What do you think?
Rate this book
The Hawkman: A Fairy Tale of the Great War
A great war, a great love, and the mythology that unites them; The Hawkman: A Fairy Tale of the Great War is a lyrical adaptation of a beloved classic.
Set against the shattering events of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, at the tale’s heart are an American schoolteacher—dynamic and imaginative—and an Irish musician, homeless and hated—who have survived bloodshed, poverty, and sickness to be thrown together in an English village. Together they quietly hide from the world in a small cottage.
Too soon, reality shatters their serenity, and they must face the parochial community. Unknown to all, a legend is in the making—one that will speak of courage and resilience amidst the forces that brought the couple together even as outside forces threaten to tear them apart.
Set against the shattering events of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, at the tale’s heart are an American schoolteacher—dynamic and imaginative—and an Irish musician, homeless and hated—who have survived bloodshed, poverty, and sickness to be thrown together in an English village. Together they quietly hide from the world in a small cottage.
Too soon, reality shatters their serenity, and they must face the parochial community. Unknown to all, a legend is in the making—one that will speak of courage and resilience amidst the forces that brought the couple together even as outside forces threaten to tear them apart.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2018
9 people are currently reading
868 people want to read
About the author
Jane Rosenberg LaForge
16 books22 followersBorn in LA, Jane Rosenberg LaForge studied political science at UCLA and creative writing in the Kate Braverman workshops of the 1990s. She earned her MFA at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where was awarded a Delaney Fellowship for Women Writers. A former journalist and English adjunct, she now lives in New York. Throughout the last decade, Jane has published many works, including An Unsuitable Princess: A True Fantasy/ A Fantastical Memoir, which Reader’s Digest called “one of the most inventive books in recent years." Her short fiction and poetry have been widely published, nominated for several awards, and her 2012 chapbook of poems, The Navigation of Loss, was one of three winners of the Red Ochre Lit chapbook prize.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
May 30, 2018
4 mesmerizing stars to The Hawkman! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I knew in reading the description that this book would be a stretch for me. It combines a genre I love, historical fiction, with fantasy/mythology, and I was intrigued with how the two would mesh. I had to open my mind as a reader and really focus on this story, and once I did, I found it remarkable.
World War II is a time I read about frequently, and I was pleased that this book actually takes place during World War I. Inspired by the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale, The Bearskin, as well as experiences of prisoners-of-war in German prison camps, The Hawkman is a completely original and absorbing tale.
At the heart of the story are an American school teacher and an Irish musician, Eva and Michael, who meet in an English village. The peacefulness of their life together is tested, and a “legend” is in the making at the same time.
The author, Jane Rosenberg LaFarge, writes with colorful, beautiful prose. The Hawkman has the mystical-ness one looks for in a fairy tale. As I said above, it took patience and concentration on my part to enjoy this book, but I did. Oh, how I did.
Thank you to Jane Rosenberg LaForge, Amberjack Publishing, and Netgalley for the ARC. The Hawkman will be available on June 5, 2018.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
I knew in reading the description that this book would be a stretch for me. It combines a genre I love, historical fiction, with fantasy/mythology, and I was intrigued with how the two would mesh. I had to open my mind as a reader and really focus on this story, and once I did, I found it remarkable.
World War II is a time I read about frequently, and I was pleased that this book actually takes place during World War I. Inspired by the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale, The Bearskin, as well as experiences of prisoners-of-war in German prison camps, The Hawkman is a completely original and absorbing tale.
At the heart of the story are an American school teacher and an Irish musician, Eva and Michael, who meet in an English village. The peacefulness of their life together is tested, and a “legend” is in the making at the same time.
The author, Jane Rosenberg LaFarge, writes with colorful, beautiful prose. The Hawkman has the mystical-ness one looks for in a fairy tale. As I said above, it took patience and concentration on my part to enjoy this book, but I did. Oh, how I did.
Thank you to Jane Rosenberg LaForge, Amberjack Publishing, and Netgalley for the ARC. The Hawkman will be available on June 5, 2018.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
January 20, 2018
Golden eyes dulled into silence.
Hounded and ridiculed, he swept up the trailing ends of his long tattered coat attempting to flee from the taunting fever that surrounded him. Scavenging in alleys behind butcher shops. Bruised and battered hands extended in prayerful begging motions. Bird-like scratchings of the earth.
Until she appeared.......
The aftermath of the Great War leaves a pallid and sallow hue blanketing those who have been touched by its worldwide sepsis. The town of Bridgetonne, led by Lord Thorton, attempts to shore up some semblance of normalcy. The women's college prides itself in educating young ladies to enter into a world shattered by war and its uncertainties.
Eva Williams, an American, lives in a small cottage on the edge of Lord Thorton's estate which houses the college. She is the author of several books of fairy tales and poetry and teaches courses in those areas at the college. Hers is a simple life now after leaving behind a most painful life in the states.
What draws us into the inner circles of strangers is a tiny beacon of light that illuminates and recognizes one's pain aligned to another's. Eva is touched by what she experiences in the presence of The Hawkman. She extends her hand and he hesitates before holding it tightly in his. Eva brings him home to the cottage and it is here that simple humanity is revealed.
Jane Rosenberg LaForge creates a vivid spectrum of colors into the inner mechanisms of what drives and motivates the human spirit. This story line is laced with sharp "tellings" of the composites of one's dangling chain of life experiences. She intersperses this story with fables and fairy tales that come to life and draw you in. There is an instant flicker of familiarity as we associate past events happening here to those still lingering in the modern world. You can almost hear your own gasp in its truism.
Although The Hawkman is a work of brillance, it may not affect everyone in the same light. I was fully and willingly caught up in the backstories of these two main characters. The multi-layering of experiences may prove too maze-like for some readers. But I would say that we are far from simple creatures sharing a combined human nature. The last 50 pages are wrapped in wonder. Simple wonder.
I received a copy of The Hawkman through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Amberjack Publishers and to the very talented Jane Rosenberg LaForge for the opportunity.
Hounded and ridiculed, he swept up the trailing ends of his long tattered coat attempting to flee from the taunting fever that surrounded him. Scavenging in alleys behind butcher shops. Bruised and battered hands extended in prayerful begging motions. Bird-like scratchings of the earth.
Until she appeared.......
The aftermath of the Great War leaves a pallid and sallow hue blanketing those who have been touched by its worldwide sepsis. The town of Bridgetonne, led by Lord Thorton, attempts to shore up some semblance of normalcy. The women's college prides itself in educating young ladies to enter into a world shattered by war and its uncertainties.
Eva Williams, an American, lives in a small cottage on the edge of Lord Thorton's estate which houses the college. She is the author of several books of fairy tales and poetry and teaches courses in those areas at the college. Hers is a simple life now after leaving behind a most painful life in the states.
What draws us into the inner circles of strangers is a tiny beacon of light that illuminates and recognizes one's pain aligned to another's. Eva is touched by what she experiences in the presence of The Hawkman. She extends her hand and he hesitates before holding it tightly in his. Eva brings him home to the cottage and it is here that simple humanity is revealed.
Jane Rosenberg LaForge creates a vivid spectrum of colors into the inner mechanisms of what drives and motivates the human spirit. This story line is laced with sharp "tellings" of the composites of one's dangling chain of life experiences. She intersperses this story with fables and fairy tales that come to life and draw you in. There is an instant flicker of familiarity as we associate past events happening here to those still lingering in the modern world. You can almost hear your own gasp in its truism.
Although The Hawkman is a work of brillance, it may not affect everyone in the same light. I was fully and willingly caught up in the backstories of these two main characters. The multi-layering of experiences may prove too maze-like for some readers. But I would say that we are far from simple creatures sharing a combined human nature. The last 50 pages are wrapped in wonder. Simple wonder.
I received a copy of The Hawkman through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Amberjack Publishers and to the very talented Jane Rosenberg LaForge for the opportunity.
May 13, 2018
I was a bit disappointed in this book. That glorious cover and an intriguing description of the story made me read it but sadly it did not live up to my expectations.
A bit like that pretty cover being spoiled by the rather macho sounding title, the book itself seemed confused about what it was supposed to be. Sometimes it told the story of the two main characters living just after World War One in England. Then it wandered off into fairy stories told by one of the characters, after which we might return to England or go back to experience our characters' childhood or wartime experiences. Added to all this were the touches of magical realism which culminated in a very strange ending.
This sounds as though I did not like it. In fact it was a fairly enjoyable read which just tried a bit too hard. Three stars.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
A bit like that pretty cover being spoiled by the rather macho sounding title, the book itself seemed confused about what it was supposed to be. Sometimes it told the story of the two main characters living just after World War One in England. Then it wandered off into fairy stories told by one of the characters, after which we might return to England or go back to experience our characters' childhood or wartime experiences. Added to all this were the touches of magical realism which culminated in a very strange ending.
This sounds as though I did not like it. In fact it was a fairly enjoyable read which just tried a bit too hard. Three stars.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 30, 2018
3.5 stars
What attracted me to this story was not only the synopsis but also the gorgeous cover. It is a story of the aftermath of war. An America schoolteacher plus an Irish musician have been been touched by the ravages of war. They come together in an English village where they try to hide from the world that has shattered them. However, the small minds of the community wager against them and break into the quiet and serenity this couple so very much need.
This was a beautifully told story, the writing was the key to what occurred to this young man and how, because of the things he had to do, becomes something considered less than human. The man, Michael thought he was a bird and the woman, Eva tried to restore him. The time period was that after World War 1 and again for this reader the writing was the key. There is fantasy and reality in the telling.
While the story was well told, it was a book that required much time and concentration to read. It was a bit of a brooding tale and one that might not appeal to many readers.
Thank you to Jane Resenberg LaForge, Amberjack Publishing, and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this novel.
What attracted me to this story was not only the synopsis but also the gorgeous cover. It is a story of the aftermath of war. An America schoolteacher plus an Irish musician have been been touched by the ravages of war. They come together in an English village where they try to hide from the world that has shattered them. However, the small minds of the community wager against them and break into the quiet and serenity this couple so very much need.
This was a beautifully told story, the writing was the key to what occurred to this young man and how, because of the things he had to do, becomes something considered less than human. The man, Michael thought he was a bird and the woman, Eva tried to restore him. The time period was that after World War 1 and again for this reader the writing was the key. There is fantasy and reality in the telling.
While the story was well told, it was a book that required much time and concentration to read. It was a bit of a brooding tale and one that might not appeal to many readers.
Thank you to Jane Resenberg LaForge, Amberjack Publishing, and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this novel.
February 19, 2018
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Beautifully prosaic, richly imagined blend of realism and folklore.
