Wonderful Characters, Satisfying Read, Revealing History
In 1926, at the Glendale Park and Zoo in the state of Tennessee, a young Cherokee woman was on her horse, ready to dive into the pool below. Her horse balked, which was unusual, but Two Feathers (a stage name) urged Ochre on. As they dove, the ground below opened, sucking down the water and the pool. The girl and her horse fell into the cave below.
Two Feathers was rescued, with a broken leg her only harm. Ochre had died on impact, his body cushioning Two.
During her recovery, Two relied on others who worked at Glendale, marginalized people who were just as broken. There was her rescuer, the Englishman Clive, veteran of WWI, who bore external and internal scars. And there was her best friend Crawford, descended from slaves; his family was prominent and educated, and yet he carefully orchestrates his friendship with Two knowing that anything perceived as untoward could result in a lynching.
Two’s widowed landlady didn’t know how to treat an Indian; she wasn’t black and she wasn’t white. With Clive’s example of parental care, and desiring Clive’s attention, Helen becomes solicitous of Two and they become friends.
A red-headed stranger with a college education is hired to care for the animals. He has a fascination with Indians and stalks Two. What no one knows is he is also fascinated with power and control.
Glendale was built on an ancient native burial ground, and the ghost of Little Elk also notices the Cherokee woman. He steals tobacco for strength, willing himself to be seen–and allowing him to interfere in human affairs.
When Two Feathers Fell From the Sky is an unusual novel, part historical fiction and part mystery and part magical realism. The setting and era is beautifully realized. So much information is shared through the characters. The characters offer insights into history. Clive has a conversation with a woman who remembers the Civil War. He talks about his experience in WWI. Crawford gives us glimpses into the legacy of slavery and continuing racism. And through Two, we learn how a Native American experiences white society, the history of native genocide, and the rich traditions of the Cherokee.
What I loved most about the book were the characters, all so likeable and appealing. They love and care for the animals and for each other. The community they create is heart-warming and cheering. Two is courageous, spunky, and smart. She has a deep connection to the zoo animals, especially the American bison Adam.
It is a wonderful read, enjoyable and satisfying, while raising awareness of social issues including race, power and control, and war’s legacy.
In the Author’s Note,Verble talks about growing up in a neighborhood built over the Glendale Park and Zoo, knowing about the caves, and the ancient Indian graves. Later she learned about the horse diving tank’s collapse into a cave, and about the affluent African American family that owned land.
I received an ARC from the publisher through Bookish First. My review is fair and unbiased.
Two Feathers was rescued, with a broken leg her only harm. Ochre had died on impact, his body cushioning Two.
During her recovery, Two relied on others who worked at Glendale, marginalized people who were just as broken. There was her rescuer, the Englishman Clive, veteran of WWI, who bore external and internal scars. And there was her best friend Crawford, descended from slaves; his family was prominent and educated, and yet he carefully orchestrates his friendship with Two knowing that anything perceived as untoward could result in a lynching.
Two’s widowed landlady didn’t know how to treat an Indian; she wasn’t black and she wasn’t white. With Clive’s example of parental care, and desiring Clive’s attention, Helen becomes solicitous of Two and they become friends.
A red-headed stranger with a college education is hired to care for the animals. He has a fascination with Indians and stalks Two. What no one knows is he is also fascinated with power and control.
Glendale was built on an ancient native burial ground, and the ghost of Little Elk also notices the Cherokee woman. He steals tobacco for strength, willing himself to be seen–and allowing him to interfere in human affairs.
When Two Feathers Fell From the Sky is an unusual novel, part historical fiction and part mystery and part magical realism. The setting and era is beautifully realized. So much information is shared through the characters. The characters offer insights into history. Clive has a conversation with a woman who remembers the Civil War. He talks about his experience in WWI. Crawford gives us glimpses into the legacy of slavery and continuing racism. And through Two, we learn how a Native American experiences white society, the history of native genocide, and the rich traditions of the Cherokee.
What I loved most about the book were the characters, all so likeable and appealing. They love and care for the animals and for each other. The community they create is heart-warming and cheering. Two is courageous, spunky, and smart. She has a deep connection to the zoo animals, especially the American bison Adam.
It is a wonderful read, enjoyable and satisfying, while raising awareness of social issues including race, power and control, and war’s legacy.
In the Author’s Note,Verble talks about growing up in a neighborhood built over the Glendale Park and Zoo, knowing about the caves, and the ancient Indian graves. Later she learned about the horse diving tank’s collapse into a cave, and about the affluent African American family that owned land.
I received an ARC from the publisher through Bookish First. My review is fair and unbiased.