The Fair Folk is a romance - not the lovey-dovey kind, but a darker one - between a woman and the magic from her childhood (in this case taking form as the fae). It takes a careful examination of how childhood magic fits - or doesn’t fit - into reality with a bittersweet ending. There were so many twists and turns I did not expect that kept you guessing at how it will all end. Also about why it all happened in the first place.

I really enjoyed the folktale-like writing style of the book. It fit with the theme and made the story that much more symbolic and meaningful. The way the different parts broke up the story and text gave a very smooth, low-key reading experience. A slight contrast to the darker themes happening in the novel.

I am always surprised when I like a contemporary novel as it is not my normal genre, and I was happy to have greatly enjoyed this one. The contrast of fantasy merging into reality was fascinating. As an avid reader fantasy often merges into my reality, so I could relate. And even if your life is not filled with fantasy in any sense, I think everyone can find the contrast of childhood idealism and plodding adulthood an interesting, relatable theme to explore.