In Colin Meloy’s novel Wildwood, an ordinary life becomes extraordinary for Prue McKeel and Curtis Mehlberg. Prue’s baby brother, Mac, is kidnapped by a murder of crows under her watch, and she absolutely must bring him home. When her classmate Curtis learns what happened, he insists on helping her.
The murder of crows have taken Mac into what locals call the Impassable Wilderness, a dense and tangled forest that no one on the outside should be able to cross through. Prue and Curtis, however, do so with ease. When they become separated, bigger questions begin to loom: What is Wildwood? How were they able to pass through so easily? What are the Dowager Governess Alexandra’s true intentions?
Themes of grief, desire to belong, friendship, trust, yearning, and honor are deftly woven throughout this novel and shown through its many human and animal characters’ responses to the obstacles they face. No character in this novel is ever painted to be purely perfect or evil. There is room for fear, sadness, and other human emotions.
Wildwood is the first in a series. I am curious to see how this will continue and how it ends for everyone. Colin Meloy’s nature writing is wonderful to relax in after a long day. The chapter structure, with alternating scenes between Curtis and Prue, works well. Overall, this was a satisfying read.
No comments:
Post a Comment