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Wilde
Can she break the curse of the witch called Winter?
Being different can be dangerous. Wilde is afraid strange things are happening around her. Are the birds following her? Is she flying in her sleep? Moving to live with her aunt seems to make it all worse. Wilde is desperate to fit in at her new school, but things keep getting stranger. In a fierce heatwave, in rehearsals for a school play telling the old, local legend of a witch called Winter, ‘The Witch’ starts leaving pupils frightening letters cursing them. Can Wilde find out what’s happening before everyone blames her? Or will she always be the outcast?
Being different can be dangerous. Wilde is afraid strange things are happening around her. Are the birds following her? Is she flying in her sleep? Moving to live with her aunt seems to make it all worse. Wilde is desperate to fit in at her new school, but things keep getting stranger. In a fierce heatwave, in rehearsals for a school play telling the old, local legend of a witch called Winter, ‘The Witch’ starts leaving pupils frightening letters cursing them. Can Wilde find out what’s happening before everyone blames her? Or will she always be the outcast?
256 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2020
4 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 3, 2020
Wilde by @eloisejwilliams sang to my witchy senses. This is a beautifully written tale of belonging, acceptance and, crucially, self acceptance. During this long hot summer, birds gather and lies sting... but what is the truth about the witch called Winter? A fabulous read for 9+.
April 29, 2020
Williams' latest book, Wilde, is everything you could possibly want in a children's story. There are witches and curses and legends. There's lots of humour, some fabulous animal characters and a great baddy. On a deeper level, the novel addresses important themes such as self belief, the value of individuality, loss, and bullying.
The main character, Wilde, is a gutsy, brave, quirky kid who longs to be 'normal' but deep inside her knows she never will be. She struggles with the loss of her mother and is determined to understand the secrets shrouding her family history, so she can understand who she really is.
The characters and the settings are beautifully drawn, and the story is exciting, magical, wacky and weird.
The Oscar Wilde quote in the front of the book, "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken," is inspired, and this is the valuable message readers will take away from the story.
I cannot recommend Wilde highly enough.
The main character, Wilde, is a gutsy, brave, quirky kid who longs to be 'normal' but deep inside her knows she never will be. She struggles with the loss of her mother and is determined to understand the secrets shrouding her family history, so she can understand who she really is.
The characters and the settings are beautifully drawn, and the story is exciting, magical, wacky and weird.
The Oscar Wilde quote in the front of the book, "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken," is inspired, and this is the valuable message readers will take away from the story.
I cannot recommend Wilde highly enough.
June 27, 2020
#Wilde @Eloisejwilliams. I LOVED the Spartacus moment ❤️❤️❤️ a story of finding your tribe and embracing who you are, however different that might be
June 3, 2020
This book is absolutely amazing! I really enjoyed the magic and fantasy, mixed with moral themes and issues. I liked how nearly all of the characters grew and developed on their own personal journeys. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a magical book with great character development and morals.
June 3, 2020
Brilliantly written, wonderfully imaginative, brought back memories of childhood in the Welsh valley where long, hot summers were spent playing outdoors in the rivers with best friends. Atmospheric and magical, thoroughly enjoyed this with my nine year old son
April 14, 2020
A beautifully written, fabulously crafted story of mystery, history and belonging; Wilde is a tour-de-force of magical realism. Told in a first-person voice that is genuine and truly believable, the story builds with a deliberate pace that holds the reader firmly within its pages. Wilde herself is a wonderful character. Bold, determined, conflicted and clever, she seeks only to be 'normal', to fit in. But she discovers that winning the acceptance of those with suspicious minds is a near impossible feat...when you, like it or not, stand out. First, she has to accept herself. Atmospheric descriptions set a scene of increasing tension as her own story, and that of the witch called Winter, play out and old fears and truths are revealed. The background of Witch Points' long and troubled history adds an evocative note, causing the reader to wonder; to think of the impact the past has on our present actions and how we justify the things we do. But it is the thread of family and friendship, of being and belonging that binds the tale and speaks of seeking, understanding and togetherness. Brave, gripping, magical and utterly wondrous.
May 12, 2020
As the mercury rises in Witch Point, this contemporary story builds into a thrilling tale of witches, legends and curses with belonging, identity and self-acceptance at the heart of it. Beautifully written with characters that leap off the page, Eloise Williams (Children’s Laureate Wales) has created another must-read novel that drips with atmosphere and attitude. Bewitching!
May 9, 2020
Wilde is being sent to yet another school where, once again, she has to try and act 'normal'. But a drama project at school has some strange effects on Year 6 and accusing fingers start pointing at Wilde.
Why is the story of a witch called Winter affecting her so much? And what is the link with her mother?
A page-turning story of self-acceptance, friendship and trust. Oh and witches... Lots about witches.
Why is the story of a witch called Winter affecting her so much? And what is the link with her mother?
