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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
This is a well written book about some very ugly topics. Human Trafficking, abusive relationships, and suicide are all disturbing, no matter how well the story is told. One of the characters in the story survives due to her faith. I like that her faith did not take her out of the situation, because prayer does not do that, but it helped her to keep a positive outlook and attitude, and many people do experience that. The story is riveting, and heartbreaking. I received this book free to review from Netgalley.
This book was heavy — it really sat like a rock in my chest. It's NOT what I've come to expect from Christian fiction because of the darker topics, but completely real. Perhaps we (Christians) need to read more real-to-life books that don't sweep the darker things of the world under the rug.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Suicide attempt
Wow. If you are wanting to read a book that touches on some really hard/emotional topics then The Feathered Bone by Julie Cantrell is for you.
However, if you want something that is nice light and fun, you may want to steer clear of this one.
The Feathered Bone starts out in New Orleans before hurricane Katrina. Our main character is with her daughter and her daughters classmates on a field trip. Everything is all fun and games until it isn't. Amanda's daughter's (Ellie) best friend Sarah has gone missing. She is no where to be found. She is gone. Just like that. And Amanda was supposed to be the one watching her when she disappeared.
As you can probably tell just from the premise of this story that it is going to be a hard one with a lot of emotions. However, you may just think that it is about a girl who has gone missing.
It is about a lot more than that.
Suicide. Human trafficking. Depression. Failed Relationships.
We get to see how someone who isn't a direct family member of the victim is effected when someone they know has gone missing. We get to witness the ups and downs caused by this one horrible action.
It is quite a ride. One that I suggest you go on.
I will say that I wasn't quite ready for how much religion was put into this book. I don't normally read books with religious undertones, but I thought it was tastefully done. It also fits with the location of the book.
It was also part of what helped this book get its message across. And I think it was a beautiful message. What is the message? I'm not telling. You need to read it to discover it for yourself.
Now, while I did enjoy reading the story and found it one that pulled me in. The one thing that I didn't really like was that I never really found myself able to connect fully with Amanda. There were points where she and I almost connected. We got so so so close, but it never really happened. If it had this book would have been rated quite a bit higher for me.
However, all this being said, I think this is a beautiful book. I also appreciate that Julie Cantrell took the time to tell us her reasons she wrote about all of these hard topics. Her reasons only made me appreciate it that much more.
My Rating
3 stars
This review is based on an eARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Find more of my reviews here:
http://readingwithcupcakes.blogspot.com/
However, if you want something that is nice light and fun, you may want to steer clear of this one.
The Feathered Bone starts out in New Orleans before hurricane Katrina. Our main character is with her daughter and her daughters classmates on a field trip. Everything is all fun and games until it isn't. Amanda's daughter's (Ellie) best friend Sarah has gone missing. She is no where to be found. She is gone. Just like that. And Amanda was supposed to be the one watching her when she disappeared.
As you can probably tell just from the premise of this story that it is going to be a hard one with a lot of emotions. However, you may just think that it is about a girl who has gone missing.
It is about a lot more than that.
Suicide. Human trafficking. Depression. Failed Relationships.
We get to see how someone who isn't a direct family member of the victim is effected when someone they know has gone missing. We get to witness the ups and downs caused by this one horrible action.
It is quite a ride. One that I suggest you go on.
I will say that I wasn't quite ready for how much religion was put into this book. I don't normally read books with religious undertones, but I thought it was tastefully done. It also fits with the location of the book.
It was also part of what helped this book get its message across. And I think it was a beautiful message. What is the message? I'm not telling. You need to read it to discover it for yourself.
Now, while I did enjoy reading the story and found it one that pulled me in. The one thing that I didn't really like was that I never really found myself able to connect fully with Amanda. There were points where she and I almost connected. We got so so so close, but it never really happened. If it had this book would have been rated quite a bit higher for me.
However, all this being said, I think this is a beautiful book. I also appreciate that Julie Cantrell took the time to tell us her reasons she wrote about all of these hard topics. Her reasons only made me appreciate it that much more.
My Rating
3 stars
This review is based on an eARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Find more of my reviews here:
http://readingwithcupcakes.blogspot.com/
I really wanted to love this book, in fact, I rather expected to. It was highly recommended to me and generally gets great reviews. I was surprised, therefore, by how much I really did not like it.
