While not my favorite work from Susanna Clarke, this was definitely an interesting novelette. I loved the artwork throughout, and the story's protagonist fascinated me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for allowing me to read this book for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Susanna Clarke’s The Wood at Midwinter…wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. It was also exactly what I was expecting. Merowdis, an unusual girl, goes into the woods one day with her animal friends to have a discussion with the woods. There, she sees a strange figure, and her life is never the same again.

The blurb I read gave a similar synopsis, and from that I thought, “a faerie story!” Well, it was and it wasn’t, depending on what you think of as a faerie story. There was a very Christian theme to the tale, but it also felt very “pagan” in some ways, which I think may be what the author intended. The main character speaks to the trees and animals. There’s a kind of magic involved. It felt very much like a traditional folktale.

There’s one passage from this short story that sums up my thoughts perfectly. Merowdis is telling the woods about Christmas; “We know what you mean now. You speak of the sun. The hidden Sun. The Sun in everything. ‘Yes. The hidden Sun,’ agreed Merowdis. Did they say Sun or Son? Asked Pretty.”

During the Winter Solstice, Wiccans celebrate the return of the sun as the days lengthen.. Maybe I’m reaching, but it feels like Clarke was purposefully connecting traditional Christianity with what we call paganism today. The stories told in folktales and the ones in religious texts have more similarities than you might think.

My favorite part of The Wood at Midwinter was the design of the book itself. It was full of illustrations that were so beautiful I think I could sit and look at them for hours. The artist, Victoria Sawdon, has done everything from book illustrations and covers to product packaging design. The typeset, designed by Goldy Broad, was also gorgeous.

The Wood at Midwinter was a magical little story, and I wish I could learn more about the characters. I’ve never read anything by Clarke, but her note at the end explaining how the story was created mentioned that this takes place in the world of one of her other books. I expect I’ll read more from her.

The Wood at Midwinter by Susanna Clarke

I have a confession to make. I have not yet read Jonathan Norrel and Mr. Strange. I know, I know!

My first encounter with Susanna Clarke’s work was when Piranesi was nominated for a Hugo Award. I read it as part of the voting packet and I loved it! It was unlike anything else I had read that year and it was so unexpected. I put Jonathan Norrel and Mr. Strange on my To Read pile but it’s too heavy to bring on the train for my daily commute.

When I saw a new book by Ms. Clarke available on NetGalley, I excitedly requested it! And while it was disappointingly short, being only an illustrated short story, it was delightfully enchanting.

The story is rather slight, but this piece more than makes up for it in atmosphere and style. To call it magical and enchanting is to undersell it. This story is a perfect morsel and I look forward to soon enjoying the feast of her longer work.

This is the story of a girl who knows she doesn’t fit in, but also knows exactly where she belongs. The animals, the woods and even the weather are integral characters. Lovely short story, with simple, but beautiful illustrations.

This book is about a girl named Merowdis who goes into the forest with her three pets, apple, pretty, and amandier. Whom she can talk to.

I liked this book, but I didn't know it would be more like folklore. I wasn't disappointed but it felt a little surprising.

I liked Merowdis because it felt like she wasn't afraid to be herself even if it was a little different from everyone else.

Even though I liked the book, it felt a little like there was more to be said. Maybe it's because it's an advanced reader copy, and it will be slightly different when published.

But overall, I think it's a good book, and anyone of any age could read it.

The Wood at Midwinter is a quiet winter tale that reminds me of Roald Dahl. The illustrations and tone are both unadorned and yet not simple, mirroring the quiet outdoor winter wood setting. There is great delight in the anthropomorphic animals and woods conversing with the saintly Merowdis about her desires, worries, and ultimately her future. I enjoyed this short story very much, but I do think it would have been better accompanied in a collection of similar tales from the world of Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell. Perhaps that is more wishful thinking than a need.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA for his ARC!

“The Wood at Midwinter” is an enchanting and beautifully illustrated short story by Susanna Clarke. A girl named Merowdis (who can talk to nature and animals) is walking through the snowy woods with her dogs and pig when she comes across a blackbird and fox. Her life is changed forever when she encounters a mysterious figure in the woodland shadows. This will be for fans of fairytales and folklore looking for a wintery read! There is definitely a “Piranesi ” vibe to the work. The afterward was a nice touch and I enjoyed reading Susanna’s thoughts about the story.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury for sending me this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A beautifully done short story with great artworks worked into it. Definitely worth it if you are looking for something to read in less than an hour and enjoy Susanna Clark’s other works.

Thank you Netgalley and Bloomsbury for the ARC.

A short and sweet fairy tale that brings the reader back into the ethereal world of Piranesi. I could stand a longer follow up to Piranesi, but this does scratch the same itch.

I had originally requested this book after finishing Piranesi and hoping that Susanna Clarke would gift me with another book of the same caliber. What I received was a shorter book that I enjoyed, but I am genuinely not too sure if I understood what was meant to be told.
I loved the illustrations throughout the book, however I wish that I was privileged enough to comprehend and fully get out of the story what Susanna Clarke intended for me to.

Thank you very much Netgalley, Susanna Clarke, and the publishing company behind this title for allowing me to read this before the release date.

From the author of Piranesi and Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell comes a short, wintery story about a girl who doesn’t feel she fits in and who ultimately forges her own path despite it looking unfamillar or scary to those around her. For fans of folklore and fairy tales.

Although this is a short little nugget of a story, it did have an emotional impact. I felt instantly connected to Merowdis, not least because I also prefer the company of animals. The simple black and white, line drawing-style artwork is well crafted, feeling intentionally sparse to reflect the feeling of winter.

Don’t come for me, but I haven’t read Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. (I **did** read Piranesi, and was obviously obsessed with it like all the people of taste.) But this story apparently exists in that same universe. I’m not sure how much that frame of reference would impact the reading experience here.

I know that some will balk at the price, especially considering the reduced number of pages, but if you consider it a children’s book and disconnect it from the adult literature relationship, I think it would make a creditable addition to any collection.

Well, that's lovely. As is the cover, as is the afterword: Snow (quite my favorite part, actually). Do you know, there really ought to be more pigs in books.

An interesting writing interlude for Clarke, though I can't say I loved it. The story is not only very short but also lacks the magic found in her other works, notably Piranesi. Initially, I thought it might be intended for children; however, some of the text would not be suitable for young kids, nor is it complex enough for teens. I would say this short story is better suited to a folklore anthology, as it would comfortably sit among other tales of its kind. As a standalone story though... it definitely leaves something to be desired. The afterword was good; you can hear Clarke's voice again, but this is not a nonfiction book. That being said, the illustrations were very beautiful, even on my old Kindle.