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The Wild Girl

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( 4,248 ratings, 780 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In The Wild Girl by Kate Forsyth, the story intertwines the historical backdrop of 19th-century Germany with the life of Dortchen Wild, the young girl who lived next door to the Brothers Grimm. As she forms a profound connection with Wilhelm Grimm, the narrative delves into love, storytelling, and the struggle for freedom amidst the chaos of the Napoleonic Wars. The novel beautifully explores themes of resilience and the power of imagination within the constraints of societal pressures.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are fascinated by historical fiction and the untold stories behind famous works. Dive into the vividly imagined world of Wilhelm Grimm's time and explore a captivating love story intertwined with the fascinating journey of fairy tales. It's perfect for readers who enjoy rich prose that brings to life a blend of history, romance, and folklore.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

One of the great untold love stories - how the Grimm brothers discovered their famous fairy tales - filled with drama and passion, and taking place during the Napoleonic Wars.

Growing up next door to the Grimm brothers in Hesse-Cassel, a small German kingdom, Dortchen Wild told Wilhelm some of the most powerful and compelling stories in the famous fairy tale collection. Dortchen first met the Grimm brothers in 1805, when she was twelve.

One of six sisters, Dortchen lived in the medieval quarter of Cassel, a town famous for its grand royal palace, its colossal statue of Herkules, and a fairytale castle of turrets and spires built as a love nest for the Prince-Elector's mistress. Dortchen was the same age as Lotte Grimm, and the two became best friends.

In 1806, Hesse-Cassel was invaded by the French. Napoleon created a new Kingdom of Westphalia, under the rule of his dissolute young brother, JerΓ΄me. The Grimm brothers began collecting fairy tales that year, wanting to save the old stories told in spinning-circles and by the fire from the domination of French culture.

Dortchen's father was cruel and autocratic, and he beat and abused her. He frowned on the friendship between Dortchen and the Grimms, adding to the challenges she faced in sharing her tales with Wilhelm.

The Wild Girl is an enchanting narrative that not only illuminates the historical backdrop of the Brothers Grimm but also the poignant personal struggles and the enduring bond between Dortchen Wild and Wilhelm Grimm.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Wild Girl by Kate Forsyth is a historical novel that intertwines the personal story of Dortchen Wild, a young woman living during the Napoleonic Wars, with the creation of the famous Grimm fairy tales. The book has been praised for its rich historical detail and lyrical prose, transporting readers to early 19th century Germany. Reviewers have commended Forsyth's skill in blending historical events with the fictionalised accounts of Dortchen's complex relationship with Wilhelm Grimm. Many readers appreciate the emotional depth and vivid storytelling, which bring lesser-known historical perspectives to light.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781741668506

Publisher: Random House Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 March 2014

Country: Australia

Imprint: Vintage (Australia)

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 38.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 448g

Pages: 560

About the Author

Kate Forsyth is the internationally bestselling author of more than twenty books, including The Witches of Eileanan and Rhiannon's Ride fantasy series for adults. She completed a doctorate in fairytale retellings and the novels that have come out of this fascination include the winner of the 2015 American Libraries Association Prize for Historical Fiction, Bitter Greens, The Wild Girl and the forthcoming The Beast s Garden. Her books have been published in fourteen different countries, including Japan, Poland, Spain, Russia and Turkey. Kate has also written series for children of all ages and the contemporary novel Dancing on Knives.

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