A review by serendipitysbooks
The Axeman's Carnival by Catherine Chidgey

dark reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

 The Axeman’s Carnival is set on a New Zealand sheep farm and is narrated by a magpie named Tama. It sounds unusual but for me it worked. I was captivated by his voice and delightful personality from the first page, and willing to go with his odd mix of avian and human traits. Three intertwined storylines focus on the realities of farming including financial pressures, the pros and cons of becoming famous on social media, and domestic violence. I felt Tama’s voice stopped this book feeling too heavy. His inappropriate repeating of what he overheard and his misunderstandings added more than a dash of humour, while in no way minimising the issue of domestic violence. My one criticism was the ending which felt a little too contrived and convenient. I’d love to know why it ended the way it did, instead of the way I felt it could have, and which would have been more in keeping with the rest of the story. A thoroughly enjoyable read. 
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