The Storyteller's Library

April

Welcome to April’s, Storyteller’s Library. I have a very productive month in terms of books and I’ve also listened to a few audio books on commutes and whilst cooking the dinner. So here they are, the books I read (and listened to) in April:

Physical Books

• Scottish Folk Tales Volume II - Various Authors

• The Story Of Witches - Folklore, History and Superstition - Willow Winsham

• The Adventures of Robin Hood - Roger Lancelyn Green

• A History of The Tudors in 100 Objects - John Matusiak

Audio Books via Borrowbox

• The Familiar - Leigh Bardugo

• A Monster Calls - Patrick Ness

• The Rivers Of London - Ben Aaronovitch

Scottish Folk Tale Volume II - Various authors

Great second volume of Scottish folktales. Celtic, in particular Scottish stories, are close to my heart. I have Scottish ancestry on my mother’s side and the stories of this culture sing to my bones.

There are a few tales I have heard/read before in this one but the majority are new to me and those that are not are new tellings which is invaluable as a storyteller as it allows you to see different perspectives and the different ways it has been passed down.

My top three stories are The Borrowed Boat (a story of trowies), Stine Bheag, The Wind Witch and The Highwayman And The Orra Loon.

If you enjoy The History Press anthologies, this one will not disappoint,

The Story Of Witches - Folklore, History and Superstition - Willow Winsham

This is a great book, with something for everyone if you’re interested in the history of witchcraft in the British Isles. If you are reasonably familiar with folklore and history then much of the information within the first two chapters of this book is fairly common knowledge.

I enjoyed the third chapter the most where Willow looks at witchcraft into the 20th century and how is has developed into a neo-pagan faith that is now accepted within our society despite is troubled history.

The art deco style illustrations make this a beautiful book that is perfect as gift for that witchy friend which frankly we should all have.

A History of The Tudors in 100 Objects - John Matusiak

A great book which provides a very accessible and fun way to get to know the Tudors through 100 different objects from everyday life to royalty. This book sits on my coffee table so I can dip in and out of it for a bit of stealth learning.

The Familiar - Leigh Bardugo

I loved this book. I listened to it as an audio so at times the narrator wasn’t entirely my cup-of-tea as they say here, but that’s just personal preference.

The story was really interesting and intertwined magical practice, religious persecution and the Spanish inquisition into an over arching narrative of a man who made a pact with the devil and cannot find a way out.

I think this one falls into the romantascy genre, not one I usually venture into but I enjoyed the plot, the characters were believable and their stories intriguing. A good holiday read with a magical theme and a period drama feel.

A Monster Calls - Patrick Ness

People have been telling me to read this book for years and so I finally read it. I’m glad I waited so long because this book is traumatic! It makes you face some of the parts of you that you are not going to like and it is brilliantly done through a series of stories within a story.

This story deals with death and a young boy who is loosing his mother to cancer. I have been through this as a 37 year old and I can assure you the emotions are very much the same. The difference is, as an adult you are expected to be able to have the experience to moderate them.

This book is a truly masterful exploration of grief, loss and the magic of the landscape. I would not recommend reading it though if you have just lost someone unless you have a sturdy heart.

The Rivers Of London - Ben Aaronovitch

This was brilliant! Another one people have been saying I should read and they weren’t wrong. Magic, Punch and Judy, ghostly sightings, river deities and murder all rolled into a tale of an alternative side to London.

My only slight criticism is the scene at the opera theatre and the following riots rolled on for a little too long but you can’t have everything and the second in this series is on my list for next month.

The Adventures Of Robin Hood by Roger Lancelyn Green

Fabulous collection of tales that trace the history and stories of Robin Hood from his banishment to Sherwood as an outlaw to his rise to fame as Robin Hood. Tales of how he recruits his merry men and gets the better of the Sheriff of Nottingham and various Bishops, never fail to raise a wry smile as his metes out his own particular justice in the country of Nottingham.

A great introduction to this legendary national hero of a once densely forested land during the Norman enclosures King Richard’s absence.

What Were Your April Reads?

Don’t forget to share what you’ve been reading this month in the comments below.

Next Month’s Reading List

As always you can buy any of above books in all good bookshops. If you would like to buy a copy online, please consider visiting my page on Bookshop.org where I have gathered some of the books I read and recommend. Here you will find a plethora of myth, legend and folktale.

And don’t forget to support your local library too. See if they have a copy to borrow.