This book intrigued me for the tagline if nothing else - A Fairytale of the Great War. I wasn't sure what to expect, and certainly wasn't expecting to be so spellbound with the story.
It's a tale of two people; Mr Sheehan and Miss Williams. Mr Sheehan is considered the town misfit; he doesn't speak, is filthy dirty, and his yellowing, watchful eyes earn him the nickname of the Hawkman. Miss Williams is an American spinster, who takes the man under her wing, and nurses him gently back to health.
As you might expect, there's a lot more going on here than just a simple 'saviour' tale. Using echoes of past folklore, Mr Sheehan is depicted as a transformed figure - doomed to be trapped in a bird-like form, thanks largely to his post-traumatic stress after the war. Miss Williams, in saving him, almost damns herself, and her progression through the story is likewise transformative, though with a less happy outcome.
It's a simple plot, but that really is the beauty of it - without the dense plot, the characters are allowed to fly, and the reader is at liberty to ponder the meaning of it all.
So - what did I love about it? The real stand-out quality is the haunting prose and the clever interweaving of folklore and realism. I loved the notion of physical transformation as a way of exploring the damaging impact of war, and the resonance of silence too; how much can be said without ever opening one's mouth.
Is it an easy book to read? No. The author does make you work at it, because that's kind of the idea; it's not a poolside throwaway read. But the challenge is worthwhile, especially if you're happy to muse over the deeper meaning of it all.
A very good book indeed, and above all else, refreshingly different from your average novel.
Beautifully prosaic, richly imagined blend of realism and folklore.
This book intrigued me for the tagline if nothing else - A Fairytale of the Great War. I wasn't sure what to expect, and certainly wasn't expecting to be so spellbound with the story.
It's a tale of two people; Mr Sheehan and Miss Williams. Mr Sheehan is considered the town misfit; he doesn't speak, is filthy dirty, and his yellowing, watchful eyes earn him the nickname of the Hawkman. Miss Williams is an American spinster, who takes the man under her wing, and nurses him gently back to health.
As you might expect, there's a lot more going on here than just a simple 'saviour' tale. Using echoes of past folklore, Mr Sheehan is depicted as a transformed figure - doomed to be trapped in a bird-like form, thanks largely to his post-traumatic stress after the war. Miss Williams, in saving him, almost damns herself, and her progression through the story is likewise transformative, though with a less happy outcome.
It's a simple plot, but that really is the beauty of it - without the dense plot, the characters are allowed to fly, and the reader is at liberty to ponder the meaning of it all.
So - what did I love about it? The real stand-out quality is the haunting prose and the clever interweaving of folklore and realism. I loved the notion of physical transformation as a way of exploring the damaging impact of war, and the resonance of silence too; how much can be said without ever opening one's mouth.
Is it an easy book to read? No. The author does make you work at it, because that's kind of the idea; it's not a poolside throwaway read. But the challenge is worthwhile, especially if you're happy to muse over the deeper meaning of it all.
A very good book indeed, and above all else, refreshingly different from your average novel.
February 10, 2019
Magical realism meets historical fiction in this tale of love and war ; inspired by the Grimms fairytale “The Bearskin”.
Michael is suffering from shell shock and probably PTSD after spending years as a prisoner of war. He is either ignored or taunted by the community who consider him to be stupid and homeless. Until Eva, an American teacher, decides he is a person and treats him as such.
We flip back and forth between his life after meeting Eva, and his days in the war in a lyrical writing style. It was at times quite beautiful, and at others a little to wordy, but always a unique way to write about WWI.
Recommended to those who don’t mind a bit of magical realism in their historical fiction .
Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Michael is suffering from shell shock and probably PTSD after spending years as a prisoner of war. He is either ignored or taunted by the community who consider him to be stupid and homeless. Until Eva, an American teacher, decides he is a person and treats him as such.
We flip back and forth between his life after meeting Eva, and his days in the war in a lyrical writing style. It was at times quite beautiful, and at others a little to wordy, but always a unique way to write about WWI.
Recommended to those who don’t mind a bit of magical realism in their historical fiction .
Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 17, 2018
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
"He had for himself no expectations other than to survive, to start over, to live as he had not during the war, as a human."
This is a very beautifully written book. I feel bad for not liking it. The premise of the book is interesting enough, the characters' backstories are fascinating. However there was too much rambling for my taste and I found myself skimming through the last few chapters of the book.
"He had for himself no expectations other than to survive, to start over, to live as he had not during the war, as a human."
This is a very beautifully written book. I feel bad for not liking it. The premise of the book is interesting enough, the characters' backstories are fascinating. However there was too much rambling for my taste and I found myself skimming through the last few chapters of the book.
November 11, 2018
With the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I being commemorated today, I decided to read & review a couple of novellas that retell one of my favourite fairy tales in the time of the war. Not a bad idea, Brain said. It'll be novel and fun, Brain said . . .
Alas, my hopeful brain missed the mark: the stories I read were neither good nor fun to read. I'll review the other in its own space, so let's get down to The Hawkman here. It's a retelling of a German märchen called "The Bearskin" that the Grimms collected, whose plot is a destitute soldier coming empty-handed from a war and finding the Devil on his way, who offers him immense riches in exchange for spending seven years without bathing, grooming & taking care of his appearance, on top of wearing a filthy bear's fur. Lacking in options, the youth accepts and lives like a disgusting savage beast, but he meets a kind peasant and falls for one of his daughters, eventually redeems himself and marries the girl. As you might have guessed, it has similarities to both "Donkeyskin" and "Beauty and the Beast."
Mrs LaForge seems to have wanted to modernise the tale by reworking it as the story of a shell-shocked English veteran that comes from No Man's Land so traumatised he forsakes his humanity and believes himself a bird, behaves like a bird, moves like a bird and lives like a bird. That's an excellent premise, isn't it? Wonderful, put that way. I thought so, too. Unfortunately, premise and execution went separate ways.
The first problem is: where was the editor? If there was an editor at all, because reading this would convince one of the absence of such a necessary assistant. The writing is so poorly edited and so all over the place that it's difficult to keep track of the plot. And that's a pity, because prose-wise the author is good at the craft. Not so good a storyteller, however, as the second (and probably biggest) problem is that the structure of the plot is even worse. Flashbacks here, flashbacks there and flashbacks yonder, all jumbled. Those of Michael Sheehan (the shell-shocked soldier), I can see the need for, but those of the female main character, not so much. I believe the parts with him at the trenches and the POW camp should have been the only flashbacks and better structured, better dosified, and better distributed throughout the storyline. Hers were pure filler and shallow given what was the intention for the story.
Third problem, to me, is: what on Earth was Magical Realism thrown in for? It was so infuriatingly unnecessary and so out of nowhere. The magical in "magical realism" is evident by the end of the book only, as earlier everything looks like just a good old plain historical fiction story, no magic, no I-wanna-play-at-being-García-Márquez (-without-his-talent) shenanigans. Until that moment, I'd taken this as a fantasy-less retelling, workable if somewhat unsatisfying, and then . . . that happens. And, of course, it has to happen while in bed. Tacky.
I'm sorry that such a great opportunity for a good story was missed. World War I gives plenty of room to inspired retellings of "Beauty and the Beast," I'd say even more so than World War II, given the legions of shell-shocked and disfigured soldiers, many of whom wore masks like these, that make for a perfect Beast figure without the need for magic, enchantresses and otherworldly stuff. The opportunity for "Phantom of the Opera" retellings are good as well. But, apparently, authors still insist on doing it with magic and fantasy (and not that well, either).
Alas, my hopeful brain missed the mark: the stories I read were neither good nor fun to read. I'll review the other in its own space, so let's get down to The Hawkman here. It's a retelling of a German märchen called "The Bearskin" that the Grimms collected, whose plot is a destitute soldier coming empty-handed from a war and finding the Devil on his way, who offers him immense riches in exchange for spending seven years without bathing, grooming & taking care of his appearance, on top of wearing a filthy bear's fur. Lacking in options, the youth accepts and lives like a disgusting savage beast, but he meets a kind peasant and falls for one of his daughters, eventually redeems himself and marries the girl. As you might have guessed, it has similarities to both "Donkeyskin" and "Beauty and the Beast."
Mrs LaForge seems to have wanted to modernise the tale by reworking it as the story of a shell-shocked English veteran that comes from No Man's Land so traumatised he forsakes his humanity and believes himself a bird, behaves like a bird, moves like a bird and lives like a bird. That's an excellent premise, isn't it? Wonderful, put that way. I thought so, too. Unfortunately, premise and execution went separate ways.
The first problem is: where was the editor? If there was an editor at all, because reading this would convince one of the absence of such a necessary assistant. The writing is so poorly edited and so all over the place that it's difficult to keep track of the plot. And that's a pity, because prose-wise the author is good at the craft. Not so good a storyteller, however, as the second (and probably biggest) problem is that the structure of the plot is even worse. Flashbacks here, flashbacks there and flashbacks yonder, all jumbled. Those of Michael Sheehan (the shell-shocked soldier), I can see the need for, but those of the female main character, not so much. I believe the parts with him at the trenches and the POW camp should have been the only flashbacks and better structured, better dosified, and better distributed throughout the storyline. Hers were pure filler and shallow given what was the intention for the story.
Third problem, to me, is: what on Earth was Magical Realism thrown in for? It was so infuriatingly unnecessary and so out of nowhere. The magical in "magical realism" is evident by the end of the book only, as earlier everything looks like just a good old plain historical fiction story, no magic, no I-wanna-play-at-being-García-Márquez (-without-his-talent) shenanigans. Until that moment, I'd taken this as a fantasy-less retelling, workable if somewhat unsatisfying, and then . . . that happens. And, of course, it has to happen while in bed. Tacky.
I'm sorry that such a great opportunity for a good story was missed. World War I gives plenty of room to inspired retellings of "Beauty and the Beast," I'd say even more so than World War II, given the legions of shell-shocked and disfigured soldiers, many of whom wore masks like these, that make for a perfect Beast figure without the need for magic, enchantresses and otherworldly stuff. The opportunity for "Phantom of the Opera" retellings are good as well. But, apparently, authors still insist on doing it with magic and fantasy (and not that well, either).
January 7, 2019
Netgalley #52
Many thanks go to Jane Rosenberg LaForge, Amberjack, and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
The book starts with a death and a bridegroom, so one knows that's happening at some point. Then we are introduced to Miss Williams and a homeless, shell shocked soldier looking for his next meal and a roof over his head. Williams seems to be a bleeding heart. Well I think two and two can be put together. It's the fantasy portion of the story that has me still a bit thrown. I can't quite put my finger on why it happened. Like what's the meaning behind it? I think I missed something monumental? I know what I read, but it's just not clicking. Regardless the selflessness was beautiful.
