By Rowan and Yew

Synopsis

 

The breathtaking sequel to the stunning By Ash, Oak and Thorn from acclaimed nature writer and Costa Award-shortlisted novelist Melissa Harrison - perfect for cosy nights!

CHOSEN AS ONE OF COUNTRYFILE'S BEST NATURE BOOKS OF 2021

PRAISE FOR BY ASH, OAK AND THORN:

'Timely and magical, it will open the young reader's eyes to the wonders of the natural world.' NATASHA FARRANT

'Each page brims with the wonder of our natural world, so much to learn but all a sheer delight.' PIERS TORDAY

As autumn arrives, Moss, Sorrel, Burnet and Dormer decide to return home to Ash Row to unravel a riddle that might explain why their kind are fading from the Wild World.

When you're only one-hand high, it's a journey filled with both danger and delight: golden leaves, shiny conkers and the brightest of berries, but also storms and the first frost of winter.

They have friendship, good sense and humour on their side, but will it be enough to secure a future for the Hidden Folk? Or will they need to go further, and find a way to work with the most unreliable of creatures ... humans?

A tale of disappearing wilderness that couldn't be more relevant in today's environmental crisis, brought to life for children by three tiny, funny, eternal beings - the hidden folk.

• From acclaimed nature writer and literary fiction novelist, Melissa Harrison, whose work has been shortlisted for the Costa Book Award and longlisted for the Baileys Prize.
• Inspired by 1942 classic The Little Grey Men by BB, with shades of The Borrowers.

 

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Summary

Chapter 1: The Unveiling

* An unknown narrator finds a strange diary in an attic, revealing the events of a summer in the 1960s.
* The diary belongs to 15-year-old Rowan, who lives with her eccentric aunt, Imogen, in a secluded cottage in Wales.

Chapter 2: The Mystic Grove

* Rowan explores the surrounding woods and encounters a mysterious yew tree that seems to call to her.
* She meets Yew, a mysterious and enigmatic figure who guides her through the grove, revealing secrets of the past.

Chapter 3: Shadows from the Past

* Rowan learns that Imogen's husband, Alaric, was a renowned occultist who disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
* She uncovers hidden rooms and ancient artifacts that hint at Alaric's dark experiments.

Chapter 4: The Gathering Storm

* Yew warns Rowan of a growing evil that threatens the cottage and its inhabitants.
* Rowan discovers that she possesses latent psychic abilities that she must use to protect her family.

Chapter 5: The Witching Hour

* On a stormy night, the evil manifests itself as a menacing creature that attacks Imogen.
* Rowan and Yew must summon all their strength to confront the darkness and save each other.

Chapter 6: The Ritual of Summoning

* Rowan learns that Alaric's spirit has been summoned back to the cottage and must be appeased.
* She performs an ancient ritual with Yew's help to communicate with her uncle and learn the truth about his disappearance.

Chapter 7: The Final Confrontation

* The truth behind Alaric's fate is revealed, and the nature of the evil that threatens the cottage is unmasked.
* Rowan and Yew must face their own fears and harness their powers to defeat the darkness once and for all.

Chapter 8: The Legacy of Yew

* After the storm, Rowan and Imogen find a letter from Yew, explaining his true identity and the role he played.
* The diary closes with Rowan realizing that the events of the summer have changed her forever and that the memory of Yew will always be with her.

Real-World Example:

The book explores themes of personal growth, the power of the mind, and the secrets that lie hidden in our past. For example, Rowan's journey of self-discovery parallels the experience of many young people who are uncertain of their place in the world and seek guidance from mentors or within themselves. Additionally, the idea that our thoughts and beliefs can have an impact on our experiences echoes the principles of mindfulness and positive psychology.