Painful

I so wanted to like this book especially once I had read the description , as it seemed like such an interesting topic and a novel and new approach to explore something so many of us not only grew up with but have since learned the true stories of. Who doesn't know of the Grimm brothers and their work but it dragged on for hours with what I consider to be an extraordinary amount of filler. Nothing ever got better, nothing ever changed, and things only got worse- and I suppose I simply reached my tolerance for this long before I was given a reprieve. Additionally, the character of the family father was rather disturbing and I think emphasized perhaps a bit too much at times. Much of the book was depressing and I had to leave it alone for weeks at a time and gear myself up to go back and try to finish it. This is the first time that has ever happened to me since I learned to read at the age of five. Perhaps this would've been a different experience if I had actually read the book versus tried to listen to it but that would be to blame the narrator and that seems unfair as I believe she did the best she could with the material she was given. The last seven or eight chapters of the book finally pick up in a way that you are engaged and rooting for the main characters but I think we could've gotten to this point long before then and still been satisfied overall.

14 people found this helpful

Wonderful story of Wilhem Grimm and Dortchen

I read other reviews before I purchased this book. Many reviews were negative as far as listening to this tale, which did not stop me from purchaseing. As a lover of fairytales and the Grimm tales , I was fascinated with the story of how the tales were collected and published, along with the trials they had to endure to finally have the stories recognized by the public. Yes the story of Dortchen is very sad, yes her father was a horrible man and scarred her for a long time which she finally overcame. One reviewer stated, she stopped listening to the book as it was too horrendous to hear about Dortchen's father. There are many bad people in the world and what Dortchen endured was horrific, however Wilhem's devotion to her and his willingness to wait for her overcomes all the bad that happened before. Listen to the whole book and fall in love with the sweet Dortchen who knew the power of stories to heal and used them to help her understand her life and to share her tales with the world through the Grimm brothers. Those stories have stood the test of time and will be told and retold as long as there is someone to listen. Read or listen to this tale to the end. You won't regret your choice.

4 people found this helpful

Bittersweet story, fantastic reader

I had debated on this book for some time just not quite sure about it from the description. But because Kate Reading was narrating, I finally gave it a try. And so glad I did!

One of the amazing things about voice actor Reading is that I forget there is s narrator. I just get completely lost in the story. Yes, she has unique character voices, a smooth narration, and all the other hallmarks we look for in a reader. But the story comes first, and it shines in the best possible light.

This bittersweet tale could have been one of the brothers Grimm own tales. It weaves through hardship after hardship, to end with a triumph against the odds. A story to encourage perseverance and hope.

While there were no notes regarding historical accuracy, it does take place in Westphalia before and after Napoleon's rise to power. And I think to myself: It seems a realistic picture of what it might have been like as an average person living through war torn times in the 19th century. Some nice details for the historical clothing fans out there. Enough visuals overall, that I recall it as one might a movie.

4 people found this helpful

Powerful, bittersweet and enchanting

If you could sum up The Wild Girl in three words, what would they be?

Powerful, bittersweet, and enchanting. For anyone who loves history, fairytales, and romance, this is your perfect book. For me in particular it was special, as the German setting brought me close to home.

What other book might you compare The Wild Girl to and why?

I've never read any like it, which made it even more special. But thinking on this question made me think of Pan's Labyrinth, the film.

What does Kate Reading bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Oh, her voices were perfect for each character. I loved listening to her!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, absolutely. I loved everything - save the treatment of the main character - the interweaving of love, storytelling, German folk culture, history and the war. Every detail, like the description of medicines and herbal remedies, added to the layered magic of this tale.

Any additional comments?

It was quite a tragic story in many ways, but don't all fairytales have an element of tragedy? The treatment of Dortchen by her father was very alarming at times, and I wondered how true this was to the real life of this family. There were moments I could scarcely listen and felt perhaps the author went too far, but perhaps my strong reaction to the story is what makes it such a great story. The ending was perfect!!

4 people found this helpful

Needs a trigger warning

This book starts out well enough but really needs a trigger warning. There is a lot of abuse in it and it goes on for many chapters. It’s not just a single incident. Disappointing because it was otherwise an interesting story premise.

3 people found this helpful

Got better with every chapter

This book will have you reaching for your children’s book of fairy tales.

I don’t know how much truth there is in it vs poetic license but I’m in absolute awe of KF’s forethought about the original stories.

The story of Deutchen (spelling?) and Wilhelm could easily be a modern one, but the sad fact of life is that those tragedies which plagued them have indeed been around for many centuries.

I found this book to be very informative, if not of reliable information then at least in a way that opened my mind in a way it never had before.

Another Stella performance by KR.

2 people found this helpful

heartwrenchingly amazing

could not put it "down. Excited to read more from this author. Narrator Kate Reading nails it, again:-)

5 people found this helpful

Excellent performance, brutal story

I enjoyed the descriptions of life in the time and place, including the references to real historical events. The narrator is superb. The story was compelling, but so often the brutality and violence were just really hard to listen to. This book is definitely not recommended for anyone with issues around sexual abuse.

1 person found this helpful

Disturbing

I really wanted to like this book, I love the Grimm's Fairytales. But this book is very disturbing, and although I did finish listening to it, I'm disappointed. The father of the main character gave me chills, I know not every story is happy go lucky, but the book description leaves too much out. I thought I was going to listen to a fictional book about the Grimm's background story, and although you get that, you also get heart breaking sadness with what the main character has to endure. The father assaults his daughter multiple times and he's only mentioned as not giving his consent for her to marry in the description.I'm sorry but there is a whole lot more than just not giving his consent to marry the man she loves. There should be a warning for readers/listeners about how truly twisted he is, and there should be a warning for assault survivors, that they may not wish to read/ listen to the book.

What a surprise in the most pleasant way!

I don’t usually write reviews but wow! Completely blown away by how much I enjoyed this book. The narration, writing, and overall story arc are *chef’s kiss*. Will most definitely listen to again and will probably be buying the book as well.