The story is told from two perspectives. The main narrative is POV of a mom whose daughter's friend goes missing. The other perspective is that of the girl, Sarah, gone missing, and is told in a series of journal entries.
Sarah's part of the story I loved. It was well told, full of hope in the face of tragedy, and a wonderful example of how the Gospel frees our hearts and souls even when we are enslaved. It reminds me of a line from a poem: "The thrall in body may be free in soul." The metaphors and imagery in her case were perfect.
In my opinion, the main narrative, told through the perspective of Amanda, is the opposite. For Amanda and her daughter, there is no hope, and that's where the book failed for me. So much tragedy occurs in the book - not only the kidnapping and subsequent sex trafficking that occurs, but a natural disaster, a divorce, abuse, and the kicker, a suicide.
It's not the heaviness of the subjects in and of itself that bothers me. A book can and should tackle weighty matters and traumatic events. But there was - ironically, because it's kind of the main point of the book - no hope in Amanda's narrative at all. Her family goes through so much tragedy, but not once does anyone have a real honest-to-goodness hope-filled, God-centered, gospel-driven conversation. Not once! They all claim to be Christians and go to church, but never do they seek God for help with their massive problems. There's one scene where Amanda talks to Mary - yes, Mary, mother of Jesus - but I don't remember any scene where she took her pain and suffering and sorrow to the throne of grace. This is why I think Amanda's narrative fails - in my opinion, a Christian fiction book that addresses the heavy issues of life should offer real hope and answers. This book does not, at least not in Amanda's narrative and experience. In fact, in all the conversations Amanda has with her friends, her family, and other people, only platitudes and psychological half-truths are shared.
I saw where the storyline was headed with Amanda's daughter, and I kept looking and waiting for someone to have a real honest-to-goodness conversation with the poor girl, to point her eyes to God and to remind her of what Christ did on the cross for her. But nope. No one gave her any hope.
Given the fact that the message of the book was supposed to be one of hope and faith, given the presence of so much heavy tragedy, and given that it was written by a Christian, I was really surprised and disappointed by the overall desolate feeling of the book.
The writing was very good - I was definitely drawn into the story and the characters were compelling. I do agree with other reviewers, however, that the metaphoric symbolism was a little overdone, and some of the scenes felt contrived. I probably would have given it a 4, though, if it had a more gospel-centered, truly hopeful, message.
The story is told from two perspectives. The main narrative is POV of a mom whose daughter's friend goes missing. The other perspective is that of the girl, Sarah, gone missing, and is told in a series of journal entries.
Sarah's part of the story I loved. It was well told, full of hope in the face of tragedy, and a wonderful example of how the Gospel frees our hearts and souls even when we are enslaved. It reminds me of a line from a poem: "The thrall in body may be free in soul." The metaphors and imagery in her case were perfect.
In my opinion, the main narrative, told through the perspective of Amanda, is the opposite. For Amanda and her daughter, there is no hope, and that's where the book failed for me. So much tragedy occurs in the book - not only the kidnapping and subsequent sex trafficking that occurs, but a natural disaster, a divorce, abuse, and the kicker, a suicide.
It's not the heaviness of the subjects in and of itself that bothers me. A book can and should tackle weighty matters and traumatic events. But there was - ironically, because it's kind of the main point of the book - no hope in Amanda's narrative at all. Her family goes through so much tragedy, but not once does anyone have a real honest-to-goodness hope-filled, God-centered, gospel-driven conversation. Not once! They all claim to be Christians and go to church, but never do they seek God for help with their massive problems. There's one scene where Amanda talks to Mary - yes, Mary, mother of Jesus - but I don't remember any scene where she took her pain and suffering and sorrow to the throne of grace. This is why I think Amanda's narrative fails - in my opinion, a Christian fiction book that addresses the heavy issues of life should offer real hope and answers. This book does not, at least not in Amanda's narrative and experience. In fact, in all the conversations Amanda has with her friends, her family, and other people, only platitudes and psychological half-truths are shared.
I saw where the storyline was headed with Amanda's daughter, and I kept looking and waiting for someone to have a real honest-to-goodness conversation with the poor girl, to point her eyes to God and to remind her of what Christ did on the cross for her. But nope. No one gave her any hope.
