Gift Books

„Originally, he wanted to write a book for children. It was meant to be a Christmas present for a friend's daughter, but then it took a dark turn. Having a story with castles made of gingerbread, enchanted princesses and the whole Christmas Eve thing, was well enough, but a story wouldn't be a real story for him without a few vengeful mice and bloodthirsty tin soldiers added to the mix.”

(Excerpt from: “24 amusing literary puzzles”, on ETA Hoffmann's "The Nutcracker".)