I’m holding the skull of a baby wren. I found it this morning in one of the nests in our yard, right down the back in those willow trees; I think its parents must have left it there when it died. Discarded. Or maybe they waited with it as long as they could. It’s like an eggshell, only much tinier, much more delicate. It barely fits on the tip of my pinkie finger. I keep thinking about how easy it would be to crush. It reminds me of her. But not of you. You are made of a different thing. Something far more enduring. I never saw that thing you spoke of, the one that was missing from the stuffed birds in my lab. I see it now, or its absence. Your absence has never felt crueler. I’ve never hated you until now. I’ve never loved you more.
— Charlotte McConaghy, Migrations: A Novel (Flatiron Books, August 4, 2020)
Notes:
- Finished the book yesterday. Recommended fiction reading, especially for bird lovers and conservationists.
- Book Review BY Michael Christie @ NY Times: ‘The Animals Are Dying. Soon We Will Be Alone Here.”
- Photo: etsy of Wren Skull.
Wow. THAT is some writing….
It is…
heartbreaking
as was the book in many passages…
Beautiful writing!
it is!
The reviews for this book have been amazing – this gives a great clue as to why…
I would categorize this as a very good book, one which I will remember. And yes, certain passages like this one sweep you away.
You had me fooled the first couple of sentences!
Yes!
Really touching and awesome!
It is! Thanks.
She really takes us with her and compels us to stay with her on this journey.
so agree!
[tried twice to comment and it won’t work–any advice?] I am so with the author and the winged creatures…
Sorry Valerie. What works at times is logging out of WordPress and logging in. If that doesn’t work, try clearing your cache or history.
That little paragraph says a lot.
sure does.
Wow man. That was great. Sucked the air right out of me.
Great, right?!?!?!
Amazing writer 👏
She is. And from your home country! Imagine that.
Well she must be amazing then 👏😏
2 writers from the entire country with her coming in second. That is Something.
It is ha! ☺️
So moving….
…Caleb?…
TOTALLY spaced out. Thought it was Tuesday. I need a vacation! Next week he’s coming…
He’s probably on vacation himself so… 😉
ps I know what you mean! 😉
HE IS! (and I need to be!)
😉 I hope you do… soon!!!!!
Wow. And I believe this is on my wish list already. My really, REALLY long wish list.
Giddyap!
Hahah!!
Remanent of Life…delicate, honoring photo…the words make you wonder…
Yes….