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Forestwife Saga #1
The Forestwife
Mary, 15 years old and an orphan, must flee into Sherwood Forest to avoid an arranged marriage. There her life truly begins, for she finds a community of heroic outlaws that includes a woman with seemingly magical healing powers and a young man who is bravely leading the fight against tyranny. This man is Robin Hood, and Mary will soon be known as Maid Marian, the green lady of the woods.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
About the author
Theresa Tomlinson
37 books122 followersThough I was born in the South of England - my parents moved back to the North when I was one year old, and I have lived in Yorkshire ever since. I spent a few years as an infant teacher, but when my children were young I started making picture books for them and became hooked on writing. I love drawing and painting, but my main love is writing, often using the legends and history around me as inspiration.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
March 14, 2016
5 Words: History, family, poverty, bravery, Robin-Hood.
I kind of accidentally stumbled on this book, but I've been having a run of awesome Robin Hood inspired stories recently, so I figured I had nothing to lose.
And I'm really glad I picked this up.
Ten years ago (ye gawds, I'm getting old) I would have absolutely loved this. It's full of action and adventure and ultimately is the story of Marian finding herself and growing up and going through a remarkable change. And I went into this reading as though I was a young teen again, and I had such fun.
I loved how all of the characters changed as the story progressed. I loved the little snippets of herb-lore. But I did wonder at times how much Marian must have been hallucinating, because she spent a lot of time various yew trees. And yew trees are pretty darn poisonous.
I loved that there was a background of political intrigue and religious belief, it really took you back to the time-period, brought the historical setting to life.
Although this is the first book in the series, it ends perfectly. It could be very, very easily beleft as it is. Everything is tied up fantastically.
I kind of accidentally stumbled on this book, but I've been having a run of awesome Robin Hood inspired stories recently, so I figured I had nothing to lose.
And I'm really glad I picked this up.
Ten years ago (ye gawds, I'm getting old) I would have absolutely loved this. It's full of action and adventure and ultimately is the story of Marian finding herself and growing up and going through a remarkable change. And I went into this reading as though I was a young teen again, and I had such fun.
I loved how all of the characters changed as the story progressed. I loved the little snippets of herb-lore. But I did wonder at times how much Marian must have been hallucinating, because she spent a lot of time various yew trees. And yew trees are pretty darn poisonous.
I loved that there was a background of political intrigue and religious belief, it really took you back to the time-period, brought the historical setting to life.
"Why, when I might burn for heresy, should I fear to hang?"
Although this is the first book in the series, it ends perfectly. It could be very, very easily beleft as it is. Everything is tied up fantastically.
December 3, 2014
This is robin Hood from Maid Marian's point of view and a good choice for teen girls. And just about any Robin Hood fan, of course. :D but be warned: the "thees" and "thas" can be kind of annoying. they take getting used to.
So, as a modern young lady who wants gender equality and the stupid stereotypes stomped out, I can totally appreciate an independent, strong, stubborn young woman as a lead character. Especially in a time period like the late 1100s. at that time, woman were basically animals. like breeding cattle. "stay out of the men's, woman, and knit and sew and cook and clean and bear me children. but only sons." was pretty much the whole of medieval thinking. that, or that women were evil. vile tempting whores that only wanted to bring about the "better gender's" down fall.
(that actually came from eve getting Adam to eat the fruit of knowledge. but that, my goodreads friends, is a load of shit. Adam gave in to peer pressure. it's not like eve forced the apple down his throat.)
and like the author's note in the back of my books says, a lot of Maid Marians just sit around in towers waiting to be rescued and whisked away by the dashing outlaw. :) not that there's anything particularly wrong with the original stories, but we have grown up so much since Robin Hood first came to be, have we not?
so yeah, me like a Marian who will go and get shit done on her own. And I totally love the idea of all those woman and nuns and what not building lives for themselves far from the reaches of all the over indulged, over powered lords. go girl power! you don't need know man! not really because there were boy and men in the forest, but they were really only supporting characters. it was the girls that drove the story onward. (And Robert's stupidity.) They did need help with hunting about half way through the story, and don't get me wrong, I was glad that Robert and John and Much helped. but I was thrilled when Marian and the nuns and the others went out to try and help themselves first.
Mary/Marian as a character has a little bit of growth and development, but not much. :/ mainly, it was her knowledge of the peasants and healing that grew. despite here loving nurse teaching her a little of cooking and what not, she had a rather comfy and sheltered life up until her uncle wanted to marry/sell her off to a fat old lord. >:C BOO! look, all I'm saying is in the beginning, this girl was a down right IDIOT! she runs away, yay for that, but the fool only thinks to take 1 loaf of bread and a great big winter cloak. that's purple.
then she has the nerve to think she was oh so clever to that the damned thing with her . . . . -_- . . . . yes Mary, you were so smart. your the only young noble girl for miles around. the only one who could afford to own a fancy purple cloak like that. there's no way in Hell that anyone will notice you and rat you out. there's no way you'll stick out like a wolf in a sheep pen. lets just go waltzing down the road in a fucking purple winter cloak in the height of fucking summer! >:C seriously lady? she is so lucky that her freakin' nurse showed up to help.
