One for the Blackbird, One for the Crow: A Novel

Olivia Hawker captures what it means to be alive - and death's part in life - in this beautiful book about the Wyoming Prairie and the people who settled there. The story of Clyde and Beulah and their respective families is totally captivating, and I found myself reluctant to put this book down, because I wanted to know what happened next. The enmity between Cora and Nettie Mae crackles with authenticity; I could feel these women's antagonism and the pain it causes them. Beulah's extraordinary gift is entirely plausible, and it imparts a magical element that serves to disclose much about the characters as well as reveal a future that ameliorates their calamities, miseries, and yearnings. Hawker's descriptive talents are breathtaking. She deftly relates the desolate emptiness - and beauties - of the prairie surroundings.She conveys the thoughts and feelings of her characters in a captivating way that is unobtrusive, yet devastatingly effective. There is an abundance of drama and excitement in this novel, but what persists is the lyrical description, along with the thoughtful explication on the continuity of life - and death - and the connection of all things. If you only read one book this year, this should be the one you pick up; it will be one to which you return again and again. I am gratefully happy that I took the time to read the authors note and acknowledgements at the conclusion of the novel. The story has a strong basis in fact, one personal to the author, and her descriptions of her family history, and her writing process, are fascinating. This is definitely a strong, five-star book.

One for the Blackbird, One for the Crow is a captivating western family saga that begins with betrayal and violence and ends with tenderness and a family bond Set in the 1870 Wyoming prairie, two families are fractured -trying to survive without the leadership of their men -and winter is looming on the prairie With one husband in jail serving time for the murder of the other, Cora and Nettie Mae have to turn to each other to keep their children safe and survive the long prairie winter. I loved how the book switched between the four main characters and I did appreciate the writing style with Beulah’s chapters written it italics. The rich descriptions of the prairie and of prairie life carried me right into the lives of the Webber and Bemis Families Since this book was gifted to me by the wonderful Book Club Cookbook, I feel I would be remiss if I didn’t give a mention to some of the farm bounty mentioned in the book. The book starts right out with Beulah reminiscing about the moment everything changed: “That’s what I was doing when I heard the shot—standing with one hand on the gate and my eyes closed, thinking about those berries and how, after milking was done, I’d pick a whole basketful and share them with my brothers and my baby sister, sweet and good with cream on top, the cream still warm from the cows.” Vivid descriptions like these are what make place and the people so real, right up the to the rooster dinner that is so heartwarming: “Nettie Mae sang to herself as she diced carrots and turnips into her big Dutch kettle, as she scored the fragrant skins of spring onions…She tucked a freshly killed rooster into the Dutch oven, sprinkled it with salt and cracked pepper, then fitted the kettle’s lid and eased it down into the coals of the fire. A good chicken dinner was just the thing for a celebration.” I highly recommend this wonderful book and I’ve picked up The Ragged Edge of Night by the same author and look forward to another great read. Much thanks The Book Club Cookbook and Olivia Hawker for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ One For the Blackbird, One For the Crow This is the kind of book that settles into your bones. A beautifully written work of historical fiction threaded with gentle magical realism, One For the Blackbird, One For the Crow is a story I will cherish—and one I desperately wish I could read again for the very first time. Set on the Wyoming prairie in 1876, the novel follows two neighboring families who coexist at a distance, connected only by occasional trades of sugar, dairy, or sewing supplies. That fragile balance shatters when Cora is discovered having an affair with the neighboring man, setting off a chain of events that leaves Cora and Nettie May—the betrayed wife—forced to depend on one another to survive a brutal winter. Nettie May is harsh, bitter, and deeply wounded, and for much of the book I truly despised her. She treats Cora and her daughter Beulah cruelly, yet paradoxically shows tenderness and devotion to Cora’s three younger children. Having lost four children of her own, motherhood comes easily to Nettie May once the families are living together—her love quiet, instinctive, and unconditional. Watching her slowly soften, forgive, and begin to heal was one of the most powerful arcs of the story. Beulah, strange and perceptive, sees and knows things she shouldn’t. Her connection to the prairie and its future unsettles Nettie May, especially when Beulah grows close to Nettie May’s teenage son, Clyde. Despite warnings to stay apart, survival demands cooperation—and the prairie allows no room for avoidance. This story is heartbreaking and hopeful all at once. Love grows where resentment once lived. There is grief that lingers, a spirit that must be laid to rest, and a quiet suspense that pulls you forward. Above all, it is a story of forgiveness, endurance, and the unexpected ways family can be formed. A perfect five-star read—haunting, tender, and unforgettable.

I really enjoyed this story and went on to read more books by Olivia Hawker. Thankyou for making them available on "unlimited".

This book was so beautifully written. I loved the way the words flowed. The storyline moved briskly and you really became part of that prairie life. A very enjoyable read.

This is a spectacular piece of writing. I found myself totally capitivated by this truly engaging story. It has a bit of everything. Beauty, love, romance, pain, regret, insight, forgiveness, redemption and deep healing. All set against the harsh & unforgiving yet fully alive world of the prairie - so beautifully and evocatively brought to life it is in impossible not to be mesmerised by this story. I felt deeply for each character and loved how each storyline unfolded and intertwined deeper and deeper with each of the others. One of the best books I've read in years. Highly recommended.

Wonderfully written . The book transports you to wild and secluded piece of land where two families survive in a strange love hate relationship.

Good book