LaForge teases me enough with this book that I'm interested to see what she produces next.
Many thanks go to Jane Rosenberg LaForge, Amberjack, and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
The book starts with a death and a bridegroom, so one knows that's happening at some point. Then we are introduced to Miss Williams and a homeless, shell shocked soldier looking for his next meal and a roof over his head. Williams seems to be a bleeding heart. Well I think two and two can be put together. It's the fantasy portion of the story that has me still a bit thrown. I can't quite put my finger on why it happened. Like what's the meaning behind it? I think I missed something monumental? I know what I read, but it's just not clicking. Regardless the selflessness was beautiful.
LaForge teases me enough with this book that I'm interested to see what she produces next.
August 1, 2018
Second time read. First time review.
I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The first time I rated this book, I gave it a 4. Second time around, I did find myself getting a little bit bored here and there but it still deserves a 4.
The Hawkman: A Fairy Tale of the Great War was a pretty interesting book. The world and the characters were still intriguing that it kept my tapping my little page arrow on my kindle. Yet, again, I definitely did get a little bored. Now I'm not completely blaming the book or the characters, because my work days are filled with boredom but I will say that it was definitely better the first time I read it.
This book is a fairy tale about war. Well, it's more like it's about an Irish musician, Michael, and an American school teacher, Miss Williams. Out of the two, Michael was probably more of my favorite character. He lost a lot, mostly himself, after the war. He goes through want so many veterans, and mostly anyone that has been in a war, he is abandoned and left alone to rot. Well, until the day that Miss Williams finds him and takes him in. She showed so much compassion for someone she didn't know that it definitely gave me so much hope for humanity.
Yes, I know that this is a book and that these are characters - it will still give me hope that people will end up doing the same thing today. Back to Miss Williams, well she hasn't had a cheery or happy past either. Nope, she has been fighting depression since day one. Now I have no idea what depression feels like but I know that it's a very serious thing to struggle with on a daily basis. It made me feel so sad for this character because of how she acted and treated other people while dealing with her own demons.
Throughout the story you will feel that emotional tug at your heart strings. You might also fall in love with one or both characters and their amazing story. Michael and Eva had terrible childhood but they cared so much for each other that it made their lives that much better.
Overall, the ending of this book was even more amazing the second time around. I will definitely be diving into this book for the third time sometime soon (maybe next year??).
I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The first time I rated this book, I gave it a 4. Second time around, I did find myself getting a little bit bored here and there but it still deserves a 4.
The Hawkman: A Fairy Tale of the Great War was a pretty interesting book. The world and the characters were still intriguing that it kept my tapping my little page arrow on my kindle. Yet, again, I definitely did get a little bored. Now I'm not completely blaming the book or the characters, because my work days are filled with boredom but I will say that it was definitely better the first time I read it.
This book is a fairy tale about war. Well, it's more like it's about an Irish musician, Michael, and an American school teacher, Miss Williams. Out of the two, Michael was probably more of my favorite character. He lost a lot, mostly himself, after the war. He goes through want so many veterans, and mostly anyone that has been in a war, he is abandoned and left alone to rot. Well, until the day that Miss Williams finds him and takes him in. She showed so much compassion for someone she didn't know that it definitely gave me so much hope for humanity.
Yes, I know that this is a book and that these are characters - it will still give me hope that people will end up doing the same thing today. Back to Miss Williams, well she hasn't had a cheery or happy past either. Nope, she has been fighting depression since day one. Now I have no idea what depression feels like but I know that it's a very serious thing to struggle with on a daily basis. It made me feel so sad for this character because of how she acted and treated other people while dealing with her own demons.
Throughout the story you will feel that emotional tug at your heart strings. You might also fall in love with one or both characters and their amazing story. Michael and Eva had terrible childhood but they cared so much for each other that it made their lives that much better.
Overall, the ending of this book was even more amazing the second time around. I will definitely be diving into this book for the third time sometime soon (maybe next year??).
June 9, 2018
OK, so I'm totally biased because I watched this book get born, then grow up. I'm married to the author. (I am of Irish descent but I am not a giant bird.) It started as a slender tale, two stories really, then grew ever more complex and robust, with a mysterious finish that avoids stereotypes. I'm a guy so I was more interested in the war story, and the somewhat mysterious piano. But the story is woven into something much more, so if you like genre-bending literary fiction, with a historical flavor, this will be your cup of tea. When I first read it, the story left me wanting to know more about "The Bearskin," the main source material from the Brothers Grimm (greatly transformed). That story is just a springboard into a story about spiritually and physically damaged people finding each other, if only for a brief moment. (The independent publisher, Amberjack, is a women-run company based in Idaho. Great job on the gorgeous cover!) If you do write a review, please also post it on the Amazon page for the book, because real reader reviews cause Amazon to bestow promotional blessings.
February 22, 2018
via my blog: https://bookstalkerblog.wordpress.com/
'Yet it was his eye, or both of them, that attracted the most notice and gossip- their unnerving brilliance. It was hungry and restless; and it earned him his nickname.'
In this fairytale for grownups, an American schoolteacher (spinster, nay old maid) Miss Eva Williams, falls under the spell of the Hawkman, Mr. Michael Evan Sheehan. Sheehan is suffering from the torments of the war, including his time of imprisonment. His vagabond ways have damned him as an outcast, and his yellowing, ‘hungry and restless’ eyes make him more birdlike than human. Mrs. Sheehan knows there is more to the man, tormented by children’s taunts, rocks and even attempts at poisoning. He is more than a scavenger, certainly not a threat when he doesn’t fight back, though the children’s cruelty would deserve a firm punishment in a better world. She herself is a misfit in England, a foreigner, teaching at a lady’s college, horror of all horrors she is on the shelf and unmarrie, progressive (never a welcome trait in a woman bygone times). He becomes her cause.
Lord Thornton wants nothing more than his world to return to the normality of before the war. The Hawkman is a reminder, a constant stench of war and all its horrors. To make his village safe and ‘clean’ for it’s young ladies seems to be his sole purpose, ridding it of such scavengers as Sheehan. The villagers, especially his son Christopher( recovering after his own war wounds) are in compliance to Lord Thornton’s plans, but not Miss Williams. Even Thornton’s wife, Lady Margaret wants nothing more than to be ‘ride’ of the Hawkman. Miss Williams has a far better understanding of the ‘protagonist’ of various countries and sees in the Hawkman no difference. Sifting through the fears and myths, she sees past the ‘filth’ and reclusive behaviors for what they are the reactions of a broken, damaged man.
Eyes wide open, Eva invites Mr. Sheehan into her world with empathy and compassion. She goes gently with him, as one might a wounded animal. She sees the man, not the myth. Hiding him in the cottage won’t last, but she will not be cowed or bullied into giving up on him. When she comes to need him, one wonders just who needs salvation. With war weaved into the story, it is a unique twist on modern fairy tales and the true shame and horror is that people always find ways to invent monsters, to condemn those who need the most help to the shadows.
A quiet, yet moving tale.
Publication Date: June 5, 2018
Amberjack Publishing
'Yet it was his eye, or both of them, that attracted the most notice and gossip- their unnerving brilliance. It was hungry and restless; and it earned him his nickname.'
In this fairytale for grownups, an American schoolteacher (spinster, nay old maid) Miss Eva Williams, falls under the spell of the Hawkman, Mr. Michael Evan Sheehan. Sheehan is suffering from the torments of the war, including his time of imprisonment. His vagabond ways have damned him as an outcast, and his yellowing, ‘hungry and restless’ eyes make him more birdlike than human. Mrs. Sheehan knows there is more to the man, tormented by children’s taunts, rocks and even attempts at poisoning. He is more than a scavenger, certainly not a threat when he doesn’t fight back, though the children’s cruelty would deserve a firm punishment in a better world. She herself is a misfit in England, a foreigner, teaching at a lady’s college, horror of all horrors she is on the shelf and unmarrie, progressive (never a welcome trait in a woman bygone times). He becomes her cause.
Lord Thornton wants nothing more than his world to return to the normality of before the war. The Hawkman is a reminder, a constant stench of war and all its horrors. To make his village safe and ‘clean’ for it’s young ladies seems to be his sole purpose, ridding it of such scavengers as Sheehan. The villagers, especially his son Christopher( recovering after his own war wounds) are in compliance to Lord Thornton’s plans, but not Miss Williams. Even Thornton’s wife, Lady Margaret wants nothing more than to be ‘ride’ of the Hawkman. Miss Williams has a far better understanding of the ‘protagonist’ of various countries and sees in the Hawkman no difference. Sifting through the fears and myths, she sees past the ‘filth’ and reclusive behaviors for what they are the reactions of a broken, damaged man.
Eyes wide open, Eva invites Mr. Sheehan into her world with empathy and compassion. She goes gently with him, as one might a wounded animal. She sees the man, not the myth. Hiding him in the cottage won’t last, but she will not be cowed or bullied into giving up on him. When she comes to need him, one wonders just who needs salvation. With war weaved into the story, it is a unique twist on modern fairy tales and the true shame and horror is that people always find ways to invent monsters, to condemn those who need the most help to the shadows.
A quiet, yet moving tale.
Publication Date: June 5, 2018
Amberjack Publishing
August 22, 2018
Rating: 3.0/5.0
I have picked this book from the Read Now section of NetGalley and this is my honest unbiased review. I chose this book because the gorgeous cover attracted me and the synopsis sounded very appealing. What I loved about this book mainly was the setting and the time period it took place. I have to note here that the story alternates between the past and the present for the two main characters of The Hawkman and Eva Williams. Both the time frames were interesting but I found myself more engaged with their present than their past backstories.
The story as the author mentioned in the acknowledgment is inspired by The Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale The Bearskin. The story focuses more on the characters of the protagonists and what made them be who they are today. This is more of a magic realist tale. It is well written but I felt the pace was a little slow for my taste. I preferred the backstory of Eva than of Sheehan. If you are a fan of magic realism give this a try you might like it.
I have picked this book from the Read Now section of NetGalley and this is my honest unbiased review. I chose this book because the gorgeous cover attracted me and the synopsis sounded very appealing. What I loved about this book mainly was the setting and the time period it took place. I have to note here that the story alternates between the past and the present for the two main characters of The Hawkman and Eva Williams. Both the time frames were interesting but I found myself more engaged with their present than their past backstories.
The story as the author mentioned in the acknowledgment is inspired by The Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale The Bearskin. The story focuses more on the characters of the protagonists and what made them be who they are today. This is more of a magic realist tale. It is well written but I felt the pace was a little slow for my taste. I preferred the backstory of Eva than of Sheehan. If you are a fan of magic realism give this a try you might like it.
