Fifteen Wild Decembers
Author: Karen Powell
Published by: Europa Editions
Pages: 285
Format: Paperback
My Rating: ★★★★★
Published by: Europa Editions
Pages: 285
Format: Paperback
My Rating: ★★★★★
Isolated for society, Emily Brontë and her siblings spend their days inventing elaborate fictional realms or roaming the wild moors above their family home in Yorkshire.
When the time comes for them to venture out into the world to earn a living, each of them struggles to adapt, but for Emily the change is catastrophic. Torn from the landscape to which she has become so passionately bound, she is simply unable to function.
When the time comes for them to venture out into the world to earn a living, each of them struggles to adapt, but for Emily the change is catastrophic. Torn from the landscape to which she has become so passionately bound, she is simply unable to function.
My thoughts:
Fifteen Wild Decembers is a compelling literary reimagining of the life of Emily Brontë, and a moving story of sisterhood, creativity, and survival.
Karen Powell's book is a carefully crafted novel that swept me away from the very first page. Powell's writing style is nothing short of breathtaking, weaving together a tapestry of lush descriptions and beautiful imagery that brings every scene vividly to life. Her prose flows like poetry, making even the simplest moments resonate with subtle beauty.
The story itself is both moving and unforgettable. The characters feel so real and relatable, with their emotions and struggles written in a way that anyone can understand. Powell writes Emily as her first-person narrator and does a wonderful job of showing the highs and lows of the relationships throughout the book, capturing moments heartbreak and hope.
I stayed up late into the night over the Christmas break and I found myself savouring every sentence, pausing to re-read passages that felt too beautiful to leave behind. My paperback now has various tabs, folded pages and scribbles in the margins from my time reading it.
It is a relatively short novel but perfectly formed. Powell's talent lies in her ability to balance the lyrical with the grounded, ensuring the narrative remains compelling while never losing its literary brilliance.
Fifteen Wild Decembers is a novel that lingers long after the final page, a testament to the power of masterful storytelling. For those who cherish books that both move and inspire, this is an absolute must-read.
Overall reaction:
Fifteen Wild Decembers is a compelling literary reimagining of the life of Emily Brontë, and a moving story of sisterhood, creativity, and survival.
Karen Powell's book is a carefully crafted novel that swept me away from the very first page. Powell's writing style is nothing short of breathtaking, weaving together a tapestry of lush descriptions and beautiful imagery that brings every scene vividly to life. Her prose flows like poetry, making even the simplest moments resonate with subtle beauty.
The story itself is both moving and unforgettable. The characters feel so real and relatable, with their emotions and struggles written in a way that anyone can understand. Powell writes Emily as her first-person narrator and does a wonderful job of showing the highs and lows of the relationships throughout the book, capturing moments heartbreak and hope.
I stayed up late into the night over the Christmas break and I found myself savouring every sentence, pausing to re-read passages that felt too beautiful to leave behind. My paperback now has various tabs, folded pages and scribbles in the margins from my time reading it.
It is a relatively short novel but perfectly formed. Powell's talent lies in her ability to balance the lyrical with the grounded, ensuring the narrative remains compelling while never losing its literary brilliance.
Fifteen Wild Decembers is a novel that lingers long after the final page, a testament to the power of masterful storytelling. For those who cherish books that both move and inspire, this is an absolute must-read.
Overall reaction:
