The Wilderness of Girls

Publication Date: June 2024 | Thanks NetGalley for an ARC | Audiobook Version

Overall Verdict: If you’re willing to put up with the very slow pace, this is an original concept that discusses some heavy topics.

3/5 Stars

4/5 Stars for Narration

Book Summary: Eden is placed with her estranged uncle after her father ends up in jail and her step mother runs off. Wanting to start fresh, she dawns a new name as Rhi, and tries to find some happiness in Happy Valley. While working for her uncle at a nature preserve, Rhi stumbles upon a group of girls who appear to have lived in the wilderness for quite some time. While trying to help them, the girls are forced into a world they have never known. They tell Rhi that they have been living with a man named Mother and that they are princesses from another land. Grappling with her own past and present, Rhi balances figuring out herself and the unique bond that she has established with the girls.

My Analysis: This is an original idea and an ambitious one. The story starts off strong, then slows down dramatically before picking up again at the tail end. Honestly a good quarter of the book couple probably have been cut out. If you’re willing to put up with such a slow pace and some ambiguity, it is an interesting read. It is important to note there are some trigger warnings including sexual abuse, suicide and cannibalism. Given those incidents, this is probably suited for older YA readers. The themes, although heavy, are very well portrayed. The characters and their relationships as sisters, friends and more is the cornerstone of this book. I really liked all the characters equally too, there wasn’t one that stood out among the others in terms of keeping my interest. Readers will grapple with fantasy vs reality with one, and a lot is left up to interpretation. This novel isn’t for everyone, but those who really buy into the parallels it presents will find value in the stories told.