The Wolf Wilder
Katherine Rundell’s The Wolf Wilder is a mesmerizing blend of fairy tale and historical fiction, a novel that sweeps readers into a snowy, revolutionary Russia with prose so vivid it feels like you’re trudging through the frost alongside its fierce young heroine, Feodora. Published in 2015, this middle-grade masterpiece is a testament to Rundell’s unparalleled ability to craft stories that are both enchanting and deeply human, appealing to readers of all ages. From its unforgettable characters to its breathtaking setting, The Wolf Wilder is a literary gem that lingers long after the final page.
The story opens with a line that sets the tone for its magical, almost mythic quality: “Once upon a time, a hundred years ago, there was a dark and stormy girl.” Feo, the “dark and stormy girl,” lives with her mother, Marina, in the snowbound woods of Russia, where they work as wolf wilders. Unlike animal tamers, wolf wilders teach domesticated wolves—once kept as status symbols by the Russian aristocracy—to rediscover their wildness, to fend for themselves, and to run free. This unique premise is immediately captivating, introducing a world where the bond between humans and wolves is both tender and fierce, rooted in mutual respect rather than control. When the brutal General Rakov and the Russian Army threaten their way of life, imprisoning Marina, Feo embarks on a perilous journey to save her mother, accompanied by her loyal wolves and an unexpected ally, Ilya, a young soldier with dreams of dancing. What unfolds is a tale of courage, rebellion, and the unbreakable ties of love.
Rundell’s prose is nothing short of extraordinary. Every sentence is meticulously crafted, brimming with imagery that brings the icy Russian landscape to life. She describes the cold in a way that feels tangible, from “snow cold” that’s “soft and good for making snow wolves” to “ice cold” that “smelled sharp and knowing.” Her ability to weave poetic language into a fast-paced narrative is a rare gift, making each chapter feel like a painting you can step into. The wolves themselves are given distinct personalities—Black, White, and Grey are not mere animals but complex characters, loyal yet wild, embodying the story’s theme of freedom. Rundell’s respect for their wildness shines through, ensuring they are never reduced to pets but celebrated as “the witches of the animal world.”
Feo is a protagonist to root for, a girl who is both vulnerable and indomitable. Her courage stems not from fearlessness but from her ability to push through fear, a quality that makes her relatable and inspiring. She’s joined by a cast of equally compelling characters, including Ilya, whose quiet kindness and love for ballet add depth to the story. Rundell’s inclusion of Ilya’s subtle queerness—revealed in a poignant exchange about his disinterest in marriage—is handled with such grace that it feels organic, a testament to her skill in creating fully realized characters. The revolutionary Alexei and a ragtag group of children Feo encounters further enrich the narrative, showing how even the smallest individuals can spark change.
The novel’s historical setting, set against the backdrop of 1917 Russia, adds weight to its fairy-tale elements. Rundell draws on the unrest of the time, with General Rakov embodying the corruption and cruelty of the Tsarist regime. Yet, the historical context never overwhelms the story; it serves as a vivid backdrop, like the snow and woods, enhancing the sense of urgency and danger. The theme of revolution is woven seamlessly into Feo’s personal quest, culminating in a climax that feels both epic and intimate. As Rundell writes, “Stories can start revolutions,” and The Wolf Wilder makes you believe it.
What sets this book apart is its emotional resonance. It’s a story about standing up for what you love, whether it’s family, freedom, or the wild creatures of the world. It doesn’t shy away from darker themes—death, injustice, and loss are present—but they’re handled with a sensitivity that makes the story accessible to younger readers while deeply moving for adults. The illustrations by Gelrev Ongbico, peppered throughout, enhance the fairy-tale atmosphere, their stark beauty complementing Rundell’s words.