Robert . . . . honestly, I didn't see enough of him to decide whether I really liked him or not. he seemed like the standard loyal to the king rob from the rich give to the poor kinda Hood. at least he wished up a little in the end and saw king Richard for the war hungry, uncaring sociopath he really was. sadly though, since it was from Marian's point of view, we never get to actually see any of the robbing or fighting. (not even the big fight with Gisburn :C) I did like that he was willing to teach Marian to shoot. even though it goes against the medieval "men fight and hunt. woman stay at home" rule.
also liked that they had a couple of years, including a whole winter alone, to get to know each other before falling love. :) (better than the Disney princess movies.)
and the ending! I loved the ending. it leaves it at a good place to be a good stand alone novel if you didn't totally like it, but leaves JUST enough room to hint at new adventures. (two more books after this one!) plus, she didn't end up married to him either. she, and him, decided that helping people was more important than their own selfishness. . . .I mean happiness. :)
p.s. that's not really spoiling anything. we all know the drill. Marian fall for Robin. it's just how it has to be. and the way the book was geared, it was clear from the get go that she's going to enjoy the freedom of the woods and forestwife living to need to be married. :)
onward to book 2!!!!
So, as a modern young lady who wants gender equality and the stupid stereotypes stomped out, I can totally appreciate an independent, strong, stubborn young woman as a lead character. Especially in a time period like the late 1100s. at that time, woman were basically animals. like breeding cattle. "stay out of the men's, woman, and knit and sew and cook and clean and bear me children. but only sons." was pretty much the whole of medieval thinking. that, or that women were evil. vile tempting whores that only wanted to bring about the "better gender's" down fall.
(that actually came from eve getting Adam to eat the fruit of knowledge. but that, my goodreads friends, is a load of shit. Adam gave in to peer pressure. it's not like eve forced the apple down his throat.)
and like the author's note in the back of my books says, a lot of Maid Marians just sit around in towers waiting to be rescued and whisked away by the dashing outlaw. :) not that there's anything particularly wrong with the original stories, but we have grown up so much since Robin Hood first came to be, have we not?
so yeah, me like a Marian who will go and get shit done on her own. And I totally love the idea of all those woman and nuns and what not building lives for themselves far from the reaches of all the over indulged, over powered lords. go girl power! you don't need know man! not really because there were boy and men in the forest, but they were really only supporting characters. it was the girls that drove the story onward. (And Robert's stupidity.) They did need help with hunting about half way through the story, and don't get me wrong, I was glad that Robert and John and Much helped. but I was thrilled when Marian and the nuns and the others went out to try and help themselves first.
Mary/Marian as a character has a little bit of growth and development, but not much. :/ mainly, it was her knowledge of the peasants and healing that grew. despite here loving nurse teaching her a little of cooking and what not, she had a rather comfy and sheltered life up until her uncle wanted to marry/sell her off to a fat old lord. >:C BOO! look, all I'm saying is in the beginning, this girl was a down right IDIOT! she runs away, yay for that, but the fool only thinks to take 1 loaf of bread and a great big winter cloak. that's purple.
then she has the nerve to think she was oh so clever to that the damned thing with her . . . . -_- . . . . yes Mary, you were so smart. your the only young noble girl for miles around. the only one who could afford to own a fancy purple cloak like that. there's no way in Hell that anyone will notice you and rat you out. there's no way you'll stick out like a wolf in a sheep pen. lets just go waltzing down the road in a fucking purple winter cloak in the height of fucking summer! >:C seriously lady? she is so lucky that her freakin' nurse showed up to help.
Robert . . . . honestly, I didn't see enough of him to decide whether I really liked him or not. he seemed like the standard loyal to the king rob from the rich give to the poor kinda Hood. at least he wished up a little in the end and saw king Richard for the war hungry, uncaring sociopath he really was. sadly though, since it was from Marian's point of view, we never get to actually see any of the robbing or fighting. (not even the big fight with Gisburn :C) I did like that he was willing to teach Marian to shoot. even though it goes against the medieval "men fight and hunt. woman stay at home" rule.
also liked that they had a couple of years, including a whole winter alone, to get to know each other before falling love. :) (better than the Disney princess movies.)
and the ending! I loved the ending. it leaves it at a good place to be a good stand alone novel if you didn't totally like it, but leaves JUST enough room to hint at new adventures. (two more books after this one!) plus, she didn't end up married to him either. she, and him, decided that helping people was more important than their own selfishness. . . .I mean happiness. :)
p.s. that's not really spoiling anything. we all know the drill. Marian fall for Robin. it's just how it has to be. and the way the book was geared, it was clear from the get go that she's going to enjoy the freedom of the woods and forestwife living to need to be married. :)
onward to book 2!!!!
August 3, 2015
This is the 1-star of I really don't care, not the 1-star of ew get it away from me. Probably a 1.5, if you will.
I have apparently dreaded reading this for way too long.
I remembered reading the sequel, Child of May, about 8 or 9 years ago and hating it, though the hatred is so vague at this point that I can really only remember one sexual reference that made me very uncomfortable as a 13yo.
