Book Review: The Story Collector by Evie Woods
I picked up The Story Collector at the airport on a whim, not knowing anything about Evie Woods. I just needed something to read, and wow—I’m so glad I chose this book! From the first few pages, I was hooked by the dual timeline, jumping between 1911 and 2011. The story follows a woman who impulsively travels to Ireland after reading about an ancient hawthorn tree that might be the source of a curse—all while dealing with the first day of her separation from her husband on Christmas.
Publisher’s Description: In a quiet village in Ireland, a mysterious local myth is about to change everything…
One hundred years ago, Anna, a young farm girl, volunteers to help an intriguing American visitor translate fairy stories from Irish to English. But all is not as it seems and Anna soon finds herself at the heart of a mystery that threatens her very way of life.
In New York in the present day, Sarah Harper boards a plane bound for the West Coast of Ireland. But once there, she finds she has unearthed dark secrets – secrets that tread the line between the everyday and the otherworldly, the seen and the unseen.
At its core, this book is about second chances, grief, and moving forward when you’re ready. And it is about connections and the power of storytelling. The dual timeline really works, tying past and present together in a way that keeps you turning the pages. I also loved how Irish folklore was woven in, especially the fairies (or “Good People”). It added a little magic without taking away from the emotional depth of the story.
If I had one critique, it would be that the resolution of the 2011 timeline felt anticlimactic—it didn’t deliver the emotional payoff I was hoping for. In contrast, the 1911 storyline was bittersweet but wrapped up in a much more satisfying way.
This was my first time reading Evie Woods, and I fell in love with her writing. She has this effortless way of blending history, folklore, and real emotions that makes the story feel alive. Her characters are layered, the settings are vivid, and there’s just the right mix of heartache and hope.
I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read The Last Bookshop next. If you love books with rich storytelling and a little touch of magic, this one is for you.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5
Author: Evie Woods
Publication: August 2024
Publisher: One More Chapter
Genre: Fiction (Magical Realism)
