A feminist tale for the ages, with The Bloody Branch Brigid Lowe delivers a vivid, visceral debut drawing on traditional Welsh folklore. It reimagines the stories of three heroines – Blodeuwedd, Arianrhod and Goewin – as they join forces against the magician Gwydion. Having wreaked havoc on all of their lives in the past, the women unite against the powerful force, harnessing their unique powers to ensure they defend their land and their livelihood.
Inspired by the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogion, the story features many themes that will resonate with audiences today, including nature, desire and revenge – and reflects that time may pass, yet experiences remain the same across centuries. The Bloody Branch’s characterisation is powerful, and the vivid prose ensures you get to the heart of the story, though charting that story through three female perspectives can make connection challenging.
Dark and magical, The Bloody Branch is a complex and spellbinding fantasy fiction which ensures voices are given to those who may not have had the opportunity to express their view in the past. Evocative, atmospheric and impactful, you’ll find yourself immersed in this unique retelling of Welsh mythology.
