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wordmaster 's review for:
H is for Hawk
by Helen Macdonald
Grief is a very serious topic, and it should come as no surprise to find this memoir written in a very serious tone. I call it a memoir for convenience, but it's more than that; "H is for Hawk" successfully blends elements of biography and field guide into a distinct and original narrative. Macdonald's story is unique yet universal, in the way that stories of family and loss always are.
The story and its lessons are compelling, but the style doesn't always appeal. I don't want to say "pretentious" because I get the sense that her intent is only to share her thoughts openly, not to impress us. But it is... well... Let's call it "overwritten." Certain passages are exquisite, poetic, masterful and breathtaking. Others are wearisome. Macdonald uses so many adjectives and unique word choices, displaying the lexical vocabulary of a seasoned Scrabble player, and as a consequence her voice is sometimes stiff or stuffy.
In the end, I fear I must brand it with that ultimate passive-aggressive, backhanded compliment: I liked it, I really did like it a lot. But I didn't love it.
3.5 stars out of 5.
(Read in 2017, the eighth book in my Alphabetical Reading Challenge)
The story and its lessons are compelling, but the style doesn't always appeal. I don't want to say "pretentious" because I get the sense that her intent is only to share her thoughts openly, not to impress us. But it is... well... Let's call it "overwritten." Certain passages are exquisite, poetic, masterful and breathtaking. Others are wearisome. Macdonald uses so many adjectives and unique word choices, displaying the lexical vocabulary of a seasoned Scrabble player, and as a consequence her voice is sometimes stiff or stuffy.
In the end, I fear I must brand it with that ultimate passive-aggressive, backhanded compliment: I liked it, I really did like it a lot. But I didn't love it.
3.5 stars out of 5.
(Read in 2017, the eighth book in my Alphabetical Reading Challenge)