Scan barcode
A review by colourmeread
Cranesong by Rona Wang
4.0
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I was completely captured by this collection of short stories and that’s rare for me. Cranesong took me by surprise when I reached the end of the book and wanted more from Rona. You see, Alyssa Wong and Seanan Mcguire are two writers I admire and Rona’s writing reminded me of a beautiful blend of those writing styles.
Cranesong is filled with unapologetic voices from characters who are unafraid to tell their stories as they are. There are stories of aching for home, yearning to belong, and anger in grief and trauma.
There are stories of friendship, family, love, and hope. Whether it was a contemporary story, magical realism, or fantasy, Rona was able to get to the heart of loss, growing up, race, and sexuality.
I loved that each story was from a character of Chinese descent because I was further able to relate to them as a South East Asian living in North America. The Evolution of Wings, one of my favourite stories, resonated with me strongly.
Cranesong is a collection that deserves a spot on every shelf. Rona’s lyrical writing, distinct with sharp notes and gentle touches, is the perfect voice for stories that mark us deeply.
I was completely captured by this collection of short stories and that’s rare for me. Cranesong took me by surprise when I reached the end of the book and wanted more from Rona. You see, Alyssa Wong and Seanan Mcguire are two writers I admire and Rona’s writing reminded me of a beautiful blend of those writing styles.
Cranesong is filled with unapologetic voices from characters who are unafraid to tell their stories as they are. There are stories of aching for home, yearning to belong, and anger in grief and trauma.
“Education is all we FOBs have in this country with its fire-mouthed politicians and slack-jawed crowds who will devour us if we’re not sharp enough.”
— Liv, Liv, Lipstick Liar, Cranesong
There are stories of friendship, family, love, and hope. Whether it was a contemporary story, magical realism, or fantasy, Rona was able to get to the heart of loss, growing up, race, and sexuality.
I loved that each story was from a character of Chinese descent because I was further able to relate to them as a South East Asian living in North America. The Evolution of Wings, one of my favourite stories, resonated with me strongly.
“I felt less real than these girls who had mothers and church on Sundays and last names that teachers could pronounce. I was a silkscreen silhouette with an accent I couldn’t unhook from my teeth.”
“I wondered if the sparrows had forgotten their names, their families, their past lives. I wondered if they still remembered how to speak in their first languages, or if those words had been etched away by the incessant chirping. I wondered if they still searched for home, a light smudged on the endless horizon.”
— The Evolution of Wings, Cranesong
Cranesong is a collection that deserves a spot on every shelf. Rona’s lyrical writing, distinct with sharp notes and gentle touches, is the perfect voice for stories that mark us deeply.