June 27, 2018
*** Note: I received e-arc of this book via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to publisher and NetGalley. ***
3.5 Stars
The Hawkman, as title suggest was a fairy tale of war, a story of the Hawkman- an Irish musician and an American school teacher- Miss Williams, inspired from Grimm Brothers’ story- The Bearskin and recorded experience of prisoners of war. It was about the greatest war, its casualties, horrible mistreatments of prisoners during the WWI, and how it changed life of people including those survived the war; about courage, humanity, compassion, and resilience; society and its rigid stereotypical mindset.
Characters-
The Hawkman (Michael) – He was an Irish musician, who had to be a part of war that taken from him his passion and humanity, abondoned by his own people and left to wonder the streets without food and shelter. Even though he was treated very cruelly, he never lost his sanity, never fought for his need and never was threat to anyone still people saw him as threatening diseased plagued creature. He was such a gentleman who suffered lot. Author write this character very creatively and for that I gave most of the stars.
Miss Williams (Eva) – She was American teacher came to teach at women’s college of Bridgetonne. She was smart, caring, compassionate, creative storyteller and an outstanding strong female character in the world of men. Her childhood was depressing and she suffered lot herself but she turned out a great woman who could see humanity in the Hawkman and taken him under her care.
What I liked-
Flowery, lyrical writing with the touch of both fantasy and reality that had a classical feel narrated by third person switching between present life of protagonists, their past and experience, and tales of Eva and her mother.
First chapter was much promising with wonderful description of The Hawkman, village, and earl of the village. I loved the way author described Hawkman’s look and how he got his name. He was one mysterious and weirdly interesting character that hooked me to the book from the very beginning. I wanted to know more about him and what caused him such appearance. Eva and her story inspired from Grimm brother’s told at the luncheon that was strikingly similar to Hawkman, was mesmerizing. All of her stories throughout this book was greatly narrated by author. But I admit some were very confusing, to be specific her mother’s tales and her childhood stories.
Lord Thorton and villager were the real antagonists of the book. They were awfully cruel towards The Hawkman and Miss Williams’ strong challenging thoughts. I couldn’t understand what Lord Thorton’s problem was. He was epitome of hypocrite and stereotype, rude and totally thoughtless who refused to understand condition of both Michael and Miss William. He acted heartless during their downtime.
Life story of Michael was sad and thought-provoking. One by one author told his story from his passion as a musician to his time in war, his tormenting experience on field, how he lost his hearing, fingers, voice, look, got awful disease that didn’t have cure, how ultimately he was abandoned by his own people, tagged traitor, and named The Hawkman by villagers. He was the worst casualty of the war, a living example of what war can do to a person. It was horrible to read his account.
Both Michael and Eva’s childhood was very depressing. It helped to get the clear background of characters. I liked the way they both cared for each other. It was poignant to read what they gone through in this book. The end of their story was fantastical and I liked to see development in Christopher by the end of the book.
why 3.5 stars-
Though the writing was outstanding that any literature lovers and students would love to read, it took lot of time and concentration for me to read this book.
Some tales and some part of Eva’s childhood was very confusing and so lengthy that it distracted me from the main plot and at the end I couldn’t understand it completely. Many times I put the book on hold and lost interest that I had in initial chapters and in Michael’s story. At some point it felt like it was focused more on writing than the story.
Another thing that I wanted in book was, Eva and Michael’s chemistry, more of their current problems, and their fight with society which was overshadowed by their past and childhood.
Overall, it was interesting, thought-provoking, beautifully written story but it was difficult to read for me. Those who like historical fiction with touch of magical realism will definitely enjoy this book.
3.5 Stars
The Hawkman, as title suggest was a fairy tale of war, a story of the Hawkman- an Irish musician and an American school teacher- Miss Williams, inspired from Grimm Brothers’ story- The Bearskin and recorded experience of prisoners of war. It was about the greatest war, its casualties, horrible mistreatments of prisoners during the WWI, and how it changed life of people including those survived the war; about courage, humanity, compassion, and resilience; society and its rigid stereotypical mindset.
Characters-
The Hawkman (Michael) – He was an Irish musician, who had to be a part of war that taken from him his passion and humanity, abondoned by his own people and left to wonder the streets without food and shelter. Even though he was treated very cruelly, he never lost his sanity, never fought for his need and never was threat to anyone still people saw him as threatening diseased plagued creature. He was such a gentleman who suffered lot. Author write this character very creatively and for that I gave most of the stars.
Miss Williams (Eva) – She was American teacher came to teach at women’s college of Bridgetonne. She was smart, caring, compassionate, creative storyteller and an outstanding strong female character in the world of men. Her childhood was depressing and she suffered lot herself but she turned out a great woman who could see humanity in the Hawkman and taken him under her care.
What I liked-
Flowery, lyrical writing with the touch of both fantasy and reality that had a classical feel narrated by third person switching between present life of protagonists, their past and experience, and tales of Eva and her mother.
First chapter was much promising with wonderful description of The Hawkman, village, and earl of the village. I loved the way author described Hawkman’s look and how he got his name. He was one mysterious and weirdly interesting character that hooked me to the book from the very beginning. I wanted to know more about him and what caused him such appearance. Eva and her story inspired from Grimm brother’s told at the luncheon that was strikingly similar to Hawkman, was mesmerizing. All of her stories throughout this book was greatly narrated by author. But I admit some were very confusing, to be specific her mother’s tales and her childhood stories.
Lord Thorton and villager were the real antagonists of the book. They were awfully cruel towards The Hawkman and Miss Williams’ strong challenging thoughts. I couldn’t understand what Lord Thorton’s problem was. He was epitome of hypocrite and stereotype, rude and totally thoughtless who refused to understand condition of both Michael and Miss William. He acted heartless during their downtime.
Life story of Michael was sad and thought-provoking. One by one author told his story from his passion as a musician to his time in war, his tormenting experience on field, how he lost his hearing, fingers, voice, look, got awful disease that didn’t have cure, how ultimately he was abandoned by his own people, tagged traitor, and named The Hawkman by villagers. He was the worst casualty of the war, a living example of what war can do to a person. It was horrible to read his account.
Both Michael and Eva’s childhood was very depressing. It helped to get the clear background of characters. I liked the way they both cared for each other. It was poignant to read what they gone through in this book. The end of their story was fantastical and I liked to see development in Christopher by the end of the book.
why 3.5 stars-
Though the writing was outstanding that any literature lovers and students would love to read, it took lot of time and concentration for me to read this book.
Some tales and some part of Eva’s childhood was very confusing and so lengthy that it distracted me from the main plot and at the end I couldn’t understand it completely. Many times I put the book on hold and lost interest that I had in initial chapters and in Michael’s story. At some point it felt like it was focused more on writing than the story.
Another thing that I wanted in book was, Eva and Michael’s chemistry, more of their current problems, and their fight with society which was overshadowed by their past and childhood.
Overall, it was interesting, thought-provoking, beautifully written story but it was difficult to read for me. Those who like historical fiction with touch of magical realism will definitely enjoy this book.
April 24, 2018
The Hawkman: A Fairy Tale of the Great War by Jane Rosenberg LaForge is a re-telling of several Grimm’s fairy tales against the backdrop of World War I. As a fan of World War I literature, this captures the desperation of trench warfare, the aftermath of war, and what it means to live with those nightmares. But it is this reality, this darkness, this desperation that pushes up against how and why people tell stories. This is not merely a war novel, but the war is what triggers much of the action and ideas around this novel. Miss Eva Williams is an American school teacher that comes to a small English school to teach and hide from the world. Among the small and bucolic setting, everyone has been touched by the Great War. And among the edges is a man so damaged and lost that the villagers are afraid of who he is and what he may do. Miss Williams doesn’t commiserate with the villagers and the leaders, she takes him into her life. These two lost souls begin to rebuild a life together.
This novel weaves stories. It is the function of the book, the story, the plot… everything. It is worth mentioning that LaForge brings about a compelling and often beautiful style of storytelling to the page. Her stylistic voice here is what makes this novel so compelling and profound. The style reaches beyond the well-crafted characters, the woven stories, and the stunning pace of this novel. It makes sense that a poet is a better weaver for so many intangible parts and pieces. In Kate Berhnheimer’s introduction to Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall: Women Writers Explore Their Favorite Fairy Tales, she discusses how “fairy tales offer both wildly familiar and familiar wild terrain.” But more importantly, she considers the significance of how these fairy tales reflect back something of ourselves. “It is to look at the act of looking at ourselves inside stories, to regard the tradition and the stereotype of female reflection on self. In this, there is a power for all sorts of readers.” In many ways, LaForge is doing this within the nested stories and concepts of The Hawkman. She is restoring story, frame, morals, and piecing together the shattered ideas that are missing. That is where the innovative, creative, and visionary style does so much of the work. Miss Williams becomes the one who creates change, shifts perceptions of the world, and grounds all the fragments that seem to swirl around this novel. She isn’t the Scheherazade (the teller of the stories), but she is the force that makes all these stories possible. She is the curator of all things possible and impossible in this world.
A possible function of writing a novel is to explain how we might save ourselves with a story. In The Hawkman: A Fairy Tale of the Great War by Jane Rosenberg LaForge, it is clear that these forces of reality, tales, and visionary things are not just important for the art of fiction, but crafted with haunting and beautiful effect. But it takes more than a fabulist, it takes more than a novelist. It takes a poet. The Hawkman is a stunning vision of the blurred lines between the darkest realities and the most beautiful stories, all spinning in a whirlwind of narrative, hope, and loss.
A brief retelling of this book doesn’t shed light on the beauty and the scope of this novel. It is something that you have to accumulate as a reader. The nested stories, the characters, the function of the novel itself, all serve to restore the belief that we are narrative, we need a beginning, a middle, and an end. LaForge does this through poetry, stories, and her lyrical style. Miss Williams in the novel says, “Stories should not have to be cruel.” They can be sad, they can be devastating, and they can be beautiful, but they don’t “have to be cruel.” This novel brings narrative together with a lyrical style to rebuild the lives of people who are separately and desperately fragmented. The result is this beautiful novel that is built on the tradition of fairy tales but refined in poetry and prose in a way that is vivid, inspiring, and human. Excellent, poetic, and literary in story, style, and vision.
Cited in Review
Bernheimer, Kate, ed. Mirror, mirror on the wall: Women writers explore their favorite fairy tales. Anchor, 1998.
