The Water of the Wondrous Isles

A novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in a fantastical world and centers around a girl named Birdalone, who is taken captive by a witch and resides by a lake surrounded by woods. As she grows, Birdalone begins to understand her situation and contemplates escape, nurtured by her contact with the natural world and a benevolent spirit named Habundia. The opening of the book introduces the reader to the walled town of Utterhay and its ominous neighboring forest, Evilshaw, rumored to inhabit dark creatures and dangers. A mysterious woman, the witch, is seen in the market where she captivates the attention of a poor mother with her offer of gold and her peculiar interest in the woman's child, whom she later takes under her wing. This act sets into motion Birdalone’s journey of growth, captivity, and the longing for freedom that will define her character throughout the narrative. As she navigates her complex relationships with her witch mistress and the allure of adventure in the woods, the groundwork for Birdalone's quest for autonomy and self-discovery is beautifully laid out.