Oh, I enjoyed this so much! I was really disappointed to have to miss it live on Tuesday evening so I was glad for the chance to catch up over my coffee this morning. I am reading and enjoying Wise Women, having wanted to read Sharon Blackie's books for ages.
Something I wondered while I was listening was whether Northern European folk tales were influenced by Norse and Scandinavian views of women? I know very little about it so it is just conjecture on my part. My understanding is that the popular perception of Vikings as more egalitarian than other European cultures is too simplistic, but perhaps there is some connection there...
This book and this discussion is making me think much more about the portrayal of older women in books and stories. The story 'The Hedley Kow' reminded me of Julia Donaldson's lovely picture book 'A Squash and a Squeeze', which I am appreciating more and more while I majorly declutter my flat as I approach the 'empty nest' stage of life. And the 'Tending Eden' story reminded me of 'Miss Rumphius' by Barbara Cooney (although that one sadly has no pixies placing their babies to sleep in tulips!), another story where we see a 'happy, ordinary elder woman'. Well, we see Miss Rumphius in all stages of life, but it ends with her in old age. (I've written a post about the beautiful 'Miss Rumphius' picture book, if anyone is interested.)
Thank you so much Katherine and Sharon for a thought-provoking discussion. I am going away with so many new ideas and perspectives!
Oh, I enjoyed this so much! I was really disappointed to have to miss it live on Tuesday evening so I was glad for the chance to catch up over my coffee this morning. I am reading and enjoying Wise Women, having wanted to read Sharon Blackie's books for ages.
Something I wondered while I was listening was whether Northern European folk tales were influenced by Norse and Scandinavian views of women? I know very little about it so it is just conjecture on my part. My understanding is that the popular perception of Vikings as more egalitarian than other European cultures is too simplistic, but perhaps there is some connection there...
This book and this discussion is making me think much more about the portrayal of older women in books and stories. The story 'The Hedley Kow' reminded me of Julia Donaldson's lovely picture book 'A Squash and a Squeeze', which I am appreciating more and more while I majorly declutter my flat as I approach the 'empty nest' stage of life. And the 'Tending Eden' story reminded me of 'Miss Rumphius' by Barbara Cooney (although that one sadly has no pixies placing their babies to sleep in tulips!), another story where we see a 'happy, ordinary elder woman'. Well, we see Miss Rumphius in all stages of life, but it ends with her in old age. (I've written a post about the beautiful 'Miss Rumphius' picture book, if anyone is interested.)
Thank you so much Katherine and Sharon for a thought-provoking discussion. I am going away with so many new ideas and perspectives!