<p><strong>&ldquo;Witty, sharp, sensual, possessed of a scientist&rsquo;s eye for the precise detail, the memorable image. Elisavietta Ritchie is in love with the natural world of maggot, freezing bilge, the owl&hellip;on unheard wings,&rdquo; &ldquo;berries fed on ash and blood,&rdquo; &ldquo;branches with lavender fire.&rdquo; She brings a tuned ear for the music of language, a storyteller&rsquo;s gift and a generosity of spirit that delights as it informs. Her books deserve an enthusiastic audience.&rdquo; Colette Inez, <em>The Woman who Loved Worms, Horseplay,</em> and other books.</strong></p>