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One Bird
I try to see him among a migrating flock--he will take the loneliness of my room on his long journey; each whistling note he makes will be a little of my sadness falling over the ocean, to be swallowed in the clash of waves and the commotion of many birds flying.
"Tell me the truth," demands fifteen-year-old Megumi Shimizu as her mother hurriedly packs. But her mother refuses to admit that she is leaving forever--leaving her husband to his mistress, her home to her silent, resentful mother-in-law, her daughter to survive, if she can. Angry at everyone's polite lies, Megumi realizes that she has a secret of her Even though she goes to church, to Bible study class, and to the Christian Girls' Academy, she no longer believes in God. Only Dr. Mizutani, the "spinster lady" veterinarian, tells the truth, and she warns that single birds without their mothers often die.
In One Bird, a coming-of-age novel about mothers and daughters, about best friends, boyfriends, and families, Kyoko Mori uses folktales, images of birds, and details of bird life to explore the bonds of love that go deeper than lies. As Megumi learns how to care for injured waxwings, crows, sparrows, and one abandoned grosbeak, she begins her own flight toward truth, and toward home.
"Tell me the truth," demands fifteen-year-old Megumi Shimizu as her mother hurriedly packs. But her mother refuses to admit that she is leaving forever--leaving her husband to his mistress, her home to her silent, resentful mother-in-law, her daughter to survive, if she can. Angry at everyone's polite lies, Megumi realizes that she has a secret of her Even though she goes to church, to Bible study class, and to the Christian Girls' Academy, she no longer believes in God. Only Dr. Mizutani, the "spinster lady" veterinarian, tells the truth, and she warns that single birds without their mothers often die.
In One Bird, a coming-of-age novel about mothers and daughters, about best friends, boyfriends, and families, Kyoko Mori uses folktales, images of birds, and details of bird life to explore the bonds of love that go deeper than lies. As Megumi learns how to care for injured waxwings, crows, sparrows, and one abandoned grosbeak, she begins her own flight toward truth, and toward home.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1995
About the author
Kyoko Mori
23 books55 followersKyoko Mori was born in Kobe, Japan, in 1957. As a young girl, she learned numerous ways to be creative, including drawing, sewing, and writing, from her mother and her mother's family. From those family members, Mori says, "I came to understand the magic of transformation — a limitless possibility of turning nothing into something."
Mori's life changed completely at age 12, when her mother died. Her father remarried one year later, but the household was not a happy one, and Mori looked for ways to stay away from home. Eventually, she moved to the United States to attend college. She then went to graduate school, where she studied creative writing.
Mori's writing grows out of her personal experiences, but she doesn't always write exactly what happens in her own life. "I think that the best thing about being a writer is that we get to make up things and tell the truth at the same time," she says. Since she received her doctoral degree in 1984, Mori has taught creative writing and has published fiction, poetry, and essays.
Mori's life changed completely at age 12, when her mother died. Her father remarried one year later, but the household was not a happy one, and Mori looked for ways to stay away from home. Eventually, she moved to the United States to attend college. She then went to graduate school, where she studied creative writing.
Mori's writing grows out of her personal experiences, but she doesn't always write exactly what happens in her own life. "I think that the best thing about being a writer is that we get to make up things and tell the truth at the same time," she says. Since she received her doctoral degree in 1984, Mori has taught creative writing and has published fiction, poetry, and essays.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 6, 2010
While not overly engaging, this book still provides some useful insights into recent situations in Japan. In America, divorce is far from welcomed, but children with divorced parents are still accepted by society and their peers. In the novel, Megumi's parents choose only to separate, despite the extreme misery her mother finds in her marriage and the fact that her father has already had a new girlfriend for quite some time. They do this because divorce is extremely rare in 1975 Japan; in Megumi's class, only about three children live in homes without both parents, and only one of those children is in that situation because of divorce. According to Megumi's paternal grandmother, divorce would be shameful to their family, more shameful than the fact that her father has a girlfriend.