This novel weaves stories. It is the function of the book, the story, the plot… everything. It is worth mentioning that LaForge brings about a compelling and often beautiful style of storytelling to the page. Her stylistic voice here is what makes this novel so compelling and profound. The style reaches beyond the well-crafted characters, the woven stories, and the stunning pace of this novel. It makes sense that a poet is a better weaver for so many intangible parts and pieces. In Kate Berhnheimer’s introduction to Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall: Women Writers Explore Their Favorite Fairy Tales, she discusses how “fairy tales offer both wildly familiar and familiar wild terrain.” But more importantly, she considers the significance of how these fairy tales reflect back something of ourselves. “It is to look at the act of looking at ourselves inside stories, to regard the tradition and the stereotype of female reflection on self. In this, there is a power for all sorts of readers.” In many ways, LaForge is doing this within the nested stories and concepts of The Hawkman. She is restoring story, frame, morals, and piecing together the shattered ideas that are missing. That is where the innovative, creative, and visionary style does so much of the work. Miss Williams becomes the one who creates change, shifts perceptions of the world, and grounds all the fragments that seem to swirl around this novel. She isn’t the Scheherazade (the teller of the stories), but she is the force that makes all these stories possible. She is the curator of all things possible and impossible in this world.
A possible function of writing a novel is to explain how we might save ourselves with a story. In The Hawkman: A Fairy Tale of the Great War by Jane Rosenberg LaForge, it is clear that these forces of reality, tales, and visionary things are not just important for the art of fiction, but crafted with haunting and beautiful effect. But it takes more than a fabulist, it takes more than a novelist. It takes a poet. The Hawkman is a stunning vision of the blurred lines between the darkest realities and the most beautiful stories, all spinning in a whirlwind of narrative, hope, and loss.
A brief retelling of this book doesn’t shed light on the beauty and the scope of this novel. It is something that you have to accumulate as a reader. The nested stories, the characters, the function of the novel itself, all serve to restore the belief that we are narrative, we need a beginning, a middle, and an end. LaForge does this through poetry, stories, and her lyrical style. Miss Williams in the novel says, “Stories should not have to be cruel.” They can be sad, they can be devastating, and they can be beautiful, but they don’t “have to be cruel.” This novel brings narrative together with a lyrical style to rebuild the lives of people who are separately and desperately fragmented. The result is this beautiful novel that is built on the tradition of fairy tales but refined in poetry and prose in a way that is vivid, inspiring, and human. Excellent, poetic, and literary in story, style, and vision.
Cited in Review
Bernheimer, Kate, ed. Mirror, mirror on the wall: Women writers explore their favorite fairy tales. Anchor, 1998.
May 16, 2018
The first thing I did was read the previous reviews. And I was glad since I was not the only person to feel a bit disconnected with this book.
While the book is good as a one time read, personally it did not call out to me. Usually, readers associate with one or more characters or discover a sense of camaraderie, sympathy or something. I found none of that with this book. I was interested in The Hawkman first for its cover, and then it's blurb. Sadly the book was not evocative enough.
I'd give it two and a half stars, but round it off to three for the beautiful cover.
For more book reviews, visit Frost At Midnite.
While the book is good as a one time read, personally it did not call out to me. Usually, readers associate with one or more characters or discover a sense of camaraderie, sympathy or something. I found none of that with this book. I was interested in The Hawkman first for its cover, and then it's blurb. Sadly the book was not evocative enough.
I'd give it two and a half stars, but round it off to three for the beautiful cover.
For more book reviews, visit Frost At Midnite.
July 2, 2018
I received a free copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
'The Hawkman: A Fairy Tale of the Great War' is a retelling of the German fairy tale Der Bärenhäuter by the Brothers Grimm. I decided to read the book because I am a big fan of retellings as well as fairy tales in general.
Let's look at the fairy tale first.
Der Bärenhäuter is the story of a young soldier who has no place to go after the war ended. He then meets the devil who has a proposal for him. The soldier won't be allowed to wash nor groom himself for the next 7 years. In exchange he will receive a clock that will always provide him with money. The soldier, lacking an alternative, agrees to the offer and dons the skin of a recently killed bear. After wandering for some years he meets the poor father of three beautiful girls and helps him with paying his depths. To show his gratitude the man offers one of his daughters as a bride. The youngest one accepts because he sisters turn away in disgust for the man. The soldier leaves to wander the land for three more years but then returns for his wife as the beautiful man he is. The scorned sisters get angry to a point when they kill themselves which in turn makes the devil happy as he now has two new souls.
I am familiar with the original fairy tale (having read a Brothers Grimm's collection recently) but I felt compelled to look it up because I couldn't see much parallels when reading 'The Hawkman'.
'The Hawkman' is the story of a young soldier who lost his home when the Great War ended. His distressing memories of the war are strewn throughout the story explaining to the reader how his lost his humanity. The Hawkman almost lives like a bird, not talking and secluded from the people around him until he one day meets Eva, an American schoolteacher battling her own demons. They face the villager's prejudices and find strength in each other until the next blow of fate.
Talking about the main characters. Eva and Michael were interesting to follow along although I cared more for Michael's story despite the graphic scenes. You get to know more about Eva and Michael's past in several back flashes. To be honest, I wasn't prepared for this and it confused me more than once as it wasn't easy to tell when the POV or timeline changed in my edition.
However, the added insight made it easy to understand their actions and root for the both of them.
Unfortunately, I didn't care much about the other people in the book. I kept confusing them and still have the impression that the author didn't give them enough space to develop completely.
Besides this small downside, I loved the writing. LaForge has a great way of describing and taking you into the story that I appreciated a lot. However, it might be hard to stomach for those who can't stand graphic recollections of war and fighting. He writing has a Victorian feeling to it and the scenes and metaphors she used were great.
However, the book is rather short and I felt like there were whole parts missing of the story. Parts of it were rushed while others felt drawn out unnecessarily. All in all, I had my problems with the pacing.
Another aspect I want to complain about is the reference to the fairy tale. I was looking the whole book for more similarities and was left somehow disappointed in the end, because both stories only share the basic idea. Just not what I expected.
It still was a good read, beautiful prose with interesting aspects which will fascinate fans of magical realism more than those of fairy tale retellings. I am glad that I got the chance to read the book.
'The Hawkman: A Fairy Tale of the Great War' is a retelling of the German fairy tale Der Bärenhäuter by the Brothers Grimm. I decided to read the book because I am a big fan of retellings as well as fairy tales in general.
Let's look at the fairy tale first.
Der Bärenhäuter is the story of a young soldier who has no place to go after the war ended. He then meets the devil who has a proposal for him. The soldier won't be allowed to wash nor groom himself for the next 7 years. In exchange he will receive a clock that will always provide him with money. The soldier, lacking an alternative, agrees to the offer and dons the skin of a recently killed bear. After wandering for some years he meets the poor father of three beautiful girls and helps him with paying his depths. To show his gratitude the man offers one of his daughters as a bride. The youngest one accepts because he sisters turn away in disgust for the man. The soldier leaves to wander the land for three more years but then returns for his wife as the beautiful man he is. The scorned sisters get angry to a point when they kill themselves which in turn makes the devil happy as he now has two new souls.
I am familiar with the original fairy tale (having read a Brothers Grimm's collection recently) but I felt compelled to look it up because I couldn't see much parallels when reading 'The Hawkman'.
'The Hawkman' is the story of a young soldier who lost his home when the Great War ended. His distressing memories of the war are strewn throughout the story explaining to the reader how his lost his humanity. The Hawkman almost lives like a bird, not talking and secluded from the people around him until he one day meets Eva, an American schoolteacher battling her own demons. They face the villager's prejudices and find strength in each other until the next blow of fate.
Talking about the main characters. Eva and Michael were interesting to follow along although I cared more for Michael's story despite the graphic scenes. You get to know more about Eva and Michael's past in several back flashes. To be honest, I wasn't prepared for this and it confused me more than once as it wasn't easy to tell when the POV or timeline changed in my edition.
However, the added insight made it easy to understand their actions and root for the both of them.
Unfortunately, I didn't care much about the other people in the book. I kept confusing them and still have the impression that the author didn't give them enough space to develop completely.
Besides this small downside, I loved the writing. LaForge has a great way of describing and taking you into the story that I appreciated a lot. However, it might be hard to stomach for those who can't stand graphic recollections of war and fighting. He writing has a Victorian feeling to it and the scenes and metaphors she used were great.
However, the book is rather short and I felt like there were whole parts missing of the story. Parts of it were rushed while others felt drawn out unnecessarily. All in all, I had my problems with the pacing.
Another aspect I want to complain about is the reference to the fairy tale. I was looking the whole book for more similarities and was left somehow disappointed in the end, because both stories only share the basic idea. Just not what I expected.
It still was a good read, beautiful prose with interesting aspects which will fascinate fans of magical realism more than those of fairy tale retellings. I am glad that I got the chance to read the book.
April 21, 2018
I have very mixed feelings about this book. The book cover is beautiful, and it had a lot to do with my decision to read this book. The narrative is beautifully written, and the premise of the book is very interesting. Unfortunately, it just really wasn't my cup of tea. I'm not sure if it was the part legend/mythology, part historical fiction, but somehow it did not really hold my interest.
I would like to thank Edelweiss for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I would like to thank Edelweiss for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 25, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley and Amberjack Publishing for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I found myself struggling through the first quarter of the book but once I got past it, the rest was surprisingly an easy read.
Originally I was intrigued on the idea of taking a fairytale and blending it with historical facts of WWI but this expectation of mine based on the book blurb was not to be. Instead, the book came across as a well researched yet fictionalized version of the war veteran, Mr. Sheehan, coming to terms with the reality of living after the war with some elements of fantasy thrown in.
The overall flow of the book felt a bit disjointed as the flashbacks of Mr. Sheehan dominate more than half the book and doesn't allow for more backstory on Ms. Williams, the other half of this book to be well represented or fleshed out so that when she becomes more of a central character in the last 1/4, it's hard to connect with her, much less understand what her role is.
Beautifully written, sometimes heavy in prose and symbolism, and well researched, this reads better as a fictionalized account of a war veteran than a fantasy-themed novel.
I found myself struggling through the first quarter of the book but once I got past it, the rest was surprisingly an easy read.
Originally I was intrigued on the idea of taking a fairytale and blending it with historical facts of WWI but this expectation of mine based on the book blurb was not to be. Instead, the book came across as a well researched yet fictionalized version of the war veteran, Mr. Sheehan, coming to terms with the reality of living after the war with some elements of fantasy thrown in.
The overall flow of the book felt a bit disjointed as the flashbacks of Mr. Sheehan dominate more than half the book and doesn't allow for more backstory on Ms. Williams, the other half of this book to be well represented or fleshed out so that when she becomes more of a central character in the last 1/4, it's hard to connect with her, much less understand what her role is.