Probably, Child of May is not actually worth hating. It's just, like The Forestwife, not that good.
I dreaded reading this because I thought it was one of the Robin Hood retellings that in becoming "gritty" had also begun to feel just dirty. I'm a 12th century historian, but I like romance in my Robin Hood, still. Shoot me.
So I was surprised upon reading the first chapter that it just wasn't that interesting. We find a maiden in the classic situation of medieval maidens--betrothed and unwilling. On top of that, she and everyone around her speak vaguely Shakespearean-like dialogue that comes across as stilted and odd even three-fourths of the way through the book.
It's also a Girl Power medieval book, trying to make up for what we don't know about medieval women and how little their problems were discussed a hundred years ago by giving us as many female characters as possible and making the males annoying.
Then there is the "romance". Oh wait, no there isn't. There's Marian tending Annoying Robert through a grave illness and then suddenly they're in bed together all the time. Okay. It is unfortunate because the last bit of the book is where Robert becomes the most interesting.
It is kind of sad, because technically, lots of the stuff brought up should be interesting. But it's just technically.
I have apparently dreaded reading this for way too long.
I remembered reading the sequel, Child of May, about 8 or 9 years ago and hating it, though the hatred is so vague at this point that I can really only remember one sexual reference that made me very uncomfortable as a 13yo.
Probably, Child of May is not actually worth hating. It's just, like The Forestwife, not that good.
I dreaded reading this because I thought it was one of the Robin Hood retellings that in becoming "gritty" had also begun to feel just dirty. I'm a 12th century historian, but I like romance in my Robin Hood, still. Shoot me.
So I was surprised upon reading the first chapter that it just wasn't that interesting. We find a maiden in the classic situation of medieval maidens--betrothed and unwilling. On top of that, she and everyone around her speak vaguely Shakespearean-like dialogue that comes across as stilted and odd even three-fourths of the way through the book.
It's also a Girl Power medieval book, trying to make up for what we don't know about medieval women and how little their problems were discussed a hundred years ago by giving us as many female characters as possible and making the males annoying.
Then there is the "romance". Oh wait, no there isn't. There's Marian tending Annoying Robert through a grave illness and then suddenly they're in bed together all the time. Okay. It is unfortunate because the last bit of the book is where Robert becomes the most interesting.
It is kind of sad, because technically, lots of the stuff brought up should be interesting. But it's just technically.
February 20, 2017
Forestwife had a nice, lyrical quality to it, but it left me very unsatisfied. Overall, it felt like an outline to an actual book. It's too bad, because I was very excited by the idea of having a Robin Hood retelling focused on the women of the story that traditionally get very little air time. But it just didn't dig deep enough for me.
Don't get me wrong - I appreciate an economy of words, I don't need ten pages inside some simpering heroine's head, but the clipped, active sentences left me wondering what any of the characters were thinking. I found myself unable to connect with anyone in the story because they just jumped from one action to the next without any reaction or reflection.
Sometimes it felt a little like:
"She filled the ladle with water. She held the water to his mouth. She sighed. She said, 'Get well'." Then we cut to six weeks later. <- Whoa, whoa, whoa, could we stop for a second to stir in some character development? Some feelings? Some back story? Something?
In the end, it just couldn't hold my attention because I didn't have the sense that these were real people with real passions and needs and concerns. I've felt more connected to characters in picture books. So, it's a quick read, if you want something brief and to the point, but there are many other Robin Hood retellings that actually expand upon the story.
Don't get me wrong - I appreciate an economy of words, I don't need ten pages inside some simpering heroine's head, but the clipped, active sentences left me wondering what any of the characters were thinking. I found myself unable to connect with anyone in the story because they just jumped from one action to the next without any reaction or reflection.
Sometimes it felt a little like:
"She filled the ladle with water. She held the water to his mouth. She sighed. She said, 'Get well'." Then we cut to six weeks later. <- Whoa, whoa, whoa, could we stop for a second to stir in some character development? Some feelings? Some back story? Something?
In the end, it just couldn't hold my attention because I didn't have the sense that these were real people with real passions and needs and concerns. I've felt more connected to characters in picture books. So, it's a quick read, if you want something brief and to the point, but there are many other Robin Hood retellings that actually expand upon the story.
April 29, 2021
Four stars, plus one for nostalgia. I first read this book when I was 12 or 13, maybe younger. It was the perfect time to read the story of a girl making her own way in the world, running away from a forced marriage and never needing a man again. As I would have said at 13, #girlpower! (Except this was before hashtags of course.)
On re-reading, I was swept back into the story. It's almost told in vignettes, with a lovable cast of misfits and outlaws. The writing is simple, but not simplistic. This was definitely presented to me as a children's book at the time I first read it, which I guess would be classified as middle grade now. That doesn't feel right, but it also doesn't feel "YA", and it's not really adult either, except people die and get pregnant (and are raped, off-screen) and go to war. I think it takes great skill to write a story "for children" that doesn't shy away from these realities, but isn't purposely incendiary and still isn't boring.