In addition to this, the book also discuses medical treatment for injured wild birds. It doesn't go into enough detail to be considered a how-to manual applicable to real life, but it still talks about things like the risk of domesticating a wild bird if you coddle it too much while it's healing. Several species of Japanese birds are also mentioned and discussed briefly, like the Japanese waxwing, which migrates to Russia each year.
Gender roles are also mentioned several times in the novel when Megumi discusses the differences between the way she is expected to behave as a girl and the way her male friends and neighbors are expected to behave. Despite this, a pleasant conclusion reached at the end of the book is that she isn't doomed to be dependent because she's a girl; as long as she has friends who are able and willing to help her, she can succeed where she had previously thought she'd already lost.
Overall, the writing of this book was decent. It was not overly engaging, and the lack of depth given to recurring characters like Kiyoshi was somewhat disappointing. However, there was still some enjoyable growth for the main character, Megumi, as she learns to assert herself instead of meekly complying with everyone's wishes. Dr. Mizutani, the woman who helped her change, was a very interesting character and sounded like an enjoyable person to meet. Despite hardships in her past, she was still hardworking and kind, and she worked her hardest to make it possible for Megumi to see her mother again.
In addition to this, the book also discuses medical treatment for injured wild birds. It doesn't go into enough detail to be considered a how-to manual applicable to real life, but it still talks about things like the risk of domesticating a wild bird if you coddle it too much while it's healing. Several species of Japanese birds are also mentioned and discussed briefly, like the Japanese waxwing, which migrates to Russia each year.
Gender roles are also mentioned several times in the novel when Megumi discusses the differences between the way she is expected to behave as a girl and the way her male friends and neighbors are expected to behave. Despite this, a pleasant conclusion reached at the end of the book is that she isn't doomed to be dependent because she's a girl; as long as she has friends who are able and willing to help her, she can succeed where she had previously thought she'd already lost.
Overall, the writing of this book was decent. It was not overly engaging, and the lack of depth given to recurring characters like Kiyoshi was somewhat disappointing. However, there was still some enjoyable growth for the main character, Megumi, as she learns to assert herself instead of meekly complying with everyone's wishes. Dr. Mizutani, the woman who helped her change, was a very interesting character and sounded like an enjoyable person to meet. Despite hardships in her past, she was still hardworking and kind, and she worked her hardest to make it possible for Megumi to see her mother again.
January 4, 2020
Although this book was written in the 90's and was set in 1975, me, a girl in 2020, could relate to every issue: faith, love, family, peer pressure, fitting in, growing up. I loved Megumi's voice and how I could imagine her as a girl living in today's society. This book is lyrical and poetic, every word having meaning, with no hanging plots or questions at the end. It took me a while to finish the book because it was emotionally a lot to take in. I love how the book wasn't focused on one thing in Megumi's life and how her character's life and feelings were structured felt authentic and relatable. I also enjoyed the Japanese cultural aspects. Amazing book; I had a great time reading it. I would recommend to EVERYONE.
January 30, 2025
An old read after becoming obsessed with Shizuko’s Daughter. Very similar depressing family story with a resilient coming of age girl. These books stick with u.
December 11, 2023
Took a bit to get into, but I became engaged after not too long by the writing, the recent cultural history and the honest, insightful, compassionate, imperfect young girl. I love the ending especially.
"Birds can drown in the water in their own small mouths, as if a few drops of water contained a whole ocean. My mother is a bird whose mouth has become a big sea of tears. She had to leave me to keep from drowning."
(Oh, look, it's told in present tense. Hm. So skillfully done I didn't even realize until I proofread the quotation.)
"Birds can drown in the water in their own small mouths, as if a few drops of water contained a whole ocean. My mother is a bird whose mouth has become a big sea of tears. She had to leave me to keep from drowning."