The Wolf Wilder is a book that demands to be read on a winter’s night, curled up by a fire, as snow falls outside. It’s a celebration of wildness, bravery, and the power of stories to change the world. Rundell has created a modern classic, one that deserves a place on every bookshelf. For fans of her earlier work, like Rooftoppers, it’s a thrilling continuation of her distinctive voice. For newcomers, it’s an invitation to fall in love with a writer who makes the world feel bigger, wilder, and more beautiful.
You can buy The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3RGOJ86
The story opens with a line that sets the tone for its magical, almost mythic quality: “Once upon a time, a hundred years ago, there was a dark and stormy girl.” Feo, the “dark and stormy girl,” lives with her mother, Marina, in the snowbound woods of Russia, where they work as wolf wilders. Unlike animal tamers, wolf wilders teach domesticated wolves—once kept as status symbols by the Russian aristocracy—to rediscover their wildness, to fend for themselves, and to run free. This unique premise is immediately captivating, introducing a world where the bond between humans and wolves is both tender and fierce, rooted in mutual respect rather than control. When the brutal General Rakov and the Russian Army threaten their way of life, imprisoning Marina, Feo embarks on a perilous journey to save her mother, accompanied by her loyal wolves and an unexpected ally, Ilya, a young soldier with dreams of dancing. What unfolds is a tale of courage, rebellion, and the unbreakable ties of love.
Rundell’s prose is nothing short of extraordinary. Every sentence is meticulously crafted, brimming with imagery that brings the icy Russian landscape to life. She describes the cold in a way that feels tangible, from “snow cold” that’s “soft and good for making snow wolves” to “ice cold” that “smelled sharp and knowing.” Her ability to weave poetic language into a fast-paced narrative is a rare gift, making each chapter feel like a painting you can step into. The wolves themselves are given distinct personalities—Black, White, and Grey are not mere animals but complex characters, loyal yet wild, embodying the story’s theme of freedom. Rundell’s respect for their wildness shines through, ensuring they are never reduced to pets but celebrated as “the witches of the animal world.”
Feo is a protagonist to root for, a girl who is both vulnerable and indomitable. Her courage stems not from fearlessness but from her ability to push through fear, a quality that makes her relatable and inspiring. She’s joined by a cast of equally compelling characters, including Ilya, whose quiet kindness and love for ballet add depth to the story. Rundell’s inclusion of Ilya’s subtle queerness—revealed in a poignant exchange about his disinterest in marriage—is handled with such grace that it feels organic, a testament to her skill in creating fully realized characters. The revolutionary Alexei and a ragtag group of children Feo encounters further enrich the narrative, showing how even the smallest individuals can spark change.
The novel’s historical setting, set against the backdrop of 1917 Russia, adds weight to its fairy-tale elements. Rundell draws on the unrest of the time, with General Rakov embodying the corruption and cruelty of the Tsarist regime. Yet, the historical context never overwhelms the story; it serves as a vivid backdrop, like the snow and woods, enhancing the sense of urgency and danger. The theme of revolution is woven seamlessly into Feo’s personal quest, culminating in a climax that feels both epic and intimate. As Rundell writes, “Stories can start revolutions,” and The Wolf Wilder makes you believe it.
What sets this book apart is its emotional resonance. It’s a story about standing up for what you love, whether it’s family, freedom, or the wild creatures of the world. It doesn’t shy away from darker themes—death, injustice, and loss are present—but they’re handled with a sensitivity that makes the story accessible to younger readers while deeply moving for adults. The illustrations by Gelrev Ongbico, peppered throughout, enhance the fairy-tale atmosphere, their stark beauty complementing Rundell’s words.
The Wolf Wilder is a book that demands to be read on a winter’s night, curled up by a fire, as snow falls outside. It’s a celebration of wildness, bravery, and the power of stories to change the world. Rundell has created a modern classic, one that deserves a place on every bookshelf. For fans of her earlier work, like Rooftoppers, it’s a thrilling continuation of her distinctive voice. For newcomers, it’s an invitation to fall in love with a writer who makes the world feel bigger, wilder, and more beautiful.
You can buy The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3RGOJ86
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