I had no particular interest in Robin Hood as a preteen, and I still don't. So I've always loved this as a story that's only tangentially related to that myth. Rob's limited screen time doesn't bother me, and I'm happy with the multiple strong, independent women driving the story. Each one is strong in her own way; smart, fiery, gentle, brave. I think this is an excellent example of how women have always existed and thrived and changed the world, even when there is little historical mention of it. The author briefly discusses her research in the afterword, such as how women kept society running in Medieval Britain while the men were conscripted into fighting in the Crusades. I appreciate that Marian doesn't feel like a modern feminist teenager who was dropped into the 1100s, but like someone who could have existed in that time and place.
I probably read this book 10 times as a teenager, and I remember dragging my mom into used book stores trying to find the next book in the series. (My memory is fuzzy but I think thanks to the internet I was able to find the next book via an html website with floating WordArt.) I'm thankful I read it then, and I'm happy to have revisited it now.
On re-reading, I was swept back into the story. It's almost told in vignettes, with a lovable cast of misfits and outlaws. The writing is simple, but not simplistic. This was definitely presented to me as a children's book at the time I first read it, which I guess would be classified as middle grade now. That doesn't feel right, but it also doesn't feel "YA", and it's not really adult either, except people die and get pregnant (and are raped, off-screen) and go to war. I think it takes great skill to write a story "for children" that doesn't shy away from these realities, but isn't purposely incendiary and still isn't boring.
I had no particular interest in Robin Hood as a preteen, and I still don't. So I've always loved this as a story that's only tangentially related to that myth. Rob's limited screen time doesn't bother me, and I'm happy with the multiple strong, independent women driving the story. Each one is strong in her own way; smart, fiery, gentle, brave. I think this is an excellent example of how women have always existed and thrived and changed the world, even when there is little historical mention of it. The author briefly discusses her research in the afterword, such as how women kept society running in Medieval Britain while the men were conscripted into fighting in the Crusades. I appreciate that Marian doesn't feel like a modern feminist teenager who was dropped into the 1100s, but like someone who could have existed in that time and place.
I probably read this book 10 times as a teenager, and I remember dragging my mom into used book stores trying to find the next book in the series. (My memory is fuzzy but I think thanks to the internet I was able to find the next book via an html website with floating WordArt.) I'm thankful I read it then, and I'm happy to have revisited it now.
February 8, 2018
I just finished Caroline Fraser's opus about the "Little House" books and wanted a quick read that was pure fantasy. First I whipped through Elsa Watson's "Maid Marian." Since "The Forestwife" was right next to it on my bookshelf, I decided to read that as dessert. I am a fan of the Robin Hood legend but am much more drawn to these two very different tellings of who Maid Marion might have been and what her story was. These both describe young women who've been pampered, run away as they are about to be given into unwanted marriages and suddenly find themselves having to learn how to live a very different life than they were brought up to expect. As a result both books offer a lot of information about nature, geography, politics, peasantry and life in the medieval era. Quick, easy reads both and equally enjoyable.
August 7, 2019
Per quanto mi riguarda questo non è un libro per ragazzi, ma è IL libro per ragazzi: da ragazzina ho preso e ripreso in prestito questo libro dalla biblioteca, era un appuntamento fisso di ogni estate!
Uscendo dal viale dei ricordi, La Donna della Foresta è un bel libretto per ragazzi: un retelling della storia di Robin Hood dal punto di vista di Marion, che in questo libro è una ragazza nobile scappata di casa e divenuta l'aiutante della Donna della Foresta del titolo, una guaritrice che vive nel folto dei boschi aiutando povera gente e fuorilegge grazie alle sue abilità con le erbe medicinali.
Non c'è un eccessivo girl power e al tempo stesso la nostra protagonista dimostra di avere un carattere forte e generoso.
Un libro molto molto carino, sono tornata ragazzina rileggendolo! :)
Uscendo dal viale dei ricordi, La Donna della Foresta è un bel libretto per ragazzi: un retelling della storia di Robin Hood dal punto di vista di Marion, che in questo libro è una ragazza nobile scappata di casa e divenuta l'aiutante della Donna della Foresta del titolo, una guaritrice che vive nel folto dei boschi aiutando povera gente e fuorilegge grazie alle sue abilità con le erbe medicinali.
Non c'è un eccessivo girl power e al tempo stesso la nostra protagonista dimostra di avere un carattere forte e generoso.
Un libro molto molto carino, sono tornata ragazzina rileggendolo! :)
April 20, 2014
I have read this exactly 7 years ago. I got it as a present from one of my class mates. I know I really enjoyed it and should probably read again because I don't remember much.
April 22, 2021
It was time for me to reread this book, and I'm glad I did, because after initially reading it as a 12-year-old, I lost all memory of it except that I mostly didn't like it. As an adult, I still mostly didn't enjoy this book. I think it achieves what it sets out to do, but there are some things that just don't sit right with me.