(Oh, look, it's told in present tense. Hm. So skillfully done I didn't even realize until I proofread the quotation.)
December 1, 2014
A 15-year-old girl in Japan named Megumi Shimizu is going through a rough time; her mother, whom she is extremely close with has left her, and she is forced to live with her father who is neglectful and spends most of his time working or with his girlfriend in Hiroshima, and her father’s mother who is a mean old woman who nags Megumi constantly.
When Megumi feels that she has lost all hope, she meets a young veterinarian named Dr. Mizutani, known throughout town as the “bird lady”, as she specializes in caring for sick or injured wild birds. Dr. Mizutani takes a liking to Megumi and gives her a part-time job at her office, where she helps to take care of the birds. They become close, and through Dr. Mizutani’s encouragement and support, Megumi regains her hope and is able to figure out a way to have her mother’s presence back in her life.
One Bird is a beautiful story about the difficult times that children and young adults face when growing up in difficult family situations, specifically in Japan in the 1970s, when divorce was considered a failure and deeply shameful. It is a difficult weight to bear at the same time that they are trying to fit in at school and with their friends, and trying to figure out who they are as an individual. After having read Kyoko Mori’s ‘Shizuko’s Daughter’ when I was younger, I was so moved that I knew I had to read the rest of her novels and I’m happy that I finally have. Her works are beautiful tales that are comforting to the soul and captivating to read.
When Megumi feels that she has lost all hope, she meets a young veterinarian named Dr. Mizutani, known throughout town as the “bird lady”, as she specializes in caring for sick or injured wild birds. Dr. Mizutani takes a liking to Megumi and gives her a part-time job at her office, where she helps to take care of the birds. They become close, and through Dr. Mizutani’s encouragement and support, Megumi regains her hope and is able to figure out a way to have her mother’s presence back in her life.
One Bird is a beautiful story about the difficult times that children and young adults face when growing up in difficult family situations, specifically in Japan in the 1970s, when divorce was considered a failure and deeply shameful. It is a difficult weight to bear at the same time that they are trying to fit in at school and with their friends, and trying to figure out who they are as an individual. After having read Kyoko Mori’s ‘Shizuko’s Daughter’ when I was younger, I was so moved that I knew I had to read the rest of her novels and I’m happy that I finally have. Her works are beautiful tales that are comforting to the soul and captivating to read.
August 23, 2010
I really enjoy reading books by this author - this is the second one I've read. The stories of Japan transport me to a place that I've never been...but hope to visit one day.
February 6, 2026
I really liked this story. It's quiet and contemplative, not action-packed, so in this age when no one has any attention span anymore, some will find it dull. But it is lyrically written, sweet, and satisfying. The 15-yo protagonist, Megumi, lives in Japan, and is hit with a lot of crises that are very relatable: strict, crabby parents & grandparents; childhood friends who have now become distant and annoying; parents divorce and she's stuck with her dad, who's never there because he stays with his girlfriend; pressure to keep following Christianity even though she doesn't believe anymore. It's a coming-of-age story in which Megumi learns about herself and navigates conflicting feelings, and also learns how to care for injured birds. I loved the bird parts, and the characterization and pacing, and really liked the ending because it is hopeful and intelligent without artificially tying everything up too neatly; it's not Hallmark.
October 29, 2024
Ah! What a sweet little young adult novel it is! It's a story about a girl who is cute and, of course, a little bit not like other girls. She comes into age and carves her own identity in the midst of family drama. With friendships gained and friendships lost, pondering theodicy, and a love going nowhere, Megumi has a lot of things to sort out. She is a sweet girl and i enjoyed staying in her head. Overall, it's a very warm novel, and it reminds me of books i used to read when i was 14. Btw, this cover is so slayful
November 30, 2025
I like Kyoko Mori and this book is awesome, in my humble opinion. Read it during a hot July, and I really liked it. Megumi as a character, as well as her loved ones, friends, and opposition, as well as the setting of 70s Japan, was very enjoyable to read
June 20, 2017
Great young adult book.
