This is a collection of stories dedicated to lovers of folklore and whimsy. Yet, simultaneously, so much more than that.
A common theme throughout many stories in myth and folktales is the painting of men as the heroes; women often as sly and manipulative, wild, in need of taming like nature itself. Yet these stories have been reimagined.
Taking inspiration from tales across Europe, Sharon Blackie’s first collection of short stories has woven tales of magic imbued with power. These tales are a deep immersion into the world of the shapeshifting women of folklore, and the landscapes they inhabit. These are the stories about women’s strength and their courage in the face of adversity.
Reading this book angered me at times; not due in any part to the writing, but simply because although the stories were fairy tales, as is with many fabrications there were elements of truth held within the words.
What I mean by this is that each tale holds its own important message; some clearer than others, some up for interpretation of the reader. But the themes that are dominant throughout is the idea of freedom to lead your own life not influenced by society, and how we connect to nature.
Sharon Blackie paints a vivid world asking us to ‘listen’ - in some ways these stories are a call to arms, a war cry against all that has become normal. It’s a cry for help, to rebuild our fractured relationship with nature through connecting to our forgotten heritage of being part of nature itself.
Deeply moving and hauntingly beautiful, Foxfire, Wolfskin is for the wild children, who yearn for the feel of earth between their toes and the bite of the wind whipping hair in their face. For those who want to get lost in the woods and run with the wolves nipping at their heels, those unafraid of the wilderness within.
