A review by medievalfantasyqueen
The Crane Husband by Kelly Barnhill

dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

A dark fairytale reimagining of Tsuru Nyōbō (The Crane Wife), The Crane Husband does a great job of subtle world building and storytelling mixed into the dark themes of spousal abuse and child neglect. The narrator is a 15 year old and her voice shows remarkably through the confusing nature of her mother’s relationships, and the combined metaphors of weaving, birds and flight, and art, fills the story with enchantment and life.