This book has a variety of medieval women from different classes and backgrounds who show their individual capacities to excel within their skillsets, and that's wonderful. I enjoy that. I don't necessarily enjoy that each woman is introduced by highlighting a different way that medieval women were abused or mistreated. Some of these abuses were stereotypes or felt like exaggerated versions of what might have been true about the medieval period. It's a strange mix of truth and stereotype, which makes it seem realistic, but doesn't hold up in the long run.
Robert and Marian's relationship made more sense to me than it did the first time I read it, although it still could have been developed more. Unfortunately, I still found their conclusion to be too inconclusive. I don't mind that they decide not to get married, but the reasoning is so confusing! The rules surrounding being the Forestwife simply don't make sense to me. I love the idea of Marian as a forest witch serving the people, but I don't understand the strict limitations and reasoning behind the Forestwife. Maybe if there had been more worldbuilding surrounding the job, purpose, and history of being a Forestwife I would understand. What part of being Forestwife means Marian must stay single? I'm confused.
All this to say: It's a good book. It's a (predictably) feminist novel about Marian, and I overall liked it well enough. It just felt a bit contrived and bit stereotyped. I think I gained a lot by reading this as an adult.
This book has a variety of medieval women from different classes and backgrounds who show their individual capacities to excel within their skillsets, and that's wonderful. I enjoy that. I don't necessarily enjoy that each woman is introduced by highlighting a different way that medieval women were abused or mistreated. Some of these abuses were stereotypes or felt like exaggerated versions of what might have been true about the medieval period. It's a strange mix of truth and stereotype, which makes it seem realistic, but doesn't hold up in the long run.
Robert and Marian's relationship made more sense to me than it did the first time I read it, although it still could have been developed more. Unfortunately, I still found their conclusion to be too inconclusive. I don't mind that they decide not to get married, but the reasoning is so confusing! The rules surrounding being the Forestwife simply don't make sense to me. I love the idea of Marian as a forest witch serving the people, but I don't understand the strict limitations and reasoning behind the Forestwife. Maybe if there had been more worldbuilding surrounding the job, purpose, and history of being a Forestwife I would understand. What part of being Forestwife means Marian must stay single? I'm confused.
All this to say: It's a good book. It's a (predictably) feminist novel about Marian, and I overall liked it well enough. It just felt a bit contrived and bit stereotyped. I think I gained a lot by reading this as an adult.
August 20, 2024
This has a light hearted children's fairy tale sort of tone to it that was quite pleasant to read, and I liked that it was centred around a cast of women of all kinds, and enjoyed the forest setting. It contained some adventure and mysteries and sorrow and joy. But events happen too quickly to get invested and the world building and lore is rather thin and a tad illogical.
March 12, 2020
3.5 stars!
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December 14, 2023the robin hood thing was such a surprise to me lmao
February 26, 2019
I really like the herbalist, almost witchy element of this book. Marian learning healing was cool. That's about all I liked about this book, but I liked it a lot.
Otherwise, it was dark and grim -- exactly what I hate in Robin Hood retellings. It isn't that dark, grim stories don't have a place; it's just that the whole point of the Robin Hood legend is to be romantic and inspiring.
Otherwise, it was dark and grim -- exactly what I hate in Robin Hood retellings. It isn't that dark, grim stories don't have a place; it's just that the whole point of the Robin Hood legend is to be romantic and inspiring.
December 12, 2009
If I'd read this when I was about eleven or twelve, I would probably have loved it. It's the Robin Hood story, but focused around the women, including one main strong woman, Mary de Holt, or Marian. It doesn't seem to focus much on Robin/Robert at all, although it may later in the trilogy. I doubt it, though; I think it's all quite strongly focused on Marian.
Reading it as an adult, it's less enchanting. I'm not as caught up in the sense of adventure and empowerment and young girls doing wonderful things. The story is a bit more realistic than some Robin Hood stories, I suppose -- with the concern about feeding the children, and about babies being born, and so on. It's low on the exciting stuff, like defying the Sheriff -- it's done, of course, but it seems quite low-key. Which is appropriate for something that follows the women more than Robin, of course.
I don't think I'm going to write about this in my Robin Hood essay. It hasn't caught my interest enough for that, though I'll read the rest of it.
Did realise I'd read another book by Theresa Tomlinson -- the one about Troy. I loved that, as a younger girl. It'd probably lose something in rereading it now.
Reading it as an adult, it's less enchanting. I'm not as caught up in the sense of adventure and empowerment and young girls doing wonderful things. The story is a bit more realistic than some Robin Hood stories, I suppose -- with the concern about feeding the children, and about babies being born, and so on. It's low on the exciting stuff, like defying the Sheriff -- it's done, of course, but it seems quite low-key. Which is appropriate for something that follows the women more than Robin, of course.
I don't think I'm going to write about this in my Robin Hood essay. It hasn't caught my interest enough for that, though I'll read the rest of it.
Did realise I'd read another book by Theresa Tomlinson -- the one about Troy. I loved that, as a younger girl. It'd probably lose something in rereading it now.
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November 16, 2014Iniziato Scarlet e non poteva non tornarmi in mente questo libro di cui, a dire il vero, non ricordo più molto xD Ma so che mi era piaciuto, che la storia si intrecciava con quella di Robin Hood e che no, all'epoca (aka probabilmente quando l'ho letto alcuni di voi non erano ancora nati xDDD) mi era davvero piaciuto molto.
