Cat writes…

Dear Michelle,

I read wolf brother for the first time as a 9 year old (quite feral) girl living in the Welsh countryside, playing with my dog, rabbits, voles, moles, robins, any British wildlife that would wander into our garden (and house!)
Wolf brother and the chronicles of ancient darkness shaped our play- we’d be running through the woods pretending to be Torak, Wolf and Renn. Daydreaming about talking to wolves. My father is the closest human I know to St Francis of Assisis (wild birds in hand, hanging out with foxes..) so we did the same.

Thank you for sharing your wolf brother world – I’m so happy your books exist, it’s hard to explain but reading the books and thinking about reading them as a child brings such a wonderful nostalgia (and “Hiraeth”- a Welsh word with the meaning ‘A blend of homesickness, nostalgia and longing; a pull on the heart that conveys a distinct feeling of missing something irretrievably lost.’)
I think I feel this way because your stories possibly ignite inherited genetic memory? (A theory….)

I’m now thirty, have had a painful three years leaving a difficult domestic situation and I look forward to re-reading your books in peace, to itch at the hiraeth feeling again,

Thank you!
Catherine x

Michelle Replies…

Dear Catherine, thank you for conjuring such an evocative picture of that feral girl in the Welsh countryside! And thank you too for introducing me to a new word.  English is a rich language, but I don’t think we have anything like “hiraeth”.  You explain it so well, and I feel the better for knowing it.  I’m sorry that the past few years have been so difficult for you, but whatever the situation you found yourself in, I applaud the fact that you’ve had the strength to leave it behind.  That must have taken courage.  I hope that making the break brings you peace and a sense of well-being, and that at some time in the future, re-reading the stories can help with that.  Thank you so much for getting in touch.  With very best wishes, Michelle