A page-turning story of self-acceptance, friendship and trust. Oh and witches... Lots about witches.
November 25, 2021
Wilde is a magical story about an unusual girl in a 21st century school. Wilde Jenkins just wants to fit in, despite the name her mother had given her. She has left the boarding school where she was so unhappy and now staying with her aunt, Mae, at Witch Point where her parents grew up, she hopes life will be better in Year 6 at the local school in the hot summer term before they move up to Secondary school. But this is no ordinary village. The locals believe it was cursed many years earlier by a witch called Winter and unwisely, Gwyneth, an “outstanding actress,” currently resting, has decided to make the class act out the legend of Winter.
At first, making friends with a delightful girl called Dorcas, makes up for the class bully, Jemima, but when members of the class receive poisonous notes from “the Witch” suspicion falls upon the new girl. It doesn’t help that birds seem to follow Wilde and swoop down above her head. At first Dorcas remains loyal and naughty boy Lewis accepts her without question, but when Wilde finds herself in strange locations in the middle of the night, she begins to wonder about the stories she had heard of her mother.
The expressive language of the author enhanced my enjoyment and helped me to identify with Wilde’s predicament,
“It’s there, inside a cotton cover-all. The costume I’ve seen photos of my mother in. Hermia’s dress. It’s so beautiful. A shimmering moss-green with leaves around the neckline and a brocade skirt. Tiny gold threads run through the material and it has silver spiderwebs embroidered all over it. I’ve heard so many stories about it. It doesn’t feel real to hold it and know she once wore it. I feel a tear roll down my nose and plop on to the bodice. Then another. I have to sit back from the material or I’ll spoil it”.
The theme of the story is friendship and acceptance of differences. Despite their friction the class follow the Year 6 code of keeping secrets within their group. Mae’s household contains a menagerie including the independent cat, Mrs Danvers, and Wilde is allowed the independence of traditional fictional heroines. A great book for middle grade and me!
At first, making friends with a delightful girl called Dorcas, makes up for the class bully, Jemima, but when members of the class receive poisonous notes from “the Witch” suspicion falls upon the new girl. It doesn’t help that birds seem to follow Wilde and swoop down above her head. At first Dorcas remains loyal and naughty boy Lewis accepts her without question, but when Wilde finds herself in strange locations in the middle of the night, she begins to wonder about the stories she had heard of her mother.
The expressive language of the author enhanced my enjoyment and helped me to identify with Wilde’s predicament,
“It’s there, inside a cotton cover-all. The costume I’ve seen photos of my mother in. Hermia’s dress. It’s so beautiful. A shimmering moss-green with leaves around the neckline and a brocade skirt. Tiny gold threads run through the material and it has silver spiderwebs embroidered all over it. I’ve heard so many stories about it. It doesn’t feel real to hold it and know she once wore it. I feel a tear roll down my nose and plop on to the bodice. Then another. I have to sit back from the material or I’ll spoil it”.
The theme of the story is friendship and acceptance of differences. Despite their friction the class follow the Year 6 code of keeping secrets within their group. Mae’s household contains a menagerie including the independent cat, Mrs Danvers, and Wilde is allowed the independence of traditional fictional heroines. A great book for middle grade and me!
June 27, 2020
I was hooked on this book from the moment I heard about it. Witches. Curses. Legends being awoken. This is story telling at its best.
Wilde is being sent to live at Witch Point - a place she didn't want to be sent to - as all she wanted was to escape the weird things that were happening to her and to escape the birds: the owls, the jackdaws and the crows that seem to be following her. All is not as it seems. The y6s are rehearsing their leavers assembly - the retelling of the legend of Winter (a local 'Witch') and curses start being received by pupils at the school. It is not long before the finger of suspicion is pointed at Wilde, after all her family history and her mum are seeped in folklore. Wilde is a gusty and feisty individual who longs to be 'normal'. All she wants is to belong. Eloise crafts a spell binding tale but also allows the reader to consider the themes of self- believe, the value of individuality and loss including the loss of self worth through the words and actions of bullies. Eloise's writing conveys such depth and beauty which makes it such a compelling and inspirational read. I savoured every moment spent with Wilde and I urge you to do the same.
In the words of Oscar Wilde (as quoted in the book) "Be yourself everyone else is already taken."
Wilde is being sent to live at Witch Point - a place she didn't want to be sent to - as all she wanted was to escape the weird things that were happening to her and to escape the birds: the owls, the jackdaws and the crows that seem to be following her. All is not as it seems. The y6s are rehearsing their leavers assembly - the retelling of the legend of Winter (a local 'Witch') and curses start being received by pupils at the school. It is not long before the finger of suspicion is pointed at Wilde, after all her family history and her mum are seeped in folklore. Wilde is a gusty and feisty individual who longs to be 'normal'. All she wants is to belong. Eloise crafts a spell binding tale but also allows the reader to consider the themes of self- believe, the value of individuality and loss including the loss of self worth through the words and actions of bullies. Eloise's writing conveys such depth and beauty which makes it such a compelling and inspirational read. I savoured every moment spent with Wilde and I urge you to do the same.