E ora ho scoperto ci sono pure dei sequel... cosa darei per aver avuto internet e siti tipo goodreads anche ai tempi! :P
E ora ho scoperto ci sono pure dei sequel... cosa darei per aver avuto internet e siti tipo goodreads anche ai tempi! :P
December 17, 2020
Ah, I love this book. I read it for the first time when I was fourteen or fifteen maybe, and hadn't revisited it quite some time, so I was prepared for it not to hold up well. Honestly, it does all right. There are some legitimate criticisms in other reviews - that it's too cursory in its characterization - fair - and that the 'old timey' language is distracting - can't disagree with that. But broadly, I'm in favor of YA reimaginings of classic mythology, and the Robin Hood story is nothing if not that. I appreciate a deftly done woman-centered story as well, and thought Tomlinson did a fair to good job in designing a story that fits around the edges of the Robin Hood tales as we know them, while marrying them to some of the true concerns and realities of daily life in the twelfth century. Historical fiction blended with mythology is not an easy beast to tame and I appreciated how Tomlinson was able to skillfully use pagan imagery like the green man and green lady without diving wholesale into a neopagan slant. She brought together a very literal, down-to-earth focus on the logistics of feeding hungry people and negotiating power as basically noncombatants in a world filled with marauding soldiers and brigands with the magical, outlaws-living-hidden-in-the-forest ambiance we expect from a Robin Hood tale in a way that is generally very successful. There is plenty of hard life here on view, but it doesn't seem gratuitous. I also very much enjoyed the nuns and found their depiction fairly realistic, if a bit romanticized.
Alas, although teenager-me thought the romance(s) between Marian and Robin and Emma and Little John were quite swoonworthy, on this pass I found them unremarkable. Marian and Robin's early relationship is heavily colored by his negative feelings toward her on account of his mother having gone to be her wet nurse, and although that relationship, so deeply entwined with her significant relationship with Agnes, seems fleshed out and truthful, the romance that develops later doesn't really seem to have much basis other than, 'I guess if I don't hate and resent her then I'll end up falling in love with her because... reasons.' I appreciated the nod mid-book that 'there are many ways of loving' and the insistence overall that one of the benefits of living life outside the bounds of normal society means that you can accept and reject whatever cultural norms you see fit, so in that sense I appreciated that Tomlinson found a way to end the book without needing to marry Marian and Rob off together. On the other hand, that justification seemed like a bit of a forced pretext - it would have been stronger, I think, for Marian to simply assert that she preferred her relationship with Robin not to have the formality of marriage about it. That might have been a hard sell, so I don't mind the way she handled it very much.
Ultimately, this is a Maid Marian story and only loosely based on Robin Hood tales as told elsewhere. Most of the time that's to its advantage, but if you come looking for a story that hits all the expected notes you're likely to be disappointed. Those plot details are happening off-camera, if they happen at all.
Alas, although teenager-me thought the romance(s) between Marian and Robin and Emma and Little John were quite swoonworthy, on this pass I found them unremarkable. Marian and Robin's early relationship is heavily colored by his negative feelings toward her on account of his mother having gone to be her wet nurse, and although that relationship, so deeply entwined with her significant relationship with Agnes, seems fleshed out and truthful, the romance that develops later doesn't really seem to have much basis other than, 'I guess if I don't hate and resent her then I'll end up falling in love with her because... reasons.' I appreciated the nod mid-book that 'there are many ways of loving' and the insistence overall that one of the benefits of living life outside the bounds of normal society means that you can accept and reject whatever cultural norms you see fit, so in that sense I appreciated that Tomlinson found a way to end the book without needing to marry Marian and Rob off together. On the other hand, that justification seemed like a bit of a forced pretext - it would have been stronger, I think, for Marian to simply assert that she preferred her relationship with Robin not to have the formality of marriage about it. That might have been a hard sell, so I don't mind the way she handled it very much.
Ultimately, this is a Maid Marian story and only loosely based on Robin Hood tales as told elsewhere. Most of the time that's to its advantage, but if you come looking for a story that hits all the expected notes you're likely to be disappointed. Those plot details are happening off-camera, if they happen at all.
October 4, 2020
The Forest Wife is a young adult remix of the origin of Robin Hood, centered around Maid Marian, or in this case Mary Holt.
Mary Holt is the niece of Lord Holt, raised by her wet nurse Agnes, Mary’s mother having died in childbirth. Promised to a much older man, Mary runs away into the wild wood, in search of freedom. She is joined by Agnes, who reveals her knowledge of the land and the world is critical to their survival. Agnes takes on the role of the Forest Wife, a midwife and healer who lives deep in the woods and helps the desperate and injured. Mary is remade into Marian, becoming a capable woods woman and healer herself.
