The Wild Wood

It’s been a shamefully long time since I last reread this book, considering that it was my very first Charles de Lint novel and the one that got me hooked on his writing, but it is also true that one shouldn’t have too much of a good thing lest it become less special from overabundance and become common. Delving back into the story after so many years was like coming home to the Canadian woods and mountains which surround my hometown, an experience that can’t be replicated elsewhere on earth and speaks to the wildness that seems to live quietly within those of us who grew up in these specific spaces and places. Following artist Eithnie, we are introduced to her unique life in the woods just outside of Ottawa as she begins dreaming show more of the faerie that live nearby and who are being challenged by the encroachment of humanity. De Lint has always had environmental themes resonating throughout his work, but this short novel at once brings these themes home and yet remains one of his most esoterically fey tales in its telling. Bordering the line between dream, art, and reality, Eithnie must face the truth of her past and step into living her present life more openly if she is going to find fulfillment in her chosen path. Her choice during the final pages, the third and seemingly final task of discovery in her journey, to have a child by a mysterious woodsman, to me felt a bit at odds with the story as it unfolded - a sort of unexpected twist and hardness and extreme reaction, even though in the vein of tellings of dealings with faerie rang true. Maybe this story is just closer to the fey truth of the world, and we should remain slightly uncomfortable with it so that we continue questioning the world we see around us and keep striving to make it better. show less

For a book so short, this feels awfully unfocused. Although I felt the pay-off at the end, I was tempted multiple times to abandon the story. I think I will stick with de Lint's longer works, as I find them more satisfying.

The main interest in [The Wild Wood] is that it is [[Charles de Lint]]'s first novel. It's awkward and uneven - alternating from first to third person and back again, and dipping in and of more than one 'mode- from elegiac to pragmatic, from metaphysical debate to preachy (about environmental damage). Eithne Gerrow is an artist in a dry uninspired spell and has retreated to her cabin north of Ottawa where she comes face-to-face with her own sorrows in an unexpected way. In some ways the meta-debate is the best part - is Faerie real? Does it matter if it is real or not? We summon and see the spiritual 'beings' , each in our own way and according to our own needs, to heal ourselves and others. It feels as though de Lint is working out his show more own view of the matter here. My daughter loves his books and has asked me recently, Do you think the world he writes about is real. Do people go there? Have you been there? I gave her pretty much the same answer de Lint comes up with here. All the same, I'm not sure this would be a great place to begin the de Lint adventure; while the writing has the smooth elegance characteristic of de Lint, it's not as well crafted as his later work. Nonetheless it was a fascinating read, watching a writer find himself. ***1/2 show less

I enjoyed this book about different world interacting - the "real" world and the "faerie". Eithnie, an artist, becomes entangled in both as she wrestles with finding her muse and trying to figure out whether the faces she sees in the woods are real or not. I liked de Lint's descriptions of the woods and the sounds Eithnie hears as she moves through them. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, Something Rich and Strange by Patricia McKillip.

Eithnie has always loved the Canadian woods, it was home to her and as an artist she has always found inspiration and comfort among the trees. But now something is different. There is a change in the air and the woods are full of whispers, shadows and visions that fill her with fear. For the first time in her life the woods no longer feel safe, and so Eithnie flees.

In the desert plains of Arizona, a world away from her familiar landscape of trees, Eithnie discovers a new land, a new vision of inspiration, a new understanding for the sparse plains before her and for the wooded lands she left behind. Armed with new courage, Eithnie returns to her woods where she discovers a love she never thought possible and a new future in the woods show more that have always been home.

The Wild Wood is changing, there is a magic in the air and a presence among the trees. But there is also desperation, the woods are dying, crying out for help and only Eithnie has the power to save them, if she has the courage to accept the responsibility. A story of magic and romance, this first book in the Fairyland series is beautifully written by a masterful storyteller bringing to life the magical imagery of an enchanting illustrator. show less

I liked this lot. It was much more grounded in the real world than I expeted though. As in, a modern, real woman set in modern times with real friends and real problems. Usually I prefer pure fantasy, but I often enjoy mixed stories when I read them. She was likeable, and there wasn't really any negative real world angst (to me, anyway). I mean, there are real problems, but it's not all bleak and hopeless.

Anyway, back to the story! It is an interesting, if vague, take on faerie - nothing is set in stone or clearly defined. But this gives it quite an ethereal air. It is written in quite a poetic, complex style too, perhaps characteritic of the author (I don't know his work). It was very beautiful to read, and good at evoking images and show more landscape. The characters are actually very likeable, and there is some "romance" is you can call it that. I couldn't see where the book was going either, until right at the end. Perhaps I just missed the obvious! But I like a bit of 'romance' in a book, when it's done tastefully and well, as this was.

Generally, the book was evocative and ethereal while still containing plenty of description - quite a tricky accomplishment, I think! show less

I enjoyed this quickly read book because it is set in the north woods of Canada and the descriptions remind me so much of what I love about nature. It is a sweet story about a young woman artist dealing with her muses and faeries in the woods. It is also about change and being open to live. In the end, it was a sweet, uplifting read but not hugely remarkable.