I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Lars Bo Appel discusses the dangers of losing one’s sense of self in the modern world and self-expression in the book Fables from Villa Viva: The Stupid Goose.
The Synopsis

Step into Villa Viva, a world where fables aren’t just stories—they’re a reflection of the world we live in. A compelling and insightful tale, The Stupid Goose delves into the struggle for true freedom in a world where independent thought is often dismissed. Inspired by classic storytelling but deeply relevant to today, this book challenges the dangers of group behavior and the loss of self-expression in modern society.
Meet The Stupid Goose:
In this first tale, we follow The Stupid Goose—a character as insightful as she is misunderstood. While others turn a blind eye, she sees what they refuse to acknowledge. But rather than being praised, she’s dismissed as ‘stupid’ by those who prefer comfort over truth. Her journey is a reminder that seeing clearly and speaking up can be lonely—but it’s a path worth taking.
Why This Book Is for You:
- A Thought-Provoking Fable: Blending humor, charm, and a touch of philosophical wisdom, The Stupid Goose invites readers to think for themselves and see beyond the surface of the world around them.
- Relatable Characters, Real-World Parallels: The struggles within Villa Viva mirror real-world challenges—peer pressure, personal responsibility, and the courage to stay true to yourself.
- For Readers Who Value Independent Thought: If you’ve ever questioned something that others blindly accepted, this book is for you.
Perfect For:
- Fans of classic fables and innovative storytelling, where lessons bear real-world significance
- Curious minds and lifelong learners who enjoy stories that entertain while stimulating deep reflection
- Educational settings—whether in schools, homeschools, or one-on-one learning—as a valuable teaching resource.
…
Dare to think differently—step into Villa Viva and see the world through new eyes. Get your copy of The Stupid Goose today.
The Review
What a fun and engaging read! The author did a remarkable job of capturing the tone and heart of a fable, expertly crafting a narrative that felt fresh and unique in each tale while showcasing a unique theme or message. The warm and creative artwork accompanying each fable felt like a great way to harken back to one’s youth and explore essential messages for a more modern audience.
The themes these fables played with were so thought-provoking as well. The idea of corporate overreach and how it impacts smaller businesses and individuals as well came to life perfectly in the first fable, while further themes of individuality versus conformity and how free thought and expression are so important in this modern and digital age, and allow readers to see how free expression is needed even in our literature in an age when censorship is at an all-time high.
The Verdict
Exciting, fun, and yet profound in thought, author Lars Bo Appel’s “Fables from Villa Viva: The Stupid Goose” is a must-read modern-day book of fables. The twists and turns each fable takes and the necessary and valuable lessons modern-day readers can take away from them will make a lasting impression while entertaining readers. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Website – https://wildernessstate.com/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wildernessstate/
Discover more from Author Anthony Avina
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Pingback: Interview with Author Lars Bo Appel