Beautifully written, sometimes heavy in prose and symbolism, and well researched, this reads better as a fictionalized account of a war veteran than a fantasy-themed novel.
June 6, 2018
I received this from #netgalley in exchange for my review. Interesting story of a WWI veteran and a young woman who both have traumatic pasts and their developing relationship. Inspired by the Grimm’s story, The Bearskin, there are elements of magical realism in the story. The writing was good, but the fairy tales and long flashbacks often detracted from the more compelling main story.
April 27, 2018
Book Description
A great war, a great love, and the mythology that unites them; The Hawkman: A Fairy Tale of the Great War is a lyrical adaptation of a beloved classic.
Set against the shattering events of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, at the tale’s heart are an American schoolteacher—dynamic and imaginative—and an Irish musician, homeless and hated—who have survived bloodshed, poverty, and sickness to be thrown together in an English village. Together they quietly hide from the world in a small cottage.
My Thoughts
The Hawkman is just one more reason that I am glad to have 'discovered' Buzz Books. This was featured in the Spring/Summer 2018 edition and if the excerpt hadn't captivated me, it is likely a book I would not have explored( as I seem to be drawn mostly to mysteries and thrillers lately).That would have been my loss since I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Michael Sheehan survived WW1 but is a much different man than the one who went to war. He suffers physically from the brutality he endured as a prisoner and emotionally from PTSD. He is homeless, a vagabond who offends the residents of Bridgetonne because he is dirty, disheveled, doesn't speak and frankly just makes the villagers uncomfortable. No one seems to care what could have caused this man, they call the Hawkman to become the person he is today. All they see is someone who doesn't belong in their village. Everyone except Eva Williams, a spinster, and schoolteacher who is also an outsider.
Eva sees something in the Hawkman, something that makes her offer kindness and acceptance rather than fear and disdain. Eva invites Michael into her home and her life in an attempt to aid what to her is clearly a wounded man, not a monster. It is a beautifully written story highlighting prejudice, pre-conceived notions and the cruelty that can define any society. There were so many layers in this story, that even though I could have easily raced through it, I found myself slowing down and putting it aside after a chapter or two so I could reflect on the author's words. I won't spoil the story by sharing more details on Eva and Michael's story, you will want to read The Hawkman to find out for yourself.
Thank you Jane Rosenberg LaForge, Amberjack Publishing and NetGalley(and BuzzBooks for the excerpt) for the complimentary digital copy. I won't forget this story anytime soon and I look forward to what the author does next.
A great war, a great love, and the mythology that unites them; The Hawkman: A Fairy Tale of the Great War is a lyrical adaptation of a beloved classic.
Set against the shattering events of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, at the tale’s heart are an American schoolteacher—dynamic and imaginative—and an Irish musician, homeless and hated—who have survived bloodshed, poverty, and sickness to be thrown together in an English village. Together they quietly hide from the world in a small cottage.
My Thoughts
The Hawkman is just one more reason that I am glad to have 'discovered' Buzz Books. This was featured in the Spring/Summer 2018 edition and if the excerpt hadn't captivated me, it is likely a book I would not have explored( as I seem to be drawn mostly to mysteries and thrillers lately).That would have been my loss since I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Michael Sheehan survived WW1 but is a much different man than the one who went to war. He suffers physically from the brutality he endured as a prisoner and emotionally from PTSD. He is homeless, a vagabond who offends the residents of Bridgetonne because he is dirty, disheveled, doesn't speak and frankly just makes the villagers uncomfortable. No one seems to care what could have caused this man, they call the Hawkman to become the person he is today. All they see is someone who doesn't belong in their village. Everyone except Eva Williams, a spinster, and schoolteacher who is also an outsider.
Eva sees something in the Hawkman, something that makes her offer kindness and acceptance rather than fear and disdain. Eva invites Michael into her home and her life in an attempt to aid what to her is clearly a wounded man, not a monster. It is a beautifully written story highlighting prejudice, pre-conceived notions and the cruelty that can define any society. There were so many layers in this story, that even though I could have easily raced through it, I found myself slowing down and putting it aside after a chapter or two so I could reflect on the author's words. I won't spoil the story by sharing more details on Eva and Michael's story, you will want to read The Hawkman to find out for yourself.
Thank you Jane Rosenberg LaForge, Amberjack Publishing and NetGalley(and BuzzBooks for the excerpt) for the complimentary digital copy. I won't forget this story anytime soon and I look forward to what the author does next.
June 4, 2018
This book caught my attention for the description and the beautiful cover, unfortunately I did not like the book. It’s a great story and am sure many will love the book. The book has beautiful language a dramatic plot and poetic writing, but I’ve fail to connect with the story.
The first chapters were good, but I got lost in the beautifully and detailed descriptions of the trenches in WWI. Don’t take me wrong, it's an important part of the story that affected deeply the life of Mr. Sheehan but the result was a painfully slow reading. You don’t need to embellish with poetic descriptions the carnage of the trenches in WWI, a few crude descriptions of the horrors would've been more than enough. Therefore, I lost the attention in the book and stop enjoying the story, the ending felt a bit rushed after the long and detailed descriptions.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many Thanks to Amberjack Publishing, Jane Rosenberg LaForge and Netgalley for the opportunity.
The first chapters were good, but I got lost in the beautifully and detailed descriptions of the trenches in WWI. Don’t take me wrong, it's an important part of the story that affected deeply the life of Mr. Sheehan but the result was a painfully slow reading. You don’t need to embellish with poetic descriptions the carnage of the trenches in WWI, a few crude descriptions of the horrors would've been more than enough. Therefore, I lost the attention in the book and stop enjoying the story, the ending felt a bit rushed after the long and detailed descriptions.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many Thanks to Amberjack Publishing, Jane Rosenberg LaForge and Netgalley for the opportunity.
June 5, 2018
Gnab The Hawkman has all the prerequisites of a fairy tale - the obvious parable, the mix of fantasy and reality that can twist your vision, making the bizarre perfectly acceptable, the consistent personal mistreatment to a depth that would make the break into fairytale completely understood. It is also an excellent case against the atrocities of war, and the mental break entailed when personal acceptance of the same is no longer tenable. Aligning these horrors in this historical novel gives us a glimpse into the world our veterans encounter daily. This is a novel that approaches that pain in a more understandable way for the layperson, in a more empathetic way, than anything else I have read. Thank you Ms. LaForge for sharing this tale with us. This is a story I can happily recommend for friends and family.
I received a free electronic copy of this period novel from Netgalley, Jane Rosenberg LaForge, and Amberjack Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.
pub date June 5, 2018
Amberjack Publishing
I received a free electronic copy of this period novel from Netgalley, Jane Rosenberg LaForge, and Amberjack Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.
pub date June 5, 2018
Amberjack Publishing
June 15, 2018
I’d like to thank Netgalley for this copy of The Hawkman in exchange for a fair review.
It’s a bold attempt to link fairytale with historical fiction.
The language is gorgeous and the setting unique ( as The Great War is often over looked). The author braids fairytale with the grit of war.
While that braid doesn’t always seem to fit, I couldn’t fault the author for her creativity. The only sticking point for me was the constant switch between past and present tense.
It’s a bold attempt to link fairytale with historical fiction.
The language is gorgeous and the setting unique ( as The Great War is often over looked). The author braids fairytale with the grit of war.
While that braid doesn’t always seem to fit, I couldn’t fault the author for her creativity. The only sticking point for me was the constant switch between past and present tense.
September 16, 2018
I received and ARC copy of The Hawkman: A Fairy Tale of the Great War by Jane Rosenberg LaForge in exchange for an honest review. Thanks goes to NetGalley and Amberjack Publishing for this advanced reader copy which was released on June 5, 2018.
This book, just shy of 300 pages was gruesomely painful for me to get through, and I’m using the kindest words possible to explain how treacherous a trek this read was for me. It took me a whole four months, probably the longest I’ve ever spent reading a single novel. If it takes you this long to read a rather short book there is either a serious problem with your comprehension or you simply prefer to be happy than to put yourself through the pain of 280 pages filled with a story you simply, no matter how hard you try, cannot get absorbed into.
I was intrigued by The Hawkman by the cover art to be quite honest, with mystical creatures and alluring fonts. Even the synopsis, promising a tale of the world during the Great War, infused with a fairy tale imagination seemed promising of an instant classic. However, despite some interesting parts hear and there, The Hawkman proved to be a disappointing and tedious read for me.
Jane Rosenberg LaForge’s The Hawkman is written within the context of the disastrous events that turned the world upside down in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The story unfolds around two individuals from opposite realities but whose paths unexpectedly meet and are doomed to a helpless intimacy. Eva Williams is an American school teacher living in a small cottage in the English village where she works. Michael, or rather, the Hawkman is an Irish musician suffering post traumatic stress following his experiences during World War I. Eva tellling stories, and the Hawkman humbly begging charity in the streets, are living rather peaceful and uneventful lives at the time that the story begins. Eva meets this estranged man whose experiences in war have left him thinking he’s a bird, and tries to restore him. Their lives change and are turned over when Eva comes across the Hawkman on her way home one day, after having heard disturbing, yet misleading tales about the depressed figure. Eva takes the Hawkman into her home and the two live quietly in sync with each other’s lifestyles up until the skeptical community breaks apart the serenity the two have built together.
If the complexity of the story had been left at that I would have thoroughly enjoyed and finished it months ago. But no. There’s more, so much more going on than a fairy tale during the Great War. So many more stories unfold and blur together, making it at times extremely difficult to follow and almost entirely impossible to concentrate on. At unpredictable points the story would wander off into fairy tales that were pages long, leaving me confused at times, being left to meet new characters and make connections between the multiple stories I was reading at once. There are also snippets of Eva and Michel’s past lives. There were even points that yet another story would unfold within another like during the stories of Eva’s mother who would tell Eva stories as a child. From here, time, context, narration would change and the story would become a dramatic and in depth portrait of the lives of soldiers during the war.
The way the book was mapped leads me to believe that perhaps even the writer wasn’t sure what story she was telling. I adore the concept of a schoolteacher escaping war to a new world getting by fairytales and whose life changes when a man who thinks he’s a bird becomes a part of it. It’s charming, intriguing and makes for a legendary tale. However a book not even 300 pages should not attempt a writing technique that is more fit for a more Proust-length sort of novel. The short page count compared with the complexity of the novel left much of it seeming undeveloped. We are introduced to characters who seem important to the protagonists of the main story, Eva and Michel, but then some distraction happens and we are never brought back to know how their story ends. This is really the main reason I didn’t like this book. I found it difficult to relate to the characters because the narration, context and ideas are constantly changing, leaving old ones forgotten and rather misunderstood.
