When thirty-something Dolla finally met her Prince Charming she didn’t immediately realise she was getting not just the prince but his son and heir as part of the package. Ben had a four year old son and a heroin addict for an ex-partner, meaning that Jonathon would be a permanent part of their new relationship.

The Woodcutter’s Wife is a bluntly honest tale of Dolla’s transition from single woman, to wife and step mother. At the same time, it explores the role of the stepmother through time and particularly in literature, as well as the legal, emotional and practical difficulties faced by stepfamilies.

Whilst this is simply one family’s story, it tells the story warts and all, in a way which leaves the reader more aware of all aspects of the stepparent’s life, as well as the difficulties of dealing with absent parents and more.

The Woodcutter’s Wife, by Dolla S. Merrillees
Halstead Press, 2007

This book can be purchased online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.