March 7, 2012
Lit Log for One Bird by Kyoko Mori
Kyoko Mori’s novel, One Bird, is a wonderful portrait of a girl coming to terms not only with her parents’ separation, but also with herself. Through the course of the novel, Megumi, a 15 year old Japanese student, discovers who she is an what kind of influence and power she has.
The fact that Megumi realizes that she is not powerless against her father and grandmother is a bit disturbing. Although it is empowering for girls to read about female figures who have strength and determination, I was bothered when Megumi spoke to her father in what seemed to me down right belligerence. I was, however, glad that Megumi stood up for herself in the matters of writing to her mother and spending time with Toru. It was also satisfying that while Megumi stood up for herself, she also admitted, both to herself and to her father that it had been wrong to lie about both activities.
One of the most poignant elements of this novel was the change in the relationship between Kiyoshi and Megumi. Through high school, especially early high school, right after the transition from middle school, friendships have a tendency to switch. New groups are formed and often people who were your friends during the summer no longer speak to you. It is a time of figuring out who you are and often that means figuring out who you are in relation to others. Megumi’s lost friendship with Keiko illustrated this also.
Megumi’s wish to go back to childhood is also something I think many adolescents could identify with. She thinks to herself while writing an essay, “I wish for the past, not the future. I would give anything to go back to my childhood, when I could stand in the field between my mother and grandmother, and all I had to do was listen” (Mori, p. 45).
Kyoko Mori’s novel, One Bird, is a wonderful portrait of a girl coming to terms not only with her parents’ separation, but also with herself. Through the course of the novel, Megumi, a 15 year old Japanese student, discovers who she is an what kind of influence and power she has.
The fact that Megumi realizes that she is not powerless against her father and grandmother is a bit disturbing. Although it is empowering for girls to read about female figures who have strength and determination, I was bothered when Megumi spoke to her father in what seemed to me down right belligerence. I was, however, glad that Megumi stood up for herself in the matters of writing to her mother and spending time with Toru. It was also satisfying that while Megumi stood up for herself, she also admitted, both to herself and to her father that it had been wrong to lie about both activities.
One of the most poignant elements of this novel was the change in the relationship between Kiyoshi and Megumi. Through high school, especially early high school, right after the transition from middle school, friendships have a tendency to switch. New groups are formed and often people who were your friends during the summer no longer speak to you. It is a time of figuring out who you are and often that means figuring out who you are in relation to others. Megumi’s lost friendship with Keiko illustrated this also.
Megumi’s wish to go back to childhood is also something I think many adolescents could identify with. She thinks to herself while writing an essay, “I wish for the past, not the future. I would give anything to go back to my childhood, when I could stand in the field between my mother and grandmother, and all I had to do was listen” (Mori, p. 45).
January 27, 2010
Megumi is a girl whose father rarely comes home and has a mother who loves her a lot. But one day, her mother decides to leave her, although it is not Megumi's fault. Her mother is unhappy with being married to her husband and must leave Megumi, for in Japan, once the woman divorces her husband, she must go back home to her parents. Megumi doesn't understand, thinking that her own mother is abandoning her without even caring. She hates the letters that she receives from her, because she thinks they sound fake and too cheerful. The only person she has to help support her is Doctor Mizutani, the veterinarian and bird specialist who helps to treat a wounded bird that she found. With the help of the Doctor and a close friend, Megumi begins to realize why her mother did exactly what she did.
I found the beginning of this story really slow, but the plot was really good. It only began speeding up near the end, where more excitement happened. I thought the author at times used too many details to describe events, which made it even more stretched out.
I found the beginning of this story really slow, but the plot was really good. It only began speeding up near the end, where more excitement happened. I thought the author at times used too many details to describe events, which made it even more stretched out.
June 14, 2014
I bought this book a few months ago, during Frugal Muse's going out of business sale.
