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Blue Beyond the Sea: A Novelette
Something calls from the wilderness, but we must choose to answer.
Bavaria, 1108. Edigna flees an arranged marriage and creates a home in the hollow of a linden tree. She illuminates manuscripts for a nearby abbey, and as she becomes a legendary story told round fires, she begins to lose her grip on the physical world. She doesn’t want to be only a story: she wants to be a body too.
A magical short story that reimagines the medieval legend of Edigna of Puch as the original Rapunzel, for fans of V. E. Schwab’s Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, Katherine Arden’s The Bear and the Nightingale, and Susanna Clarke’s Piranesi. Inspired by the surprising blue fragments of lapis lazuli found by archeologists in the remains of a medieval woman’s teeth, Blue Beyond the Sea is a rewrite of the history of women in art.
A cloudshadow fell over the tree, so the eerie blue glow of dawn shaded the branches ash and smoke. I thought of that tale of a girl abandoned in a tower, the one with the coils of yellow hair trailing down like vines rooting into the earth. Maybe she hadn’t been trapped there—maybe she’d climbed up herself.
Bavaria, 1108. Edigna flees an arranged marriage and creates a home in the hollow of a linden tree. She illuminates manuscripts for a nearby abbey, and as she becomes a legendary story told round fires, she begins to lose her grip on the physical world. She doesn’t want to be only a story: she wants to be a body too.
A magical short story that reimagines the medieval legend of Edigna of Puch as the original Rapunzel, for fans of V. E. Schwab’s Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, Katherine Arden’s The Bear and the Nightingale, and Susanna Clarke’s Piranesi. Inspired by the surprising blue fragments of lapis lazuli found by archeologists in the remains of a medieval woman’s teeth, Blue Beyond the Sea is a rewrite of the history of women in art.
A cloudshadow fell over the tree, so the eerie blue glow of dawn shaded the branches ash and smoke. I thought of that tale of a girl abandoned in a tower, the one with the coils of yellow hair trailing down like vines rooting into the earth. Maybe she hadn’t been trapped there—maybe she’d climbed up herself.
- GenresShort Stories
49 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2023
About the author
Laura Vogt
2 books117 followersI'm Laura. I love to tell stories. I love what's wild and beautiful.
My debut novel IN THE GREAT QUIET (Lake Union 2026) is a sweeping, atmospheric story in the tradition of COLD MOUNTAIN and THE FOUR WINDS. It's inspired by the true story of my grandmother's grandmother, following a tenacious pioneer's race into the great unknown.
In the Oklahoma prairie of 1893, Minnie Hoopes withstands the volatile wilderness and outlaw threats--but her greatest adventure will be confronting her past and finding a place to call home. IN THE GREAT QUIET is a lyrical, immersive story about memory and perception, community and isolation, with an epic, enduring romance at its heart.
My debut novel IN THE GREAT QUIET (Lake Union 2026) is a sweeping, atmospheric story in the tradition of COLD MOUNTAIN and THE FOUR WINDS. It's inspired by the true story of my grandmother's grandmother, following a tenacious pioneer's race into the great unknown.
In the Oklahoma prairie of 1893, Minnie Hoopes withstands the volatile wilderness and outlaw threats--but her greatest adventure will be confronting her past and finding a place to call home. IN THE GREAT QUIET is a lyrical, immersive story about memory and perception, community and isolation, with an epic, enduring romance at its heart.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 5, 2023
Captivating! Kept my interest and loved the strong character. Magical and enchanting life in a tree! I will recommend this short story to others-loved it!!
March 8, 2026
Blue Beyond the Sea: A Novelette by Laura Vogt is a beautifully atmospheric and imaginative short work that blends folklore, history, and quiet magic into a deeply evocative narrative.
Set in Bavaria in the year 1108, the story reimagines the legend of Edigna of Puch, a woman who fled an arranged marriage and chose an unconventional life of solitude inside the hollow of a linden tree. In this retelling, Edigna becomes both artist and legend illuminating manuscripts for a nearby abbey while gradually transforming into a story told around fires and whispered across generations.
