Wistman's Wood inspires haunting new Dartmoor novel by Devon author
Devon author Alex Morrison has drawn on Dartmoor's landscape, Victorian history and local folklore for his new historical novel, The Wolf of Wistman's Wood, inspired by one of the National Park's most mysterious locations
A Devon author has drawn on Dartmoor's dramatic landscape, folklore and Victorian history for his newly published novel, The Wolf of Wistman's Wood.
Alex Morrison, who lives near Kingsbridge, said the idea for the story had been with him since his first visit to Wistman's Wood more than 15 years ago.
Set during the winter of 1891, the novel follows two young servants forced to survive after being cast out when the woman falls pregnant.
The story is set against the backdrop of Victorian workhouses, prisons and one of Dartmoor's most famous ancient woodlands.
The Moorlander’s Jamie Townsend caught up with Alex to find out more about the inspiration behind the book.
Jamie: “Can you tell us a little about yourself and your connection to Devon and Dartmoor?”
Alex: "I was born in Scotland but moved to Devon when I was 10, and have lived here ever since, apart from a few years working in Surrey and London.
"I live near Kingsbridge, where the story in my novel begins, but I've often visited Dartmoor. I've always been fascinated by Dartmoor's beauty but also its wildness and the strange stories it inspires, from the history of the prison to tales of ghostly hounds."
Jamie: “What is The Wolf of Wistman's Wood about, and what can readers expect?”
Alex: "Set in the freezing winter of 1891, The Wolf of Wistman's Wood tells the story of Jenny and Tom, two young servants who are cast out when Jenny falls pregnant. It's a story of love, survival and moral compromise in Victorian prisons and workhouses, and Dartmoor's darkest woodland."
Jamie: “Why did you choose Dartmoor, and Wistman's Wood in particular, as the setting?”
Alex: "I've wanted to write a story about Wistman's Wood since I first visited more than 15 years ago. It's such a strange place, beautiful and bleak in equal measure, that any writer would surely want to set a story there.
"Having read a few books about Dartmoor Prison, not to mention moorland stories like The Hound of the Baskervilles, I quickly saw the bones of a story emerging."
Jamie: “How much of the story is inspired by Dartmoor's history, folklore and landscape?”
Alex: "The moorland landscape is essential to the book, almost a character in its own right. It could be a place to hide, a place to escape, but also a place of great danger to the unwary.
"I did extensive historical research, scouring the internet, reading stacks of books and visiting the Dartmoor Prison Museum. The results feature throughout the book, from the conditions and customs in Victorian workhouses and prisons to the names of the inmates, many of which are taken from the real 1891 census.
"Folklore features strongly too, with a central question being who, or what, might roam the moor at night in search of prey."
Jamie: “Do you have any author events planned in Devon?”
Alex: "I haven't yet planned any book signings or talks in Devon, but I'd be delighted to visit any local groups or bookshops who would like a talk or signing event."
Jamie: “Finally, what's next for you?”
Alex: "I've already published a book on local journalism, having spent 10 years as a journalist, but I'm now focused on writing novels.
"I've already started the next novel, which is set in Antarctica."
Readers who would like to find out more about Alex Morrison and his work can visit his website at: https://alexmorrison.co.uk/.