Wolf Girl

Wulfrun knows her mother’s secret, a heavily jewelled necklace hidden in the marriage chest, but when her mother is accused of stealing it Wulfrun has to discover the truth of its origin. Set in Whitby and the north east coast of Anglo-Saxon Northumbria, Tomlinson has skilfully woven known facts and real people with invented characters to form an exciting historical novel. This is a not well known period of history but the author has brought a whole world to life complete with almost unpronounceable names – Fridgyth for example! The struggle for power amongst the women should prove interesting to today’s girls. The Abbess Hild is a formidable adversary and her confrontation of Irmingburgh and the married (to someone else) Ecfrid is memorable. Wulfrun is a strong heroine, making mistakes, acting without thinking but always for the best, and the young princess shows her mettle. Cadmon, the cowherd poet with his stutter, who has to kill his calves for the vellum they produce, is a poignant and real figure (mentioned by Bede). There are maps which are essential in most historical stories, particularly where a journey is involved, and the beautiful letters at the beginning of each chapter show a love for the book’s production. Theresa Tomlinson’s books sometimes tell of a very local community; this one ranges further and shows her talent to the full.