Despite the story alternations the writing style remained lyrical and beautiful throughout. LaForge’s descriptons are beautiful and telling. A clear portrait is designed of each of the characters in a poetic and masterful way. The writing is so romantic, if I was only reviewing the writing my rating would be an easy and bright five stars. The visionary style of the novel reflected the magic and imagination of the story, resulting in an overall beautiful effect on the reader.
The Hawkman is a poetic read with interesting features. However, it requires an extrmely dedicated and concentrated reader. The magical realism and historical context infusion is aluring and sure to attract readers of both genres. Unfortunately the inconsistently and undeveloped plot, or plots left me disappointed in the end.
This book, just shy of 300 pages was gruesomely painful for me to get through, and I’m using the kindest words possible to explain how treacherous a trek this read was for me. It took me a whole four months, probably the longest I’ve ever spent reading a single novel. If it takes you this long to read a rather short book there is either a serious problem with your comprehension or you simply prefer to be happy than to put yourself through the pain of 280 pages filled with a story you simply, no matter how hard you try, cannot get absorbed into.
I was intrigued by The Hawkman by the cover art to be quite honest, with mystical creatures and alluring fonts. Even the synopsis, promising a tale of the world during the Great War, infused with a fairy tale imagination seemed promising of an instant classic. However, despite some interesting parts hear and there, The Hawkman proved to be a disappointing and tedious read for me.
Jane Rosenberg LaForge’s The Hawkman is written within the context of the disastrous events that turned the world upside down in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The story unfolds around two individuals from opposite realities but whose paths unexpectedly meet and are doomed to a helpless intimacy. Eva Williams is an American school teacher living in a small cottage in the English village where she works. Michael, or rather, the Hawkman is an Irish musician suffering post traumatic stress following his experiences during World War I. Eva tellling stories, and the Hawkman humbly begging charity in the streets, are living rather peaceful and uneventful lives at the time that the story begins. Eva meets this estranged man whose experiences in war have left him thinking he’s a bird, and tries to restore him. Their lives change and are turned over when Eva comes across the Hawkman on her way home one day, after having heard disturbing, yet misleading tales about the depressed figure. Eva takes the Hawkman into her home and the two live quietly in sync with each other’s lifestyles up until the skeptical community breaks apart the serenity the two have built together.
If the complexity of the story had been left at that I would have thoroughly enjoyed and finished it months ago. But no. There’s more, so much more going on than a fairy tale during the Great War. So many more stories unfold and blur together, making it at times extremely difficult to follow and almost entirely impossible to concentrate on. At unpredictable points the story would wander off into fairy tales that were pages long, leaving me confused at times, being left to meet new characters and make connections between the multiple stories I was reading at once. There are also snippets of Eva and Michel’s past lives. There were even points that yet another story would unfold within another like during the stories of Eva’s mother who would tell Eva stories as a child. From here, time, context, narration would change and the story would become a dramatic and in depth portrait of the lives of soldiers during the war.
The way the book was mapped leads me to believe that perhaps even the writer wasn’t sure what story she was telling. I adore the concept of a schoolteacher escaping war to a new world getting by fairytales and whose life changes when a man who thinks he’s a bird becomes a part of it. It’s charming, intriguing and makes for a legendary tale. However a book not even 300 pages should not attempt a writing technique that is more fit for a more Proust-length sort of novel. The short page count compared with the complexity of the novel left much of it seeming undeveloped. We are introduced to characters who seem important to the protagonists of the main story, Eva and Michel, but then some distraction happens and we are never brought back to know how their story ends. This is really the main reason I didn’t like this book. I found it difficult to relate to the characters because the narration, context and ideas are constantly changing, leaving old ones forgotten and rather misunderstood.
Despite the story alternations the writing style remained lyrical and beautiful throughout. LaForge’s descriptons are beautiful and telling. A clear portrait is designed of each of the characters in a poetic and masterful way. The writing is so romantic, if I was only reviewing the writing my rating would be an easy and bright five stars. The visionary style of the novel reflected the magic and imagination of the story, resulting in an overall beautiful effect on the reader.
The Hawkman is a poetic read with interesting features. However, it requires an extrmely dedicated and concentrated reader. The magical realism and historical context infusion is aluring and sure to attract readers of both genres. Unfortunately the inconsistently and undeveloped plot, or plots left me disappointed in the end.
June 8, 2021
This book is for readers who like a long. slow complicated read. It layers the past and the present upon itself in each chapter and all is not made clear because how can you explain the feeling you get from a poem?
This is both the strength and weakness of The Hawkman.
The strength is the back story of both Eva (an American schoolteacher), and Michael (a damaged veteran of WWI) unfolds like a flower. Each chapter has a petal opening, revealing more about how Eva grew up with an absent, conman father, and a loving imaginative mother who dies too young. We get to understand Michael's story of education, home, enlistment, service, and later imprisonment in a German camp for POW's which leaves terrible mental scars upon him.
However, the past and the present aren't told in a linear style. We jump from Michael's incarceration to before the war, to after the war, and back to his imprisonment. At times the telling of Michael's experiences get lost, and we wander through a labyrinth, hitting walls, and turning back upon ourselves. To a point this is lyrical, building a tempo, but at other times, it becomes dreary and I felt weary with the replay of information I had already learned.
It can become confusing to a reader who might rush through or who is trying to connect all the dots. But the past is important for it foretells the future and the ending of this story of modern enchantment.
Another weakness is most of the book takes place in the past. The present-day Eva (and by present I mean in the story, post WWI), is hardly touched upon although she is a fascinating woman with feminist principles that would only become accepted decades later. I could read stories about Eva all day long.
I would have liked to have more interaction between her and Christopher and Lady Margaret. Near the end we barely get to know either or who they are under their names and position in society.
One thing I wanted to add, the historical period feel is so spot on. The train journey Eva and her mother go on is a fascinating look into the past.
I won't give a spoiler of the ending but it's necessary for you to know that the ending is not the traditional HEA that you may hope for. This is not about a woman and man falling in love, but a spiritual enlightenment that transcends the physical need we have for each other. The ending reminded me a lot of Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin.
The Hawkman, while billed as a fairytale, I think fits the genre of Magical Realism better. JMO. If you go into knowing that this isn't going to be a Disney story, and enjoy Magical Realism and its lyrical grittiness, this one will be a joy to read.
This is both the strength and weakness of The Hawkman.
The strength is the back story of both Eva (an American schoolteacher), and Michael (a damaged veteran of WWI) unfolds like a flower. Each chapter has a petal opening, revealing more about how Eva grew up with an absent, conman father, and a loving imaginative mother who dies too young. We get to understand Michael's story of education, home, enlistment, service, and later imprisonment in a German camp for POW's which leaves terrible mental scars upon him.
However, the past and the present aren't told in a linear style. We jump from Michael's incarceration to before the war, to after the war, and back to his imprisonment. At times the telling of Michael's experiences get lost, and we wander through a labyrinth, hitting walls, and turning back upon ourselves. To a point this is lyrical, building a tempo, but at other times, it becomes dreary and I felt weary with the replay of information I had already learned.
It can become confusing to a reader who might rush through or who is trying to connect all the dots. But the past is important for it foretells the future and the ending of this story of modern enchantment.
Another weakness is most of the book takes place in the past. The present-day Eva (and by present I mean in the story, post WWI), is hardly touched upon although she is a fascinating woman with feminist principles that would only become accepted decades later. I could read stories about Eva all day long.
I would have liked to have more interaction between her and Christopher and Lady Margaret. Near the end we barely get to know either or who they are under their names and position in society.
One thing I wanted to add, the historical period feel is so spot on. The train journey Eva and her mother go on is a fascinating look into the past.
I won't give a spoiler of the ending but it's necessary for you to know that the ending is not the traditional HEA that you may hope for. This is not about a woman and man falling in love, but a spiritual enlightenment that transcends the physical need we have for each other. The ending reminded me a lot of Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin.
The Hawkman, while billed as a fairytale, I think fits the genre of Magical Realism better. JMO. If you go into knowing that this isn't going to be a Disney story, and enjoy Magical Realism and its lyrical grittiness, this one will be a joy to read.
April 25, 2018
The Hawkman: A Fairy Tale of the Great War by Jane Rosenberg LaForge is a re-telling of several Grimm’s fairy tales against the backdrop of World War I. As a fan of World War I literature, this captures the desperation of trench warfare, the aftermath of war, and what it means to live with those nightmares. But it is this reality, this darkness, this desperation that pushes up against how and why people tell stories. This is not merely a war novel, but the war is what triggers much of the action and ideas around this novel. Miss Eva Williams is an American school teacher that comes to a small English school to teach and hide from the world. Among the small and bucolic setting, everyone has been touched by the Great War. And among the edges is a man so damaged and lost that the villagers are afraid of who he is and what he may do. Miss Williams doesn’t commiserate with the villagers and the leaders, she takes him into her life. These two lost souls begin to rebuild a life together.
This novel weaves stories. It is the function of the book, the story, the plot… everything. It is worth mentioning that LaForge brings about a compelling and often beautiful style of storytelling to the page. Her stylistic voice here is what makes this novel so compelling and profound. The style reaches beyond the well-crafted characters, the woven stories, and the stunning pace of this novel. It makes sense that a poet is a better weaver for so many intangible parts and pieces. In Kate Berhnheimer’s introduction to Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall: Women Writers Explore Their Favorite Fairy Tales, she discusses how “fairy tales offer both wildly familiar and familiar wild terrain.” But more importantly, she considers the significance of how these fairy tales reflect back something of ourselves. “It is to look at the act of looking at ourselves inside stories, to regard the tradition and the stereotype of female reflection on self. In this, there is a power for all sorts of readers.” In many ways, LaForge is doing this within the nested stories and concepts of The Hawkman. She is restoring story, frame, morals, and piecing together the shattered ideas that are missing. That is where the innovative, creative, and visionary style does so much of the work. Miss Williams becomes the one who creates change, shifts perceptions of the world, and grounds all the fragments that seem to swirl around this novel. She isn’t the Scheherazade (the teller of the stories), but she is the force that makes all these stories possible. She is the curator of all things possible and impossible in this world.
A possible function of writing a novel is to explain how we might save ourselves with a story. In The Hawkman: A Fairy Tale of the Great War by Jane Rosenberg LaForge, it is clear that these forces of reality, tales, and visionary things are not just important for the art of fiction, but crafted with haunting and beautiful effect. But it takes more than a fabulist, it takes more than a novelist. It takes a poet. The Hawkman is a stunning vision of the blurred lines between the darkest realities and the most beautiful stories, all spinning in a whirlwind of narrative, hope, and loss.
