The Story Collector is a delightful, gentle story about the joy of folklore and magic. We have two timelines: the present (set in 2011) when our protoganist Sarah Harper finds herself making a rather impulsive decision to escape the stresses in her life and hide out in Ireland over the Christmas holidays. Arriving without any plans or accommodation, she finds herself in a fictional village near Shannon, and with the assistance of the locals, is soon staying in a traditional cottage called Butlers. While meandering around the locale, Sarah comes across a diary belong to a young girl called Anna, written 100 years earlier. The diary details the visit of an American scholar called Harold Krauss. Krauss has arrived in Ireland to study the mythology/beliefs surrounding fairies or Good People. As Sarah reads about the events from a century earlier and the tragic outcome, she learns to cope with her own past. The Story Collector is a particulary unusual novel, with much of our story spent on learning about the mythology of the Good People and should prove fascinating to anyone with an interest in this topic. The author, Evie Woods has mentioned that her storyline was inspired by an American anthropologist, WY Evans Wentz, who came to Ireland in the early 1900s to complete his thesis on the Celtic Fairy Faith. And indeed, her love of mythology and research shines through. This is a gentle tale that acts as both as a lovestory to Ireland's past and also integrates the mythology into the contemporary storyline. There is a bittersweet ending and some questions are left unanswered, such as how the diary come to be left in the box, but this adds to the overall sense of mystery of the novel, rather than taking from the tale.
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A fascinating tale spanning two life times connected by date and grief inspired knowledge. All the characters are believable as they grow and develop within our reading time. The author sound words,tells stories and writes imaginatively a befits the country of the old folk.
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Could not put this down. A wonderful story, wonderfully written. Highly recommended.
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I absolutely loved this story, 2 tales a hundred years apart, it was a delight to read, set in Ireland and fairy tales, with the complexity of life and sorrow, also the comparisons between the two lifetimes, Dipping in and out of 1911 and 2011, I kept getting more intrigued the further I read, I great read, my 1st Evie Woods novel, will definitely be reading more.
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The ending. Needed some resolution as to what happened to Harold and Anna. Felt the ending was a bit rushed, otherwise I Loved the way it's written, the language, humour and love story.
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Absolutely beautiful story full of Irish Fairy folklore and beautifully cozy winter vibes. I loved Anna's narrative, especially the way Woods bridges the chapters reminding us that it is Sarah reading the journal, this really resonated with me as an avid reader, getting cozy with a book, and reminded how easy it is to escape into the words of someone else. Very cleverly done. Evie Woods has a beautiful writing style and does really well bringing historical fiction and modern day together seamlessly, throw in some magic realism, community and a sunny/grumpy romance and you've got the perfect book to curl up with on a cold autumn/winter day. After reading The Lost Bookshop as well I'm really excited to see what's next from Evie Woods!
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This book got me from the first few pages. Nothing got done except making drinks. The main character Sarah is interesting and spontaneous from the start.
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I really enjoyed reading this book very well written
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Perfect… wonderful story.
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An amazing book,. Writing style is bit different but that is what makes it more interesting
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The book had me from page 1 - I could so relate to impromptu decisions, unforeseen landings, the feeling of everything for a reason. I honestly couldn’t stop reading and just kept getting more engrossed and caught up in two parallel stories. And I feel so much better for it - having found some peace of my own. A wonderful story that I hope everyone will take the time to read - I don’t think anyone will regret it. Thank you, Evie Woods!!!
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The book was well written and I love the collection of the stories about the fairies. The fact it was set in two different times was perfect as it gave light on Ireland in two completely different centuries. Overall do yourself a favour and read the book it is worth reading.
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Es el segundo libro que leo de la autora y me gustó. Son 2 historias que se entrelazan a pesar de estar separadas por 100 años. La historia te lleva a Irlanda, cuenta cómo personas se encuentran de formas inesperadas, tiene un toque de fantasia. Disfruté imaginarme el frío invierno de una zona rural en Irlanda.
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