Wise Women: Myths and Stories for Midlife and Beyond

Wise Women: Myths and Stories for Midlife and Beyond by Sharon Blackie and Angharad Wynne is a book to savor. Filled with stories of wise old women, some you know and others who are new or told in a new way, this collection is meant for those in the second half of life. Gone are the days of princes and white horses. Now comes the dark woods and the burning fires of change. These fairy tales are meant to give readers and listeners mature female wisdom to guide them through the thorny paths of changes that surge upon them in midlife and beyond. Gone are the golden-haired princesses and jaunty red hoods, and instead enter the grandmothers, the witches, the wild hags, and the wise women, the old bone mothers, with their wild array of intentions and motivations.

While this collection lacks Blackie’s previous personal narratives (Hagitude, If Women Rose Rooted), it is a wonderful read for those who enjoy her unique way of turning a phrase or who enjoy the rhythm of a well-executed fairy tale. Blackie and Wynne bring immersive, rich language to these tales, making them utterly unique and sheer pleasure to read.