Title: The Wild Heart
Author: Anne Bishop
In: Silver Birch, Blood Moon (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Feminism, Retellings
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 1999
The Wild Heart was a lovely and different take on sleeping beauty. I really liked how it was structured and enjoyed the adventure that we got to go along. There was something about this short story that was a little bit darker and more twisted. Making it feel a little bit truer with a number of horrible betrayals throughout. I love the dark and twisty versions of fairy tales. But this one also had an extra benefit of female power and independence.
The ending to this story was one of bittersweet emotions. It was kind of sad, but yet had a sense of hope even as I turned that final page. The thorns may have been pulled down and the princess released. But, she then had a whole life to live away from the horrors that encompass her past. I love that even her slumber is caused by a betrayal, not some more innocent fairy just cursing her.
I loved that the Sleeping Beauty was the Gentle Heart and Wild Heart. They are two sides of the same coin, and this story is all about finding oneself and embracing that. But, it’s also about defending yourself and keeping the Wild Heart alive and well, even whilst the Gentle Heart is loving and kind to others.
Earth and Skye 