The Ugly Sisters and other stories

A collection of three novellas and two short stories. 'The Ugly Sisters' is an imaginative retelling of the story of Cinderella from a different perspective. Were the stepsisters as black as they are painted? Were the slippers really made of glass? As for the pumpkin coach and the mouse footmen, read on...'Pontifex Rex' is about an aged king who makes a pact with the devil to achieve immortality. This is the story of the consequences.'Windows in Heaven'is the tale of a compassionate young angel who is fascinated by the scenes on earth he sees through the heavenly windows.
Unlike his contemporaries he shows no ambition to follow any heavenly career. Much to the surprise of his teacher, he wishes only to help suffering humanity. But he does not realize that humanity, as a punishment for their persistent sinfulness, have been put beyond the pale of angelic intervention.'The Convocation of the Animals'is a fable of Africa. When the Kingdom of the Beasts surrenders to democracy the will of the majority prevails in all matters of common interest.
The results are not universally beneficial, with unforeseen and far reaching effects.'The Guru' is a story that demonstrates that wise advice is wasted on fools.