The Fair Folk - by Su Bristow (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

From prize-winning author Su Bristow comes a fascinating coming-of-age novel about magic and the choices that define future generations.

It's 1959. To eight-year-old Felicity--who lives on a dying farm in England--the fairies in the woods have much more to offer than the people in her everyday life. As she becomes more rooted in their world, she learns that their magic is far from safe. Their queen, Elfrida, offers Felicity a gift. But fairy bargains are never what they seem.

As an adult, Felicity leaves for university. Unfortunately, books are not her only company at school: Elfrida and Hobb--the queen's constant companions--wield the ability to appear at any time, causing havoc in her new friendships and love life. Desperate, Felicity finally begins to explore the true nature of the Fair Folk and their magic. Her ally, the folklorist Professor Edgerley, asks, "What do they want from you?" The answer lies in the distant past, and in the secrets of her own family.

As the consequences of the "gift" play out, Felicity must draw on her courage to confront Elfrida, and make the right choice. Interwoven with traditional stories and striking characters, The Fair Folk poses questions about how we care for our children, our land, and our love-hate relationship with what we desire most.

Review Quotes

★ "Twining classic fairy lore with a modern story of an aching girlhood and first love, The Fair Folk is an enthralling novel filled with breathtaking revelations."--Foreword Reviews (starred review)

"The wonders of nature are exquisitely sketched in this cautionary tale about the danger of striking bargains with spirits."--Kirkus Reviews

"A Faustian, modern-day fairy tale in which the 'be careful what you wish for' trope is updated with a tender bildungsroman...a heartbreaking reality about lost innocence, rendered poetic in Bristow's quiet but moving words."--Booklist

"Lose yourself in this magical literary fantasy grounded with real-life wisdom."--Historical Novels Review

"In her gorgeous new historical fantasy, Bristow crafts the story of a particularly complex interaction between mortals and faeries... [she] has written a grand novel here, and readers will fall into it for days."--Locus Magazine

"Lyric and captivating, [The Fair Folk] flows rapidly and with unceasing appeal...all crafted with skill that seems invisible but works its magic constantly, keeping the reader enraptured. Any reader of fantasy will love this, but just about any reader can find within this tale much of interest."--Reading the West

"Steeped in English folklore and sentiment, this coming-of-age novel will call to anyone who feels out of place among ordinary mortals."--Winnipeg Free Press

"This is a book to be savored, not rushed through and I feel that it will only improve upon a second or third reading, such is the depth of each and every character that Bristow has woven together."--GeekMom

"Lovers of classic folktales will appreciate this."--Publishers Weekly

Praise for Sealskin

"This assured and readable story is determined to show that change and growth are possible, even on the very margins of society. The heartfelt message seems to be that acceptance comes when individuals face up to their fears and act for the good beyond themselves. The love of Donald for mysterious Mairhi is beautifully done."--The Guardian

★ "A haunting tale of family and consequences... The writing is sorrowful and lovely, with a well-earned, satisfying conclusion."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"A powerful tale of love, learning and forgiveness, Sealskin is a bold and moving read that I was sad to put down."--The Bookbag

"Well-written and atmospheric... Bristow paints a vivid setting and knows how to tug on the heartstrings."--Fantasy Literature

"An accomplished and intelligent novel, a fine piece of craftsmanship and a pleasure to read."--Allan Massie, author of The Hanging Tree

"Su Bristow's writing is fluid and flawless, and this is a story so deeply immersive that you emerge at the end, gasping for air."--Iona Grey, author of Letters to the Lost

"Dark and brooding and half-familiar, the tale steals over you till you're half-in, half-out of a dream."--Jane Johnson, author of Court of Lions

"It's a story about the tensions of life in a tiny fishing community, about bullying and violence as well as the healing magic of nature. It's written smoothly and skillfully with not a word too many or too few."--Gill Paul, author of The Secret Wife