Review: I adored this cozy, atmospheric read from start to finish! 

 

“Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries” follows Emily Wilde, a genius scholar and meticulous researcher, as she journeys to a small town to write the world’s first encyclopaedia on faerie folklore. Not too long after, her handsome and charming academic rival Wendell Bambleby arrives and gets in the middle of her research. As she gets closer to discovering the secrets of the hidden ones, she begins to question who he truly is and what he really wants. 

 

Epistolary novels (works of fiction written in the form of journal entries, letters, or other documents) are few and far between these days, so I am ecstatic I love this one as much as I do! I enjoy this style of writing because it reveals so much in the way of characterization. For example, Emily’s thorough account of her time in the field complete with footnotes shows just how dedicated she is to her research and studies. Her entries also showcase some of her quirks—like how she prefers the company of books, her dog, and the fae to other people—which made me love her all the more. 

 

Wendell Bambleby is one of my favorite characters of all time. Seriously. He begins as Emily’s academic rival, but throughout the novel he wins her, and the reader, over with his irresistible charm. He is the sunshine to Emily’s grumpy and his attachment to her is incredibly endearing. Additionally, his good-natured teasing, sewing hobby, and neat freak personality, keep the book light while also making his character stand out. 

 

The romantic relationship that develops between Emily and Wendell is definitely a subplot, but I actually appreciated that it wasn’t the book’s focus because Emily wouldn’t be Emily if her research didn’t come first. I enjoyed getting the opportunity to explore her brilliant mind and absorb her vast knowledge on the fae through her journal. 

 

Fawcett really created something special and I know I’m not alone in saying that I cannot wait for what comes next!