The Crane

by Monica Kidd

It’s 1968 in Southern Butte Wyoming and James Anderson’s twin brother Dave has just been killed in action in Vietnam. James is heartsick with the politics of his country’s war, and he himself has just received his draft card. There’s no way he can bring himself to participate in the war; he’ll have to leave the country. His brother Dave had made a friend in the war, a man named Eric. Eric had learned just before shipping off that he was adopted and that his birth mother was from Newfoundland; Eric decides that if he survives the war, he is going to go there to find her. When their unit is involved in the killing of some Vietnamese civilians and Eric learns their orphaned son is in the same hospital as injured Dave, Eric carves a wooden crane for the boy. The boy does not want this ridiculous gesture and leaves the crane behind. Dave pockets it. When both Dave and Eric die, the crane comes home to James. If James has to go somewhere, it might as well be Newfoundland. He will find Eric's mother and give her the crane. What James finds in Newfoundland is not what he expects, but is maybe what he needed the most.

Genres: Canada, Fiction

232 pages, Paperback

Published February 18, 2025

About the author

Monica Kidd is an award-winning journalist specializing in science and health reporting, and a multidisciplinary writer. She is the author of eight books of fiction, non-fiction and poetry.

Reviews

[nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The true story? Do any of us ever really know anyone's true story? Maybe we all just agree on one."

This book really is a poetic and heartfelt exploration of grief and war, not what I was expecting but I really enjoyed it! It was beautifully written, poetic at times and I really liked that. I thought it made certain scenes feel very descriptive and vivid in my mind.

The characters were all really developed and had their own personal struggles that somehow related to one another. Each suffering from some sort of grief, with some not really recognizing it. War is portrayed in both how it effects the victims but also the survivors. The perspective of Vietnamese children adds another layer, showing the ripples of violence and grief even beyond the main characters in the U.S. TLDR: I found that grief and mourning thread through every character's story and ended up shaping all of their choices.

Newfoundland is also depicted beautifully, although of course I am biased. The imagery and atmosphere really felt like home, especially in Job's Cove. It definitely captured the feeling of a bay town.

The crane to me felt like a personification of grief. I don't know if this was intended, but it was how I perceived it. James' inability to let it go mirrored his struggle to process his brother's death, and when he finally does, passing it on to Annie and her family, it felt like a moment of healing. He finally discovered how to process the grief he was holding on to (i.e., the crane) and allowed others in to his life.

Overall, it was such a sweet little novel. Dealt with a lot of heavy topics but was written so well. I do recommend it!!

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this book. It does an excellent job of showcasing what propaganda and nationalism lead to. Citizens at home in the US trying to explain away the atrocities committed by their own soldiers in Vietnam (their own brothers and sons), was a particularly poignant.

[Jim Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE CRANE is a very enjoyable, comfortable read. A lot of thoughts and situations to reflect on. Death, letting go, and enjoying the moment are all part of James' experience after his brother is killed in Vietnam.

[Mitchell Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was interesting, much like its author! I can't believe Monica has lived the life she has, and that with the impressive course her life has took, she has managed to be knowledgeable enough still about all the topics and feelings that this book delves into. Wow. This book was quite sad at many points in time - there are sure some quite different "acts" to it. It was a bit difficult to get into, but once James is in Wyoming the plot becomes more clear. My lack of five stars just comes from not seeing James reunite with his parents, or friends, or not knowing if he will... I know that's reality, and artistic choice, but what can I say, I am a curious guy to see where his life will go after returning to St. John's! It was disappointing to see The Crane not be able to get delivered by its owner in the first place, and then to see it not even be able to get delivered to the person it was supposed to be delivered to... so I thought I'd see James life settle down a bit more at least. Oh well...

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Crane, by Monica Kidd is a dense, well-researched, evocative, heart-crushing and redemptive account of moving through grief that traverses a haunting dual timeline. Trailed by ghosts from many generations, our protagonist, James Anderson, carves his own path while simultaneously attempting to free the ghosts before him.

Read my full review on Riddle Fence: https://riddlefence.com/review/the-cr....

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, Monica Kidd’s The Crane (Breakwater Books, 2025) is a meditative and thought provoking contemplation on family bonds, love and loss, and how the spirit of a place is found in the people who live there. It made me think about how the idea and essence of what “home” is shifts throughout our lives. I didn’t want the story to end, and I wish there was a “next book” because I want to see where these characters go.

[Carol McKnight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard to put down, this excellent read! James, a draft dodger from Wyoming in the 60s flees to Newfoundland - who would have thought?
I really admire Canadian authors, the depiction of Newfoundland and the people is so good. Some expressions I have not heard before, but I have no doubt they are local.
Dismissing Vietnam as not a real war, the East coast concentration on only WW1 and WW2 being ‘real wars’.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was interesting, but boring, if that makes sense.
I enjoyed it, but I also feel like it could have been so much more.
It's a good story to read before bed, as it won't keep you awake trying to finish it, but you'll read a chapter or two and then fall asleep.

I kept waiting for something "more" to happen, but it never did. I'm not upset about reading it, but I likely won't give it any other thought.

[Shanda Slipp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book! Beautifully written characters, settings, and story - not just the traditional ‘Newfoundland book’. Really enjoyed!

[Glenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the unfolding of this story.

[Carol Stevenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars maybe even 4.
This book is a slow burn, quite meditative on grief, family and identity.
I actually felt this book as I read it!