This is fantasy in an old tradition, that of folktale and Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, very different from the rough-and-tumble of modern epic fantasy. Its heroes, in a way, are the forest and the land, threatened by the humans, protected by the faeries. The author asks you to sympathize with both sides, for both villagers and faeries are in their turn menaced by the forces of order and progress ... There’s a longing in the book for a wider and more inclusive world that seems long lost. Well, maybe not quite, for some like Ms. Atwood remember, and can bring it back to life.
Author Atwood has written a unique story based on English folklore and its mythical creatures and worlds. The narrative is told from the points of view of several characters to help understand the plot and mystical landscapes. The world-building is rich in description. The story seamlessly weaves between historical and fantastical backdrops. The underlying theme of discord between the new Christian religion and older pagan beliefs adds another fascinating layer to the conflict ... Walk the Wild with Me immerses the readers into the shapeshifting worlds of Wild Folk and long-forgotten fairies. Recommended for readers who enjoy English folklore.
Atwood puts a twist on the legend of Robin Hood in her first novel that combines the history of Sherwood Forest and the realm of faerie ... This elegant historical fantasy will have readers anticipating Atwood’s next book.