In the words of Oscar Wilde (as quoted in the book) "Be yourself everyone else is already taken."
April 5, 2022
Heartstoppingly brilliant!
There is, once in a while, a story that fully engages the senses from the first paragraphs. A story that is so well executed, so thorough in its dialogue and presentation it becomes an instant and irresistible read. This is one. Richly written, a confection for the imagination that starts slowly, tempting and drawing the reader in. A slow burn as they say, but one that, with all the might of Hitchcock, and the flare of the Bard and fear wrought by William Golding progresses to a crescendo that is as wholly fulfilling as it is dramatic, fearful and delightful.
There is so much going on for our key protagonist, Year 6 student, Wilde, that it is hard to put into a synopsis the events that unfold. But, unfold they do as she discovers herself to be a witch living in a town living under the curse of a witch called Winter, of ages past.
This story is told in the first person by Wilde, and is as dramatic as any story I have read for this grade. It will I am sure be a classic in its own time. Wholly recommend this story to readers of all age
There is, once in a while, a story that fully engages the senses from the first paragraphs. A story that is so well executed, so thorough in its dialogue and presentation it becomes an instant and irresistible read. This is one. Richly written, a confection for the imagination that starts slowly, tempting and drawing the reader in. A slow burn as they say, but one that, with all the might of Hitchcock, and the flare of the Bard and fear wrought by William Golding progresses to a crescendo that is as wholly fulfilling as it is dramatic, fearful and delightful.
There is so much going on for our key protagonist, Year 6 student, Wilde, that it is hard to put into a synopsis the events that unfold. But, unfold they do as she discovers herself to be a witch living in a town living under the curse of a witch called Winter, of ages past.
This story is told in the first person by Wilde, and is as dramatic as any story I have read for this grade. It will I am sure be a classic in its own time. Wholly recommend this story to readers of all age
July 13, 2020
Some lovely touches of language in this, which always goes a looong way to me loving a story. I adored Dorcas as a character and enjoyed the atmospheric moments best in the book - it was as if I could feel the waterfall, or hear the fluttering of the birds. If a witchy and spooky story is your thing, or if you love Wales - this story is a good place to start.
July 19, 2020
Devoured this! Brilliant and wonderful, there are so many things I could relat to in this. Fast paced and full of surprises. I read it in one sitting and was devastated when it ended. Elosie writes brilliantly and cannto wait for more from her. Even better I have a signed copy!
May 25, 2021
A young heroine, fearful of how different she is from her peers, arrives in a Welsh town haunted by a centuries-old curse called down on them by the witch called Winter.
A pacey, supernatural tale about having the courage to be yourself, and the freedom that brings.
A pacey, supernatural tale about having the courage to be yourself, and the freedom that brings.
April 24, 2022
4.5 ⭐
This tale of witches and legends is merged with a coming of age story, where characters embrace the little differences and weird quirks that make us who we are. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, cannot recommend enough.
This tale of witches and legends is merged with a coming of age story, where characters embrace the little differences and weird quirks that make us who we are. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, cannot recommend enough.
November 10, 2022
We are all witches
A girl so different she can call the birds returns to the home of her mother and tried to be normal. But none of us are normal and it's time to embrace our inner wilde
A girl so different she can call the birds returns to the home of her mother and tried to be normal. But none of us are normal and it's time to embrace our inner wilde
March 25, 2020
Book Review to follow on www.mrripleysenchantedbooks.com
April 13, 2020
Absolutely wonderful! Full of thrills, magic and heart.
May 2, 2020
Such a wonderful read. I loved reading Wilde's story, and it reminds us all that everyone is a little weird.
June 10, 2020
Reviewed for a couple of publications - witchy, scary and ultimately uplifting
October 14, 2020
Probably 3 1/2 stars. I read this to preview it as a candidate for our family book club. Weird. Fun. Good message.
January 10, 2022
this book was absolutely amazing, i love the plot and how real it seemed. i loved how the bullying was believeable and in fact true to how bully’s are now. I love this book.
April 13, 2023
Wilde is a celebration of self when fitting in is so hard.
Wilde meant to get kicked out of school; there have been a lot of strange things happening. But she doesn’t count on being sent to stay with her aunt at the weirdest town ever – Witch Point. Jumping out of the frying pan and into the cauldron, Wilde can’t help but think it’s her.
Full Review Here https://justimagine.co.uk/review/wilde/
Wilde meant to get kicked out of school; there have been a lot of strange things happening. But she doesn’t count on being sent to stay with her aunt at the weirdest town ever – Witch Point. Jumping out of the frying pan and into the cauldron, Wilde can’t help but think it’s her.
Full Review Here https://justimagine.co.uk/review/wilde/
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews