Modern retellings of fairy tales, including A Sorceress Comes to Call, often explore the underlying themes and moral complexities of the original narratives while reinterpreting them for contemporary audiences. The classic tale of “The Goose Girl,” for instance, revolves around themes of identity, betrayal, and the struggle for agency. In the original story, a princess is betrayed by her maid and must reclaim her rightful place, highlighting the fragility of trust and the power dynamics between women. The maid’s actions not only steal the princess’s identity but also reveal the societal pressures that can lead individuals to betray those closest to them.

Contemporary adaptations of this fairy tale allow writers to delve deeper into these themes, using the familiar structure as a foundation for richer character development and emotional complexity. T. Kingfisher’s narrative expands on the original by exploring the oppressive relationship between Cordelia and her mother, Evangeline, emphasizing the impacts of emotional abuse and the quest for autonomy. This transformation of the characters illustrates how modern retellings can give voice to those who are often marginalized, particularly women navigating difficult familial dynamics.