Wish

The story of one family’s attempt to survive and combat the destruction meted out on their alpine farm by an embittered, stunted old man who has learnt to abuse a necklace of power to ruin growth, happiness and joy in people’s lives and in the natural world. Unexpected relief comes from the impulsive journey of two children, who nearly lose everything in their determination to quell this evil.

An adaptation in narrative verse of a children’s fantasy tale, ‘The Rose-Coloured Wish’ (1923) by Florence Bone (1875–1971), ‘Wish’ is a timeless story that weaves adventure, humour and vivid characterisation into a subtle moral tale.

Farmers in their alpine valley are haunted by Fængler, a cunning old enchanter, who ruins their lives by using an ancient wishing chain of powerful stones to spoil crops and steal children, cows and goats.

Young Berwald and his sister Clara set out, without their parents knowing, to climb into the next valley, seize the chain, free their neighbourhood of fear, and wish for whatever they want. But they soon learn that the wild world beyond their home is full of strange forces – some good, some dark and twisted – and almost every wish they make adds new complications and disagreements.

Who can rescue them from this fearful and dangerous adventure? Before Adam, their angry and worried father, can reach them, he must learn to follow seemingly useless leads, and to listen carefully to the tale that lies behind the villain’s bitterness.

A timeless fantasy tale given new life and enchantment in this vivid retelling in verse.