I confess I wasn't really sure what sort of a book this was nor whether it was my sort of book. I very quickly discovered it was my sort of book even if I don't recall reading anything quite like it before. It's inspired by, and takes its story from, "The Brown Girl" which is one of the Child Ballads. While these were collected together in the 19th century they are far older than that. This and the other ballads are essentially old folk tales a number of which have become folk songs. It is about a wild girl, unnamed, who lives in the woods and falls in love. She calls herself a traveller.

Depending which version of the ballad you look at there is a maximum of 16 four line verses. To make that into this book seems remarkably creative. It weaves myth, legend and folk stories into a tale about love. For me it also asks if the wild can be tamed and what happens then; is madness a possibility.

The writing is really beautiful as I read it - poetic and magical. It also gives a real sense of time and place while being timeless and unbound. I don't recall reading anything quite like this before. It manages to be light and dark and compelling and engaging and much more all at the same time. I guess I'm not absolutely sure who the target audience is however if it appeals to you I think you are the target and you should enjoy this wonderfully rich tale. I rarely re-read books these days - this one may well be an exception. I was simply blown away by this and would love to read another from this author if it was anything like this.

Based on a poem, this short story tells the tale of an unnamed wilding girl who lives alone in a forest until she meets a local lords son and falls in love. Bound by a name, but then betrayed, she seeks revenge on all who scorn her in her attempt to reclaim her powers.

This was a beautiful, almost lyrical book. The prose describing the woods throughout the seasons were delightful, and really transported me into the forest and the world of this untamed girl. I especially loved the times we got to see her transported into the eyes of the forest creatures around her, from vixen to doe, and her interactions with the hawthorn.

Each season is divided into chapters, and start with a poem relating to that season or month. The poems may be old folk tales or rhymes, and I thought they were a lovely touch and added another layer to the story itself. I've heard that the finished book will also include illustrations, which I can image will be just as gorgeous as the writing and the cover of the book, and I can't wait to see them.

At times I found the unnamed girl unlikeable and naive, especially at the beginning. She shows no respect or understanding of the Folk she lives near, although as the story progresses we see this prejudice stems from the Folks misgivings about her. The growing rumours and suspicions and talk of witchcraft that surround the girl as the story progresses really highlights that awful side of humanity that seems to rear its ugly head when we face people we don't truly understand or are somehow different. I also really disliked William, who seemed so easily able to discard this girl he first sees in the woods after showering her with declarations of love, and quickly moves on to the next woman he finds. I felt sorry for Fiona however, I felt that if only the unnamed girl could see how similar they were, both fooled by the same man, they could have been allies but instead she ends up bearing the brunt of the unnamed girl's retribution.

I thought the ending was well concluded, and came full circle. I wasn't expecting it either, which is always a bonus. A wonderfully crafted and magical story.