Wise Women

Myths and Stories for Midlife and Beyond
By Sharon Blackie
With Angharad Wynne

Rediscover the strength, wisdom and untamed spirit of women in midlife and beyond.

Wise Women is an unforgettable collection of retold myths and folk tales celebrating mature women as powerful, clever and deeply compelling figures. Drawing from lesser-known European traditions, Sharon Blackie brings forward the stories of formidable giantesses, mysterious witches, unconventional fairy godmothers and wise old women who refuse to disappear quietly into the background.

These memorable characters outwit monsters, guide younger women, embody the cycles of the Earth and remind us that growing older can be a time of greater freedom, courage, creativity and authenticity.

Each beautifully retold story is accompanied by thoughtful commentary exploring its historical background, deeper themes and relevance to women navigating the second half of life today.

Inside this book, you’ll discover:

• Retold myths, legends and folk tales from European traditions
• Powerful older female characters rarely celebrated in familiar fairy tales
• Wise women, witches, giantesses, crones and fairy godmothers
• Stories exploring courage, transformation, resilience and independence
• Thoughtful commentary accompanying each tale
• Insight into the cultural meaning and history behind the stories
• Inspiration for living boldly and authentically through midlife and beyond

Why this book stands out:

• Challenges negative cultural stereotypes surrounding women and ageing
• Reclaims forgotten stories of powerful older women
• Combines evocative storytelling with mythology and cultural insight
• Presents midlife as a rich season of wisdom, experience and possibility
• Created by acclaimed writer, psychologist and mythologist Sharon Blackie

Perfect for:

• Women approaching or experiencing midlife
• Readers interested in mythology, folklore and fairy tales
• Fans of Sharon Blackie’s Hagitude and If Women Rose Rooted
• Exploring feminine wisdom and empowering stories
• Book clubs and women’s circles
• A meaningful gift for mothers, grandmothers and wise women everywhere

Product details:

• Authors: Sharon Blackie and Angharad Wynne
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 336
• Dimensions: Approximately 19.7 × 12.7 × 2.4 cm
• Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group
• Imprint: Virago
• Publication date: 13 January 2026
• ISBN: 9780349018331