The World My Wilderness

In The World My Wilderness, a young girl grapples with her identity in postwar London, discovering beauty in desolation and confronting her inner wilderness.

Set in the aftermath of World War II, The World My Wilderness follows the journey of Barbary Deniston, a young girl grappling with her identity and the stark contrast between her past and present. Banished to England by her beautiful yet neglectful mother, Barbary is left in the care of her distinguished father and conventional stepmother. Having grown up in the sun-drenched landscapes of Provence, she struggles to adapt to the dreary and austere environment of postwar London, feeling lost and out of place.

As Barbary navigates her new life, she discovers the bombed ruins around St. Paul's Cathedral, where the remnants of war resonate with her memories of the wild freedom she once experienced. This unexpected connection to the desolate beauty of London allows her to confront her inner turmoil. The juxtaposition of her past experiences with the harsh realities of her current situation forces Barbary to reflect on her feelings of confusion and unhappiness.

Through her exploration of the flowering wastes, Barbary embarks on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately uncovering the wilderness within herself. The World My Wilderness beautifully captures the struggles of a young girl caught between two worlds, illustrating the complexities of growth and the search for belonging in a changed landscape.