The Wild Girl

Discover the untold love story of Dortchen Wild and the renowned Grimm Brothers in this captivating tale set during the turbulent Napoleonic Wars. This B-format paperback, published by Random House Australia in 2014, spans 560 pages of rich storytelling that intertwines history, passion, and fairy tales. Dive into the life of young Dortchen, a gifted storyteller growing up next to the Grimms in Hesse-Cassel, who shared her most compelling stories with Wilhelm Grimm. Their bond, forged in secrecy and adversity, gives readers a glimpse into how timeless fairy tales were preserved against the backdrop of war and cultural upheaval. Experience the drama of Napoleon's invasion and the struggles that shaped their storytelling legacy. This beautifully crafted book brings to life the enchanting world of German folklore and explores the deep connection between love and creativity. Perfect for those who cherish historical fiction and fairy tale origins, this title is a must-have addition to your bookshelf. With FREE shipping available, immerse yourself in this unique narrative about resilience, romance, and the magic of storytelling. Order now and uncover the powerful connections that inspired the stories we love.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781741668506
Format: B-format paperback
Year: 2014
Publisher: RANDOM HOUSE AUSTRALIA
Pages: 560


Description:
One of the great untold love stories - how the Grimm brothers discovered their famous fairy tales - filled with drama and passion, and taking place during the Napoleonic Wars.

Growing up next door to the Grimm brothers in Hesse-Cassel, a small German kingdom, Dortchen Wild told Wilhelm some of the most powerful and compelling stories in the famous fairy tale collection.

Dortchen first met the Grimm brothers in 1805, when she was twelve. One of six sisters, Dortchen lived in the medieval quarter of Cassel, a town famous for its grand royal palace, its colossal statue of Herkules, and a fairytale castle of turrets and spires built as a love nest for the Prince-Elector's mistress. Dortchen was the same age as Lotte Grimm and the two became best friends.

In 1806, Hesse-Cassel was invaded by the French. Napoleon created a new Kingdom of Westphalia, under the rule of his dissolute young brother Jer me. The Grimm brothers began collecting fairy tales that year, wanting to save the old stories told in spinning-circles and by the fire from the domination of French culture.

Dortchen's father was cruel and autocratic, and he beat and abused her. He frowned on the friendship between his daughters and the poverty-stricken Grimm Brothers. Dortchen had to meet Wilhelm in secret to tell him her stories. All the other sisters married and moved away, but Dortchen had to stay home and care for her sick parents. Even after the death of her father, Dortchen and Wilhelm could not marry - the Grimm brothers were so poor they were surviving on a single meal a day.

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