Dark and Deepest Red is an interesting retelling. Capturing elements from Hans Christian Anderson’s classic fairy tale The Red Shoes, McLemore uses history to weave her fantasy inspired by the dancing plague of 1518.

The story unfolds through the eyes of three perspectives, two present-day and one from 1518. Capturing both worlds, the author highlights what the dancing plague was about, and the racism people from different cultures feel even in today’s day and age.

That connection to xenophobia is what drives the story, that being different is wrong, when it is not. By challenging that belief, the characters find the strength to be themselves and accept their culture others would have them repress or ignore.

Going beyond that, however, these two stories do not connect as much as the reader would hope. Rose made the shoes, but she has no connection to the plague of 1518, unlike Emil and his family. However, Rose is the one bewitched by her shoes; she is the one trapped. Rose becomes a plot device for Emil to learn about his past and accept his heritage, giving their arc of the story this perspective. In contrast, Lavinia’s arc is about living in fear due to her “exotic” features. Lavinia’s arc is about fighting the bigotry and prejudice in her homeland.

Final Thoughts

Nevertheless, while the connection between these perspectives is a bit of a stretch, it does offer readers a compelling read. They would not have been powerful by themselves, and by latching together, they make the story a whole.

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