Who Would Like This Book:
If you're drawn to lush, atmospheric writing and stories set against a wild, historical backdrop, this book is a winner. Olivia Hawker brings the Wyoming prairie of the 1870s vividly to life, weaving a tale of survival, forgiveness, and complex family dynamics. Fans of character-driven novels and literary historical fiction - especially those who appreciate immersive storytelling and multi-perspective narratives - will love this one. Think Barbara Kingsolver or Kent Haruf vibes, plus a pinch of prairie magic.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you prefer fast-paced plots or action-heavy westerns, this might not be your cup of tea. Some readers found the novel a bit slow or weighed down by lyricism and detail, and if you're not a fan of multiple perspectives or introspective character studies, it may feel long-winded. Folks looking for a lighter or less emotionally intense story might not vibe with the hardships and nuanced relationships at the novel's heart.
About:
One for the Blackbird, One for the Crow is a captivating western family saga set in Wyoming in the 1870s. The story revolves around two families, the Bemis and Webber families, who are forced to come together to survive the harsh winter on the frontier after a tragic incident leaves them fatherless. The book is narrated in alternating character voices, providing unique perspectives on the challenges of homesteading and the complexities of forgiveness and redemption. Olivia Hawker's writing style is described as mesmerizing and glorious, immersing readers in the lives of the characters and the rugged beauty of the Wyoming prairie.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of murder, betrayal, emotional trauma, and the struggles associated with survival in a harsh environment.
Has Romance?
There is a medium level of romance in the story, primarily developing between the young characters Beulah and Clyde amidst the backdrop of greater tensions.
From The Publisher:
From the bestselling author of The Ragged Edge of Night comes a powerful and poetic novel of survival and sacrifice on the American frontier.
Wyoming, 1876. For as long as they have lived on the frontier, the Bemis and Webber families have relied on each other. With no other settlers for miles, it is a matter of survival. But when Ernest Bemis finds his wife, Cora, in a compromising situation with their neighbor, he doesn't think of survival. In one impulsive moment, a man is dead, Ernest is off to prison, and the women left behind are divided by rage and remorse.
Losing her husband to Cora's indiscretion is another hardship for stoic Nettie Mae. But as a brutal Wyoming winter bears down, Cora and Nettie Mae have no choice but to come together as one family-to share the duties of working the land and raising their children. There's Nettie Mae's son, Clyde-no longer a boy, but not yet a man-who must navigate the road to adulthood without a father to guide him, and Cora's daughter, Beulah, who is as wild and untamable as her prairie home.
Bound by the uncommon threads in their lives and the challenges that lie ahead, Cora and Nettie Mae begin to forge an unexpected sisterhood. But when a love blossoms between Clyde and Beulah, bonds are once again tested, and these two resilient women must finally decide whether they can learn to trust each other-or else risk losing everything they hold dear.
Ratings (5)
Loved It (3) | |
Liked It (1) | |
Did Not Like (1) |
Reader Stats (16):
Read It (6) | |
Want To Read (9) | |
Not Interested (1) |
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One for the Blackbird, One for the Crow?
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