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Phyllis R. (Rochester Hills, MI)
Grimm Brothers and The Wild Girl
I generally enjoy historical fiction, but "The Wild Girl" was heavy on the history which was set during the Napoleonic Wars with Austrians, Prussians, Russians, and French. This was a time of much political turmoil and extreme poverty for both the Grimm and Wild families.
Henriette Dorothea (Dortchen) Wild lived next door to the Grimm brothers for many years while Wilhelm Grimm was beginning his career of collecting and writing his books of fairy tales and folklore. He first wanted to preserve his folklore for adults and later began to collect, illustrated children's version of "Once upon a time: stories like
…more Snow White, Hansel & Gretel, Rumplestiltskin, et. al.
Their long courtship endured physical and sexual abuse by Dortchen's father and then Dortchen's nightmares, but they were finally married in 1824 and "lived happily ever after."
If you are interested in fairy tales and the times they were collected written, and illustrated, I can recommend "The Wild Girl." (less)The Wild Girl is written about Doutchen Wild, the future wife of Wildhelm Grimm (one of the Grimm brother of fairytale fame). Her life was hard and at times very sad, but the book well chronicled the times and political realities of living during the Napolianic period.
Though I sometimes found gaps in the writing flow, I particularly enjoyed seeing how some of the tales were developed and changed over time. I am now going back to read some of the Grimm's tales with a new view.
I think this would make good reading for a book club that was interested in researching the different versions of a couple of stories.
Sharon R. (Deerfield, IL)
Fairy Tales and the History of the Brothers Grimm
Fairy Tales are a staple in Children's literature. The Wild Girl is the story of a girl, Dortchen Wild and the brothers Grimm who translated and eventually published all our favorites
The Wild Family and the Brothers Grimm live next door to each other in a tiny German kingdom during the turbulent and horrific years of the Napoleonic Wars. Young Dortchen, the fifth daughter, and Wilhelm Grimm become fast friends and eventually lovers despite there difference in ages, Wilhelm being much older. Still, Dortchen tells the best stories and Wilhelm continues to ask her to tell him stories that she has learned, many from
…more her old housekeeper, Maria.
In all fairy and folk takes there are villains, evil, enchantment, and finally, happy endings. Ms. Forsythe does not disappoint. All of the elements are here in this beautiful and well-researched novel which spans nearly twenty years.
Historical fiction lovers will certainly enjoy this powerful story of storytelling and it's roots. (less)Once upon a time ... a Wild girl and a Grimm boy, and an Ogre (Napoleon) shaped the history of early 19th century Europe. The book melded early 19th century German (Hessian) life with historical events and folklore. I found myself looking up the Grimm's, Wild's Napoleon, the kingdom of Hesse-Cassel on wiki. There is an extraordinary amount of history buried in this book.
The author builds a dark side to Dortchen Wild's life and times, and in that way, frames the book into its on folktale that the reader hopes will have a happy ending.
A little disappointed that so much of the familiar story tales were in second
…more half of book, but the historical aspects of the book maintained my interest throughout. In addition, there are 'wives' tales, folklore, herbal medicine scattered throughout, reminding me of Sarah Addison Allen's book Garden Spells.
I highly recommend if you are interested in Disney classics or folktales and desire to know the basis for the modern retellings. Also, if you like books that lead you to want to research more about the key characters, and places. (less)This was my first reading of Kate Forsyth's work, but it will not be my last. The Wild Girl wove together history, fairy tales, and day to day scenarios of German life during Napoleon's rise and fall. To say that it was interesting belittles the scope that Ms. Forsyth achieved. She may have taken liberties with facts, and yes, some of this was difficult to read, but over all, this was a fascinating read. I will re-read my Grimm's with new eyes!
Catherine Z. (Harleysville, PA)
The wild girl
The Wild Girl is the tale of Dortchen Wild and her life growing up amid the turbulent time of Napolean. She falls for Wilhelm Grimm and we learn how the Grimm brothers really obtained their "fairy tales". It took me a little while to get into the book but once I did it was a quick and enjoyable read. I would recommend this book to someone who wanted to read a book that is almost like historical fiction.
Karna B. (Long Beach, CA)
The Wild Girl
The Wild Girl is a fascinating tale with well-developed and memorable characters. The plot is filled with intrigue and as a result carries the reader along. Extremely well-written and an enchanting way of learning how the brothers Grimm created their fairy tales. My only complaint is that at times a felt bogged down in some of the side stories of the minor characters.
Peggy K. (San Diego, CA)
Magical Tales
This was a very interesting book in so many ways. Most readers know a bit about the Grimm brothers but it is safe to say that few may know the story behind those books of fairytales.
Dortchen Wild grew up in Cassel and though she knew the Grimms there was some restriction by her father in association. Both families were poor but the Grimms were already trying to put together a book of tales and Dortchen Wild provided many of them.
Napoleon's Army was laying siege to Europe and fighting was a constant. This might account for the desire by the Grimms to save the folk tales and for Dortchen it may have been part of
…more her love for Wilhelm.
This is a book about that love but it is also a story about growing up in a small town like Cassel. Dortchen's father did not like her association with the Grimms and certainly not her attraction to Wilhelm but this is a very strong willed young woman and she was determined to have that love.
Readers will enjoy watching that love unfold and at the same time learning about how Napoleon changed Europe forever. The characterization in the book is wonderful and you get a real feel for the times.
Book clubs can discuss the war and what it did to the common folk and why these fairytales came to life as they did and how they still matter today. We see them as sweet and romantic tales but in truth they were anything but that.
So pick up the book and be prepared to lose yourself in this world and fall in love with Dortchen and Wilhelm. (less)
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