I fell in love with Storyland and then misplaced my copy before I could finish reading it (I think I accidentally put it into one of the book boxes I’ve already packed in anticipation of moving) so I made sure I would not commit such folly with Amy’s second, excellent tome. Wild is just as wondrous as the blurb makes it sound, her retellings spellbinding and her commentaries enlightening and bringing added depth to tales that already felt embracingly human. Her lightness of touch combined with stunning imagary weave wonderful magic, enhanced by the beautiful illustrations. I am really rather tempted to get a copy of the audiobook, where the wood engravings have been replaced by music to ensure the listener receives a similar experience to the reader.   

You do not need to have any familiarity whatsoever with the early medieval texts that Amy has worked with but if, like me, you have come across some of them already you may find yourself thinking “is this …” and then being rather pleased to find out you guessed right. I know I will be returning to this book again and again and I’ve already copied out the futher reading list for use the next time I’m at the library or in a second hand book shop.