The pair are joined by an interesting crew of other social cast offs, and its revealed that Agnes’ actual child is none other than Robert, destined to become Robin Hood. Those familiar with the Robin Hood story might recognize more names than I could. But the Forest Wife is concerned with women characters living on the fringes. There is Philippa, who is sentenced to the scolds bridal and branding for speaking up to William of Langdon. There is also the Sisters of Saint Mary who are imprisoned for holding services without a male priest and actively doing charity work instead of spending their lives in prayer.
Pagan elements are also thrown in this mix. There is a May Day celebration in which a man dances wearing the horns of a stag. Little John is married to Emma by three sisters. Marian, after dying her cloak green (and occasionally her arms while she’s at it) appears as the Green Lady of the Wood.
Most of the action is confined ‘offstage’. Marian is too busy working the land to feed starving peasants to go into battle, and dramatic fighting scenes are often told to her after the fact. Her romance with Robert is surprisingly slow and sweet.
The Forest Wife is about the importance of community and female solidarity, and one of Marians’ lessons to be learned is to understand there are many types of loving.
I read this as a teenager, and wanted one more read before I gave my copy away. I was pleasantly surprised by the Forest Wife, and found this last read to be rewarding.
Mary Holt is the niece of Lord Holt, raised by her wet nurse Agnes, Mary’s mother having died in childbirth. Promised to a much older man, Mary runs away into the wild wood, in search of freedom. She is joined by Agnes, who reveals her knowledge of the land and the world is critical to their survival. Agnes takes on the role of the Forest Wife, a midwife and healer who lives deep in the woods and helps the desperate and injured. Mary is remade into Marian, becoming a capable woods woman and healer herself.
The pair are joined by an interesting crew of other social cast offs, and its revealed that Agnes’ actual child is none other than Robert, destined to become Robin Hood. Those familiar with the Robin Hood story might recognize more names than I could. But the Forest Wife is concerned with women characters living on the fringes. There is Philippa, who is sentenced to the scolds bridal and branding for speaking up to William of Langdon. There is also the Sisters of Saint Mary who are imprisoned for holding services without a male priest and actively doing charity work instead of spending their lives in prayer.
Pagan elements are also thrown in this mix. There is a May Day celebration in which a man dances wearing the horns of a stag. Little John is married to Emma by three sisters. Marian, after dying her cloak green (and occasionally her arms while she’s at it) appears as the Green Lady of the Wood.
Most of the action is confined ‘offstage’. Marian is too busy working the land to feed starving peasants to go into battle, and dramatic fighting scenes are often told to her after the fact. Her romance with Robert is surprisingly slow and sweet.
The Forest Wife is about the importance of community and female solidarity, and one of Marians’ lessons to be learned is to understand there are many types of loving.
I read this as a teenager, and wanted one more read before I gave my copy away. I was pleasantly surprised by the Forest Wife, and found this last read to be rewarding.
March 15, 2017
I liked this through the eyes of my 13/14 year old self, if that makes sense- I can see the book is for young adults but I can appreciate it through that lens. I have always loved traditional stories retold through the eyes of the women who are so often sidelined or painted one-dimensionally. This story especially because it recognises the importance and strength of women and the unique powers they have.
I also love the idea of the almost mythical character of the 'Forestwife'. The women recognise that even though they have to take on the responsibility of it, it doesn't make the role any less magical- we create our own myths, but that nevertheless myth has power. Also that they must be ready both to care, and to fight, and that the role of a women has stages (maiden, warrior, mother, crone if you will) and that each stage is as important as the last....
I suppose the only thing that is a little disappointing is that they all seem to pair up at some point with one of the men in one way or another- a little more diversity on that front might have been cool!
I also love the idea of the almost mythical character of the 'Forestwife'. The women recognise that even though they have to take on the responsibility of it, it doesn't make the role any less magical- we create our own myths, but that nevertheless myth has power. Also that they must be ready both to care, and to fight, and that the role of a women has stages (maiden, warrior, mother, crone if you will) and that each stage is as important as the last....
I suppose the only thing that is a little disappointing is that they all seem to pair up at some point with one of the men in one way or another- a little more diversity on that front might have been cool!
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October 13, 2021My book The Forest Wife by Theresa Tomlinson is a historical fiction book based on a young girl at the age of 15 being forced into an arranged marriage so she takes to the forest from her oppressive uncle and her lovely maid who goes by the name of Agnes. This book is an amazing book and I very much recommend it.
The author Theresa Tomlinson wrote this book with great confidence, and it shows. I very much enjoyed this read with all the added emotion and excitement leading you through the book. This book was very surprising and left me wanting more. This book is very well written, and I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys learning about the harsh truth of history and the excitement a book can leave you in by the end. I would rate this book a 4/5 stars, the deduction of the one star was because at times this book lost its flaming rush but overall, I love this book and will read it again sometime soon
The author Theresa Tomlinson wrote this book with great confidence, and it shows. I very much enjoyed this read with all the added emotion and excitement leading you through the book. This book was very surprising and left me wanting more. This book is very well written, and I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys learning about the harsh truth of history and the excitement a book can leave you in by the end. I would rate this book a 4/5 stars, the deduction of the one star was because at times this book lost its flaming rush but overall, I love this book and will read it again sometime soon
March 7, 2019
Some of the Robin Hood story from Maid Marian's perspective. A short novel written in what felt like an older style with short vignettes to tell a longer story. Tossed in a few bits of Shakespearean sounding English around the mostly normal sounding dialogue. As far as a remake of an old tale goes it was fine. The ending was kind of strange and awkward. None of the characters were very developed and I didn't feel much of a connection to the people or the story.
