The Wolf in the Attic by Paul Kearney

When it comes to the world of fantasy fiction it seems to be getting much more difficult to find a good standalone novel. This, for me at least, made The Wolf in the Attic' by Paul Kearney nicely refreshing.

Eleven year old Anna Francis is a Greek refugee living with her father in 1920's Oxford. We first meet her as a very young child in her father's arms on a burning quayside of her homeland fleeing from the invading Turks having already lost her mother and brother in the slaughter. This horror is shown entirely through Anna's eyes along with the changing effects it has as she grows from terrified child to the girl on the brink of young womanhood. The changes in understanding and perception are done sympathetically and with a great deal of style.  This gradual coming-of-age also colours her views of her father who begins as an optimistic storyteller whom Anna idolizes and eventually becomes a despondent, defeated man who spends much of his time drinking, gambling and attending shady meetings.

A free spirit, Anna is prone to wandering the streets and forests surrounding Oxford (which is beautifully brought to life by Paul Kearney's writing). On one of her late night trips Anna witnesses events that will change her life forever. It is at this point that the book moves into the realms of fantasy (though there have been brief cameos from both C.S. Lewis and Tolkien). It is difficult to say too much about Gabriel, Luca and the gypsies Anna meets without giving away the plot. 

This is not an adventure in a world of epic, high fantasy but more a gentle stroll through the timelessness of English folklore, pagan legends and a darker element more reminiscent of Grimm's fairy tales. It is compelling, brilliantly paced and near impossible to put down - I found it so anyway.

'The Wolf in the Attic' is a fascinating blend of magic and reality that is both beautiful and enchanting. An obvious love of the subject matter flows through the pages with skill and affection. I have seen the name of author Paul Kearney many times in my book travels but this was my first reading experience. I will be looking for more now and would highly recommend this to anyone from 8 to 80 and beyond.