Episode 10: By Ash Oak and Thorn, and Seven Deadly Psychologies

Let's step into 2024 with two reviews that kind of sum up my 2023: nature and how we think. I've been meaning to read the novel By Ash, Oak and Thorn by Melissa Harrison for ages and although the novel starts in spring, starting it in the depths of winter proved ideal! We follow three of the ancient Hidden Folk - guardians of nature - as they set off and quest to solve a mystery that threatens their existence. It's a beautiful tale of wonder that will delight readers of all ages. The seven deadly sins get a bad rap don't they? I mean, they're called "deadly" for a start which doesn't bode well. But what if they have their uses? And why do we have these emotions if they're so deadly anyway? Becky Ripley and Sophie Ward's podcast for BBC Radio 4 brings together the science and the social aspects of each "sin" in a thoroughly entertaining series that will have you looking at your own emotions in a new light. ​ Listen to the podcast for both reviews and you can also read each written review by following the links below. Melissa Harrison: https://melissaharrison.co.uk Seven Deadly Psychologies: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001sm83 ​ All music in the episode is by Ketsa. freemusicarchive.org/music/Ketsa/ (Creative Commons License CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)