The Black Dreams - 'The Woman Who Let Go' by Moyra Donaldson

A collection of 'Strange Stories from Northern Ireland' is bound to be steeped in history. But whose history, and to what intent? 

In the case of Moyra Donaldson's tale of an artist in crisis, history is both personal and societal. The protagonist is blithely unaware of her husband's cheating until he informs her of it and suddenly her marriage is over. She escapes to a house in the country to try and work, and gradually becomes fascinated - possessed, even - by the landscape and wildlife, particularly the forest. She immerses herself in nature to the extent that she 'plugs in' to all the human experience that has occurred in the area. Eventually she encounters a ghost, of sorts, and a new phase in her life begins. Or at least, a new form of existence.

The story is an interesting variation on a familiar theme, the creative person who escapes to some solitary location that proves to be haunted. In the classic ghostly tale the main character is almost invariably male and the haunting is to some extent malign. Here the situation is reversed and the artist embraces the events of the past that blend the natural and supernatural. It's a surprising story, and I enjoyed it. 

I'll move on to the fourth story tomorrow, with luck.