The Wood Wife - Terri Windling

This book holds a special place in my heart, in some part because it was first recommended by a wonderful friend. The larger part is that it is an enchanting exploration of the desert and its character, entwined with a fantastical realm of Faerie that is deep and haunting. Originally intended to be a book based on Brian Froud's artworks/Faerie realms (Brian Froud on Amazon), after spending some time with the story, and in the desert she so lovingly evokes, it veered into a slightly different realm all her own. While still obviously inspired by the mythopoeic world Froud has created, it stands apart; either as an extension of, or an addition to, this world.

As to the story itself...let's throw some words out there and see what sticks: A murder mystery woven through the realms of urban (and rural/desert) fantasy; Native American folklore and myths enmeshed within the Faerielands; a look within an artist's life and self, shining a dusty sunset light onto her muse. Sounds intriguing, doesn't it? ;)

With beautiful descriptions of, and an obvious familiarity with, the desert and its occupants, I felt like I could smell the sage in the air, feel the dust against my skin, water being sucked away from my body and the land by an always thirsty presence, enfolding me in its delicate systems and realities. The characters are an interesting blend; from the female protagonist, Maggie, a sensitive and bohemian author intent on writing the biography of her poet mentor, and uncovering the odd circumstances surrounding his death -- to the always quixotic Trickster, this time with a definite desert feel in his mischievous ways. The story is engaging after a slightly slow start (if I remember right...the start, that is), with powerful symbolism and a sometimes meditative feel.

Pick up this book and let it carry you away in its saguaro arms...but mind the thorns! ;)

The Wood Wife - Terri Windling