This is the short blurb from Amazon:
"Leaving behind her fashionable West Coast
life, Maggie Black comes to the Southwestern desert to pursue her
passion and her dream. Her mentor, the acclaimed poet Davis Cooper, has
mysteriously died in the canyons east of Tucson, bequeathing her his
estate and the mystery of his life--and death.
Maggie is astonished by the power of this harsh but beautiful land and captivated by the uncommon people who call it home--especially Fox, a man unlike any she has ever known, who understands the desert's special power.
As she reads Cooper's letters and learns the secrets of his life, Maggie comes face-to-face with the the wild, ancient spirits of the desert--and discovers the hidden power at its heart, a power that will take her on a journey like no other."
Andyroo and I had a chat about it this morning over a cuppa. It is one of his favorite books too. We both like how many threads it has going through it, and how authentic it is. A lot of people write about spirits or mythological beings these days, since it is so fashionable to do so, but Terri writes from a depth of knowledge and experience that many lack.
One of our favorite threads is the shamanistic feel of the book and in particular, Fox's relationship with his desert home. He has a sense of place and belonging, a way of relating to his surroundings, that I think many Druids work towards, though this is not a novel about Druids.
We both love books where the Unseen begins to come into the lives of 'normal' people. It does so for Maggie Black, the main character of this book and it truly does open her eyes, as anyone can have their eyes opened if they begin to live in their environment with presence and an open heart.
The passion for creativity that is shown in many ways in, "The Woodwife," always inspires me. If I am not doing enough creating myself, a read of this book will get me going again because I begin to feel a wild jealousy in my breast for what the characters are doing and just have to join in.
There is love, there is learning, there is danger, there is compassion and calm, and there are great characters to meet.
Terri has a great blog that is always good for a bit of extra inspiration, as is full of quotes and musings on the creative life, and she finds the most amazing art to illustrate her posts with. She is an inspiration to many. An Inspiratrix, as my Blissful Sister, Ba, would say. :)
Maggie is astonished by the power of this harsh but beautiful land and captivated by the uncommon people who call it home--especially Fox, a man unlike any she has ever known, who understands the desert's special power.
As she reads Cooper's letters and learns the secrets of his life, Maggie comes face-to-face with the the wild, ancient spirits of the desert--and discovers the hidden power at its heart, a power that will take her on a journey like no other."
Andyroo and I had a chat about it this morning over a cuppa. It is one of his favorite books too. We both like how many threads it has going through it, and how authentic it is. A lot of people write about spirits or mythological beings these days, since it is so fashionable to do so, but Terri writes from a depth of knowledge and experience that many lack.
One of our favorite threads is the shamanistic feel of the book and in particular, Fox's relationship with his desert home. He has a sense of place and belonging, a way of relating to his surroundings, that I think many Druids work towards, though this is not a novel about Druids.
We both love books where the Unseen begins to come into the lives of 'normal' people. It does so for Maggie Black, the main character of this book and it truly does open her eyes, as anyone can have their eyes opened if they begin to live in their environment with presence and an open heart.
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| Art by Brian Froud, inspired by The Woodwife |
There is love, there is learning, there is danger, there is compassion and calm, and there are great characters to meet.
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| Art by Terri Windling. Yes she is multi-talented! |
One of my other fave authors. Charles de Lint loves, "The Woodwife," too, in fact he loves it so much he wrote a song for, and about, Terri based on it. It is called, "Cherokee girl."
I've linked this song before, but since it's one of my faves to both listen to and play on the guitar, I am always happy to link it again!
This is a book you can read many times and get more out of each time. Read it! You won't regret it!
Plus, she loves her dog Tilly. She gets extra brownie points from me for that, of course. :D
Thanks so much for visiting Tina! I miss reading your blog posts. For some damn reason, I never see when you post. It doesn't show up on my blog roll, nor on the blogger reading list. The only time I can access your blog is when you comment on mine, then I click on your name and here I am. Grrrrr...Oh, I do love your adorable cottage so!! Reminds me of a fairy tale in the forest. :) And that tree is amazing! The spider - not so much. But I don't like disturbing them when they're outside either. But in my house, it's another story! We are wet, wet, wet here. Terrible onslaught of water and its' disastrous effects all around. We are fortunate, but the news is full of local tragedy. So sad. Hoping your summer is a mild one and you enjoy all its' gifts. Take in some sun for me huh? I feel like a mole, and if the sun did come out, Charlotte ate my sunglasses so I'd be toast!! :)
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