The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty

About “The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty”

In the traditional folktale of "Sleeping Beauty," a spell casts a princess and her castle into a deep sleep, which can only be broken by a prince's kiss. Anne Rice, writing as A.N. Roquelaure, retells this story in the first book of a trilogy. She explores the hidden connections between the tale and sexual desire, changing the prince's action from a kiss to a sexual initiation. In this version, the prince's reward for breaking the spell is the princess's complete submission. Rice's work delves into themes of erotic yearning and fantasy, offering a provocative and imaginative take on a classic story. The novel, published in 1983, is noted for its storytelling and erotic content.