the novel last night, I was sad that there were no more pages left to read. I usually don’t like caper or anti-hero novels that much, or at least those that bowdlerize the dark aspects of such characters, but The Sad Tale of the Brothers Grossbart grabbed my attention from the first page and I had to keep reading until the final page. This is the best 2009 debut novel that I’ve read, hands down.”

Manages to work in references to The Blues Brothers and Shaft, no mean feat.