Given the fact that the message of the book was supposed to be one of hope and faith, given the presence of so much heavy tragedy, and given that it was written by a Christian, I was really surprised and disappointed by the overall desolate feeling of the book.
The writing was very good - I was definitely drawn into the story and the characters were compelling. I do agree with other reviewers, however, that the metaphoric symbolism was a little overdone, and some of the scenes felt contrived. I probably would have given it a 4, though, if it had a more gospel-centered, truly hopeful, message.
Not the best book I've ever read. I'd only give it one star or two, BUT I love how the author draws attention to two really important issues: trafficking and abusive relationships. (trigger warning)
I think that this is a book that, in the right hands, could really make a difference.
I think that this is a book that, in the right hands, could really make a difference.
The Feathered Bone is ultimately about a child abduction, with several other dark themes that emerge. There are poignant lines and thought-provoking moments, but ultimately, character-depth is somewhat lacking and unbelievable, and the author is all over the place with the happenings of the plot. I don't think this is a BAD book, but it's not the book for me, personally.
.
I do like this one line:
" So maybe a miracle is anything that gets us through another day when life gets too hard."
.
This is a book I'd pass on recommending.
.
I do like this one line:
" So maybe a miracle is anything that gets us through another day when life gets too hard."
.
This is a book I'd pass on recommending.
I have read countless books. I breathe them in like oxygen. Some have become favourites to revisit, many more have been pleasant ways of passing the time, and more than I would like have been rather forgettable (or perhaps unforgettable, for all the wrong reasons). But very rarely do I come across a book that brands my soul as deeply as this one did. Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities is always the first that comes to mind, but after reading The Feathered Bone I will have another to add to the list.
This book was such a rich reading experience I do not know how I can possibly do justice to it in a review. An essay might come closer, but I’ll try to spare you! The Feathered Bone explores themes like light and darkness, freedom and captivity through the story of Sarah, a twelve year old girl who disappears while on a school excursion, and Amanda, the mother of Sarah’s best friend and one of the parents supervising the excursion. Right from the beginning of the novel, the symbolism of the feather is introduced, and its characteristics become a powerful metaphor that is explored more deeply as the story develops.
Both Amanda’s and Sarah’s stories elicited deep emotional responses from me. There were times when I did not merely have tears welling or trailing down my cheeks; I actually sobbed (albeit as quietly as possible). Like Amanda, there were times when “my chest caved deeper against my heart.” But there was also a wondrous light that shone through the darkness. It may not be the reality for many who find themselves in Amanda’s or Sarah’s position, but by the strength of God, it could be.
Sarah’s side of the story is told through journal entries that she writes so that she won’t forget who she really is, addressed to a sparrow that comes to visit at her window. The reality of her situation is alluded to very sensitively in her writing, but she also spends a lot of time recalling lessons taught to her by her parents, which keep her grounded, pondering the nature of freedom and captivity, and reminding herself of truths that are all too easy to lose sight of in her circumstances. Her voice was thoroughly authentic for a twelve year old, and yet full of simple, beautiful wisdom that often brought tears to my eyes for all the right reasons.
While Sarah struggles to hold on to the light, Amanda struggles to break through to the light. I truly felt the weight of her sorrow as she came to terms not only with the events following Sarah’s disappearance, but also the emotional legacy she carried as a result of having been adopted, and then having her adoptive father walk out of her life at a relatively young age. Both stories are testament to the power of love - human and divine - in different ways.
This was not a light read, and it touches on some unpleasant realities of our world, but I was richly rewarded for having taken the journey. Not surprisingly, this one's gone straight to the pool room. (You can find 'The Pool Room' on my blog at http://wp.me/P6UZ6M-Rq).
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
This book was such a rich reading experience I do not know how I can possibly do justice to it in a review. An essay might come closer, but I’ll try to spare you! The Feathered Bone explores themes like light and darkness, freedom and captivity through the story of Sarah, a twelve year old girl who disappears while on a school excursion, and Amanda, the mother of Sarah’s best friend and one of the parents supervising the excursion. Right from the beginning of the novel, the symbolism of the feather is introduced, and its characteristics become a powerful metaphor that is explored more deeply as the story develops.