One of the most compelling aspects of the novelette is its exploration of identity and legacy. As Edigna’s legend grows, she begins to fear losing her connection to the physical world, longing not to become only a myth but to remain a living, breathing presence. This tension between being remembered and being real creates a haunting emotional undercurrent throughout the narrative.
Inspired by archaeological discoveries of lapis lazuli pigments found in the teeth of a medieval woman suggesting that female artists once worked as manuscript illuminators the story subtly reclaims a forgotten piece of history. The writing is lyrical and reflective, weaving together themes of creativity, autonomy, and the quiet resilience of women whose contributions were often overlooked.
Overall, Blue Beyond the Sea is a delicate yet powerful piece of historical fantasy that invites readers to reflect on how stories shape memory, identity, and the hidden histories behind art.
Set in Bavaria in the year 1108, the story reimagines the legend of Edigna of Puch, a woman who fled an arranged marriage and chose an unconventional life of solitude inside the hollow of a linden tree. In this retelling, Edigna becomes both artist and legend illuminating manuscripts for a nearby abbey while gradually transforming into a story told around fires and whispered across generations.
One of the most compelling aspects of the novelette is its exploration of identity and legacy. As Edigna’s legend grows, she begins to fear losing her connection to the physical world, longing not to become only a myth but to remain a living, breathing presence. This tension between being remembered and being real creates a haunting emotional undercurrent throughout the narrative.
Inspired by archaeological discoveries of lapis lazuli pigments found in the teeth of a medieval woman suggesting that female artists once worked as manuscript illuminators the story subtly reclaims a forgotten piece of history. The writing is lyrical and reflective, weaving together themes of creativity, autonomy, and the quiet resilience of women whose contributions were often overlooked.
Overall, Blue Beyond the Sea is a delicate yet powerful piece of historical fantasy that invites readers to reflect on how stories shape memory, identity, and the hidden histories behind art.
January 5, 2023
This book is so captivating! I love the way the author creates an inviting world that you want to dive into. The main character is so independent yet unique. She marches to the beat of her own drum. She is trying to stay true to who she is yet love comes in subtly. I love that she is a female illuminator. The whole era is interesting and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Highly recommend as a quick read!
March 14, 2026
4.5/5 and easy round up
I really like Laura's writing.
Quick, captivating read. The language is so poetic that a non-native English speaker in me had to pause a few times and turn to the dictionary. But that only adds to the magic. It was nice to see the main character change. And although I come from Bohemia, I've never heard of Edigna of Puch. I am glad I did now.
I really like Laura's writing.
Quick, captivating read. The language is so poetic that a non-native English speaker in me had to pause a few times and turn to the dictionary. But that only adds to the magic. It was nice to see the main character change. And although I come from Bohemia, I've never heard of Edigna of Puch. I am glad I did now.
January 6, 2023
I found the story very creative with wonderful descriptive language. I highly recommend this book.
January 22, 2023
This was a great read. Enjoyed the journey and watching the character evolve.
February 7, 2023
Beautifully written story! So so good. Would definitely recommend!
February 19, 2025
Such a beautifully written, fascinating reimagining of legend/fairy tale. Highly recommend!
March 18, 2025
This was an enthralling short story of with detail and grand imagination blurring fantasy and reality. I also enjoyed the historical note at the end.
April 6, 2026
4✨
Officially part of the Laura Vogt fan club
Officially part of the Laura Vogt fan club
April 9, 2026
Breathtakingly beautiful; Vogt's poetic prose is enchanting, magical, and completely unmatched. I cannot get enough of her writing. Anxiously awaiting her next masterpiece.
March 12, 2026
Laura Vogt’s storytelling is beautifully lyrical and enchanting. Even in this shorter format, she creates a magical and engaging story centered on independence and self-discovery.
A quick, atmospheric read that feels both dreamy and thoughtful.
A quick, atmospheric read that feels both dreamy and thoughtful.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews