(Suffolk Folk Tales (Folk Tales: United Kingdom)) [By: Kirsty Hartsiotis] [Aug, 2013]

by Kirsty Hartsiotis

With its wild eroding sea, its gentle rolling fields and tall churches, Suffolk is a county of contrasts. It may seem a kindly and civilised place, but in that sea, in the reed beds, the woods and even down dark town streets lurk strange beasts, ghosts and tricksters. These thirty traditional tales retold by storyteller Kirsty Hartsiotis take you into a hidden world of green children and wildmen, of lovers from beyond the grave and tricksy fairy folk. Shaped by generations of Suffolk mardle and wit, in these stories you’ll discover the county’s last dragon, the secret behind Black Shuck, saintly King Edmund and heroic King Raedwald, haunted airfields, broken-hearted mermaids and the exploits of the county’s cunning folk. Embark on this journey around Suffolk and you’ll find you’re never far from a story.

Genres: Fiction

Paperback

First published May 1, 2013

Reviews

[Undomiel Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic collection, having been born and raised in Suffolk I may be a little biased, but I genuinely think this is a brilliant assortment of tales. Many I knew, many were new to me, I definitely saved this book to read at the right time - as I was on the train back home to Suffolk travelling from London watching the city turn into rolling countryside!

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, 30 short stories of around 4 or 5 pages each. I tried not to read too many at once as I find short stories can often blend into one, but they were vastly different so that was nice.

As someone who spent his first 28 years in Sudbury, I shamefully admit I'd never heard of any of those tales. I moved to Australia several years ago and on a recent trip home I picked up this book (and Suffolk Ghost Stories, another book from Kirsty) and it was exactly what I was looking for.

I'd certainly recommend this to anyone with connections to Suffolk, let's not let these tales die out!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up in Suffolk but even if you don't have a direct connection I think this is a well written and enchanting collection of tales. I like the comment box at the end of each story with additional information.

[lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi! Your writing genuinely pulled me in, especially the way you handle emotional moments. A few scenes felt very visual to me.
I’m a commission-based narrative artist, and if you ever want to explore a comic or webtoon version, feel free to reach out.
📩 Discord & Instagram: lizziedoesitall

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable and interesting.

[Mary Welham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving the detailed version of the Red Barn