Both Amanda’s and Sarah’s stories elicited deep emotional responses from me. There were times when I did not merely have tears welling or trailing down my cheeks; I actually sobbed (albeit as quietly as possible). Like Amanda, there were times when “my chest caved deeper against my heart.” But there was also a wondrous light that shone through the darkness. It may not be the reality for many who find themselves in Amanda’s or Sarah’s position, but by the strength of God, it could be.
Sarah’s side of the story is told through journal entries that she writes so that she won’t forget who she really is, addressed to a sparrow that comes to visit at her window. The reality of her situation is alluded to very sensitively in her writing, but she also spends a lot of time recalling lessons taught to her by her parents, which keep her grounded, pondering the nature of freedom and captivity, and reminding herself of truths that are all too easy to lose sight of in her circumstances. Her voice was thoroughly authentic for a twelve year old, and yet full of simple, beautiful wisdom that often brought tears to my eyes for all the right reasons.
While Sarah struggles to hold on to the light, Amanda struggles to break through to the light. I truly felt the weight of her sorrow as she came to terms not only with the events following Sarah’s disappearance, but also the emotional legacy she carried as a result of having been adopted, and then having her adoptive father walk out of her life at a relatively young age. Both stories are testament to the power of love - human and divine - in different ways.
This was not a light read, and it touches on some unpleasant realities of our world, but I was richly rewarded for having taken the journey. Not surprisingly, this one's gone straight to the pool room. (You can find 'The Pool Room' on my blog at http://wp.me/P6UZ6M-Rq).
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
Considering the fact that this was my first heavy content literary fiction of the year and reading this book actually coincided with a lot busy times at school, I was able to get through this in almost a month. But don’t let that disconcert you in picking this book up.
The beginning was a bit drab. Other than Sarah going missing and the foreshadowing of more trouble to come in Amanda’s life, nothing really happens in the first 100 or so pages. And this is a hefty book.
The story actually takes place in a span of around five years and hence is not as fast paced as I originally thought it would be (misunderstanding caused while reading the blurb). Amanda is a grief counselor. On a trip to New Orleans her daughter’ best friend gets kidnapped. This event leaves Amanda’s life spiraling out of control and this is the story of how she deals with such devastation.
The characters were very well developed. Each unique. The women were strong and varied which I actually enjoyed considering the book opens with references to feminism and its origins. Depictions of abuse (mental and physical) were very aptly done. And the fact that people who help others get through such tough times may also need help themselves doesn’t go amiss.
The book deals with a lot of heavy concepts. Sometime it just felt like there was just too much sadness –stuff these people couldn’t possibly cope with so easily in real life– but the note at the end by the author should definitely be read taken into consideration in this case.
This is a religion heavy book. For someone like me I usually don’t enjoy reading that but I felt in this case it wasn’t overbearing. Although some people could actually relate to some of the messages Cantrell wanted to deliver.
Also amazing scenic descriptions of Louisiana, The Bayou, New Orleans etc.!
The beginning was a bit drab. Other than Sarah going missing and the foreshadowing of more trouble to come in Amanda’s life, nothing really happens in the first 100 or so pages. And this is a hefty book.
The story actually takes place in a span of around five years and hence is not as fast paced as I originally thought it would be (misunderstanding caused while reading the blurb). Amanda is a grief counselor. On a trip to New Orleans her daughter’ best friend gets kidnapped. This event leaves Amanda’s life spiraling out of control and this is the story of how she deals with such devastation.
The characters were very well developed. Each unique. The women were strong and varied which I actually enjoyed considering the book opens with references to feminism and its origins. Depictions of abuse (mental and physical) were very aptly done. And the fact that people who help others get through such tough times may also need help themselves doesn’t go amiss.
The book deals with a lot of heavy concepts. Sometime it just felt like there was just too much sadness –stuff these people couldn’t possibly cope with so easily in real life– but the note at the end by the author should definitely be read taken into consideration in this case.
This is a religion heavy book. For someone like me I usually don’t enjoy reading that but I felt in this case it wasn’t overbearing. Although some people could actually relate to some of the messages Cantrell wanted to deliver.
Also amazing scenic descriptions of Louisiana, The Bayou, New Orleans etc.!