Taken Captive by Birds

by Marguerite Poland

From publisher:

Taken Captive by Birds is a collection of acclaimed author Marguerite Poland’s ‘discovery’ of birds as a child and the role they have played in her and her family’s life. Interwoven with the personal story are the myths, traditions and meanings behind birds and their names within Zulu and Xhosa culture. The book is divided into 18 chapters, each of which loosely deals with one particular bird or, sometimes, a grouping of birds. The book is beautifully illustrated by Craig Ivor.

Genres: Nonfiction

136 pages, Spiral-bound

First published November 28, 2012

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marguerite P's memoirs of family life and growing up in a small peri-urban East Cape community are typically lyrical and poetic. Her sensitivity to and descriptions of SA folklore and wildlife are exquisite. I could also relate to her dreamy nostalgia and the sub-text of social injustice at the time. I wanted to give this 3,5 but Craig Ivor's extraordinary pencil drawings take it up to 5. (I recommend all bird lovers visit his website.)

[Nerine Dorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two words: Absolutely magical.

FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW SOON!

[Rose Laatz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book. Sensitively written. Poland excels in her memoirs of her wonderful childhood. Recommend. This lovely book to everyone who has had a happy childhood.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely beautifully written and illustrated book. It has touched me deeply. I am a South African too, as is she, maybe that's why I can relate to this book so deeply. I love birds and her descriptions of the various birds of her childhood are so accurate and endearing! The book is exquisitely illustrated by Craig Ivor. I got this book from my local Library but it's the kind of book I would love to own! Just beautiful!!!!!

[Philander Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

stunning book, stunning illustrations, very poetic language.