The Goose Girl and the Artificial is a novella retelling of “The Goose Girl,” a fairy tale many haven’t read. The original Goose Girl tale is gruesome, but in this steampunk setting, author K. M. Robinson plays with the original elements in a more light-hearted manner. Goselyn is supplanted by her artificial maid, Arta, and she is forced to switch with her. Goselyn tends the geese while Arta negotiates with Prince Delare. It will take a deconstructed butler, a wise king, and a cunning yet brave Goselyn to take down the real threat behind Arta’s rebellion.
This retelling instills a sense of agency and intelligence into the main character, something sorely lacking in the original fairy tale. It also takes liberties with the real villain of the story.
Filled with action and surprises, with certain elements of the original expanded on, The Goose Girl and the Artificial hits the spot for a quick read.