Charles, the Maiden and the Ogre: A Modern-Day Fairy Tale by Sorcha Duggan

Charles, the Maiden and the Ogre is the title of what can only be described as a modern-day fairy tale. It is a story that is truly original in every sense of the word. It is well worth the read, if only for the fact that it is unlike any book you will have read before.

Written and illustrated by Sorcha Duggan, it tells the story of Charles, the titular character, whose pre-occupations include girls, music and books in that order. Only his closest friend, the writer and philosopher knows the true source of his unrest. She contrives a way to bring his dreams to life. What follows is a fast-paced, quirky tale of honour, chivalry, romance with humour aplenty all packed into just 20 pages, including illustrations.

The story of Charles, the Maiden and the Ogre was first aired when it was entered in a short story competition organised by Company Magazine. It finished one of two runners-up and was lavishly praised by the judges. Company Magazine editor, Sam Baker remarked, "I can honestly say there is no other story quite like it."

It was published in a limited edition paperback in 2011, but is now available in unlimited format as a Kindle e-book. The Kindle edition of Charles, the Maiden and the Ogre is available to buy from Amazon. Copies of the printed edition can be purchased online from the website of The Manuscript Publisher and other retail outlets.

These videos are from the launch of Charles, the Maiden and the Ogre,  which took place at Sweeny’s Pharmacy, Dublin – an historic landmark mentioned in Joyce's Ulysses.