I read most of Mori's books as a kid. Since I grew up in Green Bay, her fiction was readily available, as she taught nearby at St. Norbert's.
One Bird has some similarities to her more famous Shizuko's Daughter in that it's about a Japanese high school girl coping with an unhappy home life. In One Bird, Megumi finds a role model in Dr. Mizutani, who shows her how to rehabilitate sick birds.
The book spends a lot of time on the impossible choices women had to make due to the unfair societal expectations people had based on gender, even with this being 1975. It's an interesting insight and commentary. I really enjoyed how Megumi's support system eventually allows her to challenge the virtual prison she's been placed in, disallowed from visiting the mother who's left her for the next seven years.
Most of all, though, I appreciate Mori's writing. Her prose is cutting, just as visceral for me now at 28 as it was when I was 10 or so, reading this the first time.
I read most of Mori's books as a kid. Since I grew up in Green Bay, her fiction was readily available, as she taught nearby at St. Norbert's.
One Bird has some similarities to her more famous Shizuko's Daughter in that it's about a Japanese high school girl coping with an unhappy home life. In One Bird, Megumi finds a role model in Dr. Mizutani, who shows her how to rehabilitate sick birds.
The book spends a lot of time on the impossible choices women had to make due to the unfair societal expectations people had based on gender, even with this being 1975. It's an interesting insight and commentary. I really enjoyed how Megumi's support system eventually allows her to challenge the virtual prison she's been placed in, disallowed from visiting the mother who's left her for the next seven years.
Most of all, though, I appreciate Mori's writing. Her prose is cutting, just as visceral for me now at 28 as it was when I was 10 or so, reading this the first time.
September 9, 2013
A nice coming of age story set in Japan in the 1970s. Megumi, the main character, is trying to find her way after her mother leaves and she realizes she no longer has faith in God. Finding an injured bird in her yard, she takes it to a vet and wild bird rehabber, Dr. Mizutani. As a single, professional woman, Dr. Mizutani also does not fit in to her society, and yet she is full of strength and passion and takes Megumi under her wing. As Megumi learns to care for injured and abandoned birds and her friendship with Dr. Mizutani grows, she gains the confidence and compassion she needs to find her "flock" and navigate her world. The bird metaphor seems a bit heavy-handed at times, and Dr. Mizutani's character is a bit too perfect, but overall I enjoyed this book. It's a shame the author has not written many titles, as I would be interested in reading more from her.
March 5, 2012
Kyoko mori's book One Bird was a very compelling. I had a hard time putting it down. I kept siding with the main character megumi whose mother had left because she divorsed megumi's father and that left megumi alone because her father isn't really a compassionate parent even though he was always trying. On top of that her grandmother feels that she is inferior because she didn't really like megumi's mother. so I would recommend this book to anyone who likes japanese culture or like reading about family problems.
July 17, 2013
This book is so wonderful. Kyoko Mori is a talented writer and story-teller. Everything was so good. I can feel the situation deeply and how it affects the characters. There are some situations that I can relate to Megumi. There are lots of sad and touching scenes in the book. My favorite moment is when Megumi won the essay-writing contest and her piece will be put in a time capsule that will be open in year 2000 (the setting of the story is during 1970’s). It was like her moment of glory and I actually envied her. This books also reminds me of my childhood and my time with childhood friends.
January 4, 2014
Fifteen and all is right with the world that is, until your mother leaves. Not just for a trip. For good. Her father doesn't care. He spends all the time he can with his mistress. Her grumpy grandmother only finds fault with her. Megumi is forbidden to contact her mother in any way. Her dismal life seems impossible until she finds an injured waxwing in their garden. The story and a new friendship emerges from this simple incident. I liked this story about a young girl coping with a broken family. Well done!
December 4, 2012
Really good story, especially for a free book! Good find. Shows you a hard time in 15 year old Megumi's life and how she works through her broken family.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews