Courting the Wild Twin Paperback – 5 Oct. 2023

In a strange way, this book took me to a soothing place, where I found a mixture of joy and relief. Very strange.The two stories (which are in no way candy-coated) are both based around an age-old myth - and are woven, discussed and interpreted in ways which guide you into recognising their reality. What, on the surface, could be fanciful fairy stories, actually bubble with an honesty of "how the World is - and always has been". They know and hint to you about what is important.Built into the stories is the theme of the wild twin. This represents the part of everyone which remains connected to the earth/nature, raw emotion/expression - and their essence, before society worked to tame them. The author explains how ancient myths, such as this one, recognise the benefits to health and vitality in maintaining a good relationship with this side of us; finding a balance with it (although the wild twin has often been cast away and therefore requires careful courting).The myths do not, it seems, lay things in the palm of our hand (not at all like a self-help book). They work with metaphor, mischief and a clever story-teller - but still aim to inform us: if we can listen.I think that the sense of relief I got with this book was something to do with breathing a sigh and feeling; "ah, yes, that's how it is."It is likely that the book, its stories and thoughts will have different personal associations for different readers. There is much to interest and to ponder. I am sure I will be opening the pages again soon - they are infused with magic.

I loved this deep dive into the meaning hidden in fairytales. Ancient truths for the modern world

This is a work of sublime imagination and depth.

I don't think a book under 150 pages has ever left me thinking so much than this one did! It's one of those books that I immediately felt some connection with as it looks at the way we think and look at things nowadays compared to way back when, and how we can learn so much from noticing those little things and how taking time over things make you feel more connected and in tune with your 'wild twin'.At the centre of the book is 2 fairy tales which the author deconstructs - so to speak - and adds his thoughts and takes on the messages contained within the tales. You can either read along as he points the tales out, or read the fairy tales in full at the back and then go back and explore them further with his voice from the pages.And the overall message is one of how we've lost that art of 'wondering', that connection with nature and how we all have a wild twin but we've lost that connection as it's cast adrift in this fast paced world that we now live in. I definitely find I notice more when I'm out walking and that sense of peace is very comforting.I found the fairy tales to be fascinating to read as I'd not heard them before. They are related stories but very different and I enjoyed how he pointed the quirks out, along with seeing how the modern world can make us feel very inadequate, or always living life in comparison to others and never feeling enough - you are enough!! It's also very true how he notices that the more time spent alone, the more insight one can get as it's quieter so you can listen more!I found this so thought provoking and insightful and hadn't been aware of this author before but will be looking for his other work as I found his outlook quite genuine and spiritual!! highly recommended!!

I listened to this book on audible and it was a magical and glorious journey! A complete delight of wildwood and wonder x

A truly magical audiobook, makes for a thought provoking and heart swelling listen. I’m new to Martin Shaw’s work but I feel I have found an important guide and teller of ancient truths. Off to buy another from him!

A short story spun out ... found it quite a hard read to concentrate on ..

I listened on audiobook and I’m sorry, but the writer reading the book was quite annoying and gave me the sense I was being spoken to like a child which was irritating and clouded my enjoyment of the writing. Please have someone else read the book.

One of my favorite books. Great accompaniment to the audiobook. A physical book to underline, as a great accompaniment to the audiobook. Highly recommend.

A masterful storytelling journey through archetype and magic and the land of soul. Loved it!

Poetic and divine. Wish I could read it again for the first time.

The mythic wild twin - that soul that was born with you but thrown out the window to lead a life as wild as yours is domesticated - will draw you in. You’ll stay for the tender lament for a passing time, the invigorating message that you are enough, the urgency that the stories that fall from your tongue are needed.Every book by Martin Shaw is the best book, but this is the one you press into the hands of everyone you know. Read this, read this, read this.

Amazing book. Arrived faster than expected and in great condition