Violence, no sex, mild language, themes of medieval torture things, a stillbirth, a pagan ritual thing, drunk clergy
Violence, no sex, mild language, themes of medieval torture things, a stillbirth, a pagan ritual thing, drunk clergy
May 28, 2019
An interesting version of the story of Maid Marion and Robin Hood , Set in the area between Wakefield in Yorkshire and Nottingham . This area used to be covered in a vast forest and this book covers the stories of some of the people who lived there .
Mary is fifteen when she flees her home to escape an unwanted suitor . She takes shelter with the Green Lady of the woods where she is introduced to Robert of Sherwood . Mary reinvents herself as Marion .She is willing to stand against the cruel laws of Medieval England
Mary is fifteen when she flees her home to escape an unwanted suitor . She takes shelter with the Green Lady of the woods where she is introduced to Robert of Sherwood . Mary reinvents herself as Marion .She is willing to stand against the cruel laws of Medieval England
June 28, 2023
I thought this was a pretty good retelling of Robin Hood. I'd been meaning to read it for years, so I'm glad I finally got around to it. This one features a determined Maid Marian who runs off to the Forestwife after promised in marriage to an old man. It felt very modern-witchy, forest-heavy, female-focused, which are all elements I love. I am glad it was not a typical YA, romance between Marian and Robin, or a typical hunting of men type tale. Robin's story takes place around the edges of this one, and it's more than enough. Marian is excellent in this.
April 15, 2020
I started this book with high expectations, but as I kept going on with the book I was quickly let down.
Some of the writing is just annoying, and after the beginning it isn't really exciting anymore. This is a retelling of Robin Hood, yet 75 pages in he still hasn't shown up.
Its dissapointing to say that I will not be continuing the book, or the rest of the series.
Maybe one day I could get back to it!
(FYI: I've never read the original Robin Hood story)
Some of the writing is just annoying, and after the beginning it isn't really exciting anymore. This is a retelling of Robin Hood, yet 75 pages in he still hasn't shown up.
Its dissapointing to say that I will not be continuing the book, or the rest of the series.
Maybe one day I could get back to it!
(FYI: I've never read the original Robin Hood story)
October 13, 2021
The Forestwife by Theresa Tomlinson is overall an okay read it wasn't personally for me but it did have a good plot. It was a historical fiction book about a girl named Mary who lived with her uncle and her maid Agnes. Mary was about to be forced into a marriage at the young age of 15. Mary knows what she wants with her life and this is not it. Read more to find out what Mary dose to escape this life.
June 22, 2018
This book has so many twists and turns, and you never expect any of them. It’s filled with suspense, love tales and well written struggles. It’s still one of my favourites because I not only love the idea behind it, I love the plot. It’s a book that’s length doesn’t bore you because you just want it to keep going. Once it ended it was like saying goodbye to old friends.
February 14, 2019
A fantastic book that any fan of Robin Hood shoukd read, indeed anyone should. It focuses on putting "her" and "she" in the spotlight, rather than "he" and "him", which gives a classic tale a refreshing spin. I think that every child should read this, little boy and girl alike, to gain a new perspective that puts women in the spotlight, and not as a damsel. Five out of five stars.
March 23, 2022
This was one of my favorite books as a young girl, so since my friend finally convinced me today to set up a Good Reads account, I had to come give it the love I feel it deserves although it has been over 20 years since I read it. When my niece was old enough I passed it on to her and she loved it just as much. Such a different twist on a beloved classic and perfect for young girls.
July 14, 2022
5, 5, 5!🌟
Mi ha riportato a casa, a quand’ero bambina, alla mia prima crush e alla prima ship suprema! Un middle-grade perfetto per i fans cresciuti di Robin Hood, dal punto di vista della giovane Marian. Nient’altro da aggiungere.
N.B.: primo di una trilogia, ma leggibile anche come autoconclusivo. Recupererò i seguiti in lingua.
Mi ha riportato a casa, a quand’ero bambina, alla mia prima crush e alla prima ship suprema! Un middle-grade perfetto per i fans cresciuti di Robin Hood, dal punto di vista della giovane Marian. Nient’altro da aggiungere.
N.B.: primo di una trilogia, ma leggibile anche come autoconclusivo. Recupererò i seguiti in lingua.
March 20, 2024
I really enjoyed this YA story about Maid Marian of Robin Hood. It was exciting and heartfelt. There were a few times I had to reread to understand the dialect I would be interested in reading the next book in the series. I would also be interested in reading this as an adult version with more drama and romance.
July 13, 2017
I read this when i was an early teenager so probably 10-12 years ago, while I can't remember most of the story, I remember that i adored this trilogy. It was exciting, well written and heartbreaking at the same time.
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