A brief retelling of this book doesn’t shed light on the beauty and the scope of this novel. It is something that you have to accumulate as a reader. The nested stories, the characters, the function of the novel itself, all serve to restore the belief that we are narrative, we need a beginning, a middle, and an end. LaForge does this through poetry, stories, and her lyrical style. Miss Williams in the novel says, “Stories should not have to be cruel.” They can be sad, they can be devastating, and they can be beautiful, but they don’t “have to be cruel.” This novel brings narrative together with a lyrical style to rebuild the lives of people who are separately and desperately fragmented. The result is this beautiful novel that is built on the tradition of fairy tales but refined in poetry and prose in a way that is vivid, inspiring, and human. Excellent, poetic, and literary in story, style, and vision.
Cited in Review
Bernheimer, Kate, ed. Mirror, mirror on the wall: Women writers explore their favorite fairy tales. Anchor, 1998.
This novel weaves stories. It is the function of the book, the story, the plot… everything. It is worth mentioning that LaForge brings about a compelling and often beautiful style of storytelling to the page. Her stylistic voice here is what makes this novel so compelling and profound. The style reaches beyond the well-crafted characters, the woven stories, and the stunning pace of this novel. It makes sense that a poet is a better weaver for so many intangible parts and pieces. In Kate Berhnheimer’s introduction to Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall: Women Writers Explore Their Favorite Fairy Tales, she discusses how “fairy tales offer both wildly familiar and familiar wild terrain.” But more importantly, she considers the significance of how these fairy tales reflect back something of ourselves. “It is to look at the act of looking at ourselves inside stories, to regard the tradition and the stereotype of female reflection on self. In this, there is a power for all sorts of readers.” In many ways, LaForge is doing this within the nested stories and concepts of The Hawkman. She is restoring story, frame, morals, and piecing together the shattered ideas that are missing. That is where the innovative, creative, and visionary style does so much of the work. Miss Williams becomes the one who creates change, shifts perceptions of the world, and grounds all the fragments that seem to swirl around this novel. She isn’t the Scheherazade (the teller of the stories), but she is the force that makes all these stories possible. She is the curator of all things possible and impossible in this world.
A possible function of writing a novel is to explain how we might save ourselves with a story. In The Hawkman: A Fairy Tale of the Great War by Jane Rosenberg LaForge, it is clear that these forces of reality, tales, and visionary things are not just important for the art of fiction, but crafted with haunting and beautiful effect. But it takes more than a fabulist, it takes more than a novelist. It takes a poet. The Hawkman is a stunning vision of the blurred lines between the darkest realities and the most beautiful stories, all spinning in a whirlwind of narrative, hope, and loss.
A brief retelling of this book doesn’t shed light on the beauty and the scope of this novel. It is something that you have to accumulate as a reader. The nested stories, the characters, the function of the novel itself, all serve to restore the belief that we are narrative, we need a beginning, a middle, and an end. LaForge does this through poetry, stories, and her lyrical style. Miss Williams in the novel says, “Stories should not have to be cruel.” They can be sad, they can be devastating, and they can be beautiful, but they don’t “have to be cruel.” This novel brings narrative together with a lyrical style to rebuild the lives of people who are separately and desperately fragmented. The result is this beautiful novel that is built on the tradition of fairy tales but refined in poetry and prose in a way that is vivid, inspiring, and human. Excellent, poetic, and literary in story, style, and vision.
Cited in Review
Bernheimer, Kate, ed. Mirror, mirror on the wall: Women writers explore their favorite fairy tales. Anchor, 1998.
April 30, 2018
I heard nothing but great things about this book, so I felt quite disappointing when it wasn't this perfect book that I was expecting. I think when it started, it was a solid 5 star read, but towards the end it lost that touch. The ending wasn't super cohesive, and it felt a little rushed and confusing.
It focuses quite a lot on PTSD following the Great War, and deals with compassion and forgiveness and acceptance. I liked the message that it was probably trying to portray, and this aspect was done really well. I think if the ending had been a bit more captivating it would've received a higher rating. I loved the magical realism in it, and I did love the relationship between Michael and Miss Williams, so I'll be giving it 3 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of the eBook in exchange for an honest review.
It focuses quite a lot on PTSD following the Great War, and deals with compassion and forgiveness and acceptance. I liked the message that it was probably trying to portray, and this aspect was done really well. I think if the ending had been a bit more captivating it would've received a higher rating. I loved the magical realism in it, and I did love the relationship between Michael and Miss Williams, so I'll be giving it 3 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of the eBook in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2018
There is really no way to describe The Hawkman other than bittersweet. It is such a sad but sweet story. The two main characters, Miss Eva Williams and Mr. Michael Sheehan/The Hawkman could not be more interesting and I really connected with them and their relationship. This story is just so beautifully written I almost don't have the words to describe it. While it is described as a fairy tale, it doesn't feel like the fairy tales I grew up with. Maybe it's because there's no princesses or witches in it that I normally associate with that label. But the label doesn't really matter. The Hawkman is a brilliant story with a wonderful message. But before I get rambly, let's get to the review!
Synopsis: (from Goodreads);
Set against the shattering events of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, at the tale’s heart are an American schoolteacher—dynamic and imaginative—and an Irish musician, homeless and hated—who have survived bloodshed, poverty, and sickness to be thrown together in an English village. Together they quietly hide from the world in a small cottage.
Too soon, reality shatters their serenity, and they must face the parochial community. Unbeknownst to all, a legend is in the making—one that will speak of courage and resilience amidst the forces that brought the couple together even as outside forces threaten to tear them apart.
Miss Eva Williams is an American school teacher living in England. She is there to teach in the village of Bridgetonne at the local women's university. She is outspoken but mostly likes to keep to herself in her little cottage. She especially keeps to herself once she takes the local outcast (The Hawkman) into her home one rainy afternoon. She doesn't know what to make of him at the beginning but she knows that he looks like he could use a friend or at least someone to help him out. As she helps him, he starts to turn from the bird-like man that he appeared to be when she first met him into something more human-looking. He doesn't speak for most of the book but they communicate with each other in their own ways. She probably understands him more than anyone else in the world.
The Hawkman or Mr. Michael Sheehan as we come to think of him as we get to know him better starts off as Brigetonne's outcast. People throw things at him and are generally scared to go near him. But one rainy day, he meets Miss Williams and she takes him in. He helps her in the garden and proves that the people of the village are much more a harm to him than he is to them. The book does a great job of showing Mr. Sheehan's past in flashbacks. Sprinkled in between the chapters in the present are chapters showing us his past as a piano player, then a World War I soldier, and ultimately, a prisoner of war. We come to understand why he is the way he is. He truly is an astonishingly well-thought-out and well-written character. And while some of the prisoner of war chapters were hard to read at times, Mr. Sheehan's humanity is what kept me turning the page to find out more. Near the end of the book, or perhaps even before that, Mr. Sheehan falls in love with Miss Williams and while there relationship is not what most people might call "normal", it heals them and allows them to become what they always wanted to be.
One other character I thought was expertly developed was Christopher Thorton. He is the son of the owner of the college that Miss Williams works for and he starts off the story as just another privileged rich boy who's had things handed to him on a silver platter. But as he interacts more with Miss Williams and Mr. Sheehan, he grows so splendidly. He becomes another person who really tries to understand Mr. Sheehan and makes sure he gets everything he needs. While he loves Miss Williams throughout most of the book, he doesn't let that stand in the way when Miss Williams and Mr. Sheehan's relationship develops and they need his help. At first, I thought he might be the villain of this book, but I ended up being happily surprised by him
The Hawkman is a stunning story about how people can heal each other even when it doesn't look like there is any hope left. I cried multiple times while reading, especially at the end (no one should be surprised. I always cry reading lol). I am giving The Hawkman 4 out of 5 stars. Please give this book a read when it comes out. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
The Hawkman by Jane Rosenberg Laforge comes out June 5, 2018.
Thank you, NetGalley and Amberjack Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Synopsis: (from Goodreads);
Set against the shattering events of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, at the tale’s heart are an American schoolteacher—dynamic and imaginative—and an Irish musician, homeless and hated—who have survived bloodshed, poverty, and sickness to be thrown together in an English village. Together they quietly hide from the world in a small cottage.
Too soon, reality shatters their serenity, and they must face the parochial community. Unbeknownst to all, a legend is in the making—one that will speak of courage and resilience amidst the forces that brought the couple together even as outside forces threaten to tear them apart.
Miss Eva Williams is an American school teacher living in England. She is there to teach in the village of Bridgetonne at the local women's university. She is outspoken but mostly likes to keep to herself in her little cottage. She especially keeps to herself once she takes the local outcast (The Hawkman) into her home one rainy afternoon. She doesn't know what to make of him at the beginning but she knows that he looks like he could use a friend or at least someone to help him out. As she helps him, he starts to turn from the bird-like man that he appeared to be when she first met him into something more human-looking. He doesn't speak for most of the book but they communicate with each other in their own ways. She probably understands him more than anyone else in the world.
The Hawkman or Mr. Michael Sheehan as we come to think of him as we get to know him better starts off as Brigetonne's outcast. People throw things at him and are generally scared to go near him. But one rainy day, he meets Miss Williams and she takes him in. He helps her in the garden and proves that the people of the village are much more a harm to him than he is to them. The book does a great job of showing Mr. Sheehan's past in flashbacks. Sprinkled in between the chapters in the present are chapters showing us his past as a piano player, then a World War I soldier, and ultimately, a prisoner of war. We come to understand why he is the way he is. He truly is an astonishingly well-thought-out and well-written character. And while some of the prisoner of war chapters were hard to read at times, Mr. Sheehan's humanity is what kept me turning the page to find out more. Near the end of the book, or perhaps even before that, Mr. Sheehan falls in love with Miss Williams and while there relationship is not what most people might call "normal", it heals them and allows them to become what they always wanted to be.
One other character I thought was expertly developed was Christopher Thorton. He is the son of the owner of the college that Miss Williams works for and he starts off the story as just another privileged rich boy who's had things handed to him on a silver platter. But as he interacts more with Miss Williams and Mr. Sheehan, he grows so splendidly. He becomes another person who really tries to understand Mr. Sheehan and makes sure he gets everything he needs. While he loves Miss Williams throughout most of the book, he doesn't let that stand in the way when Miss Williams and Mr. Sheehan's relationship develops and they need his help. At first, I thought he might be the villain of this book, but I ended up being happily surprised by him
The Hawkman is a stunning story about how people can heal each other even when it doesn't look like there is any hope left. I cried multiple times while reading, especially at the end (no one should be surprised. I always cry reading lol). I am giving The Hawkman 4 out of 5 stars. Please give this book a read when it comes out. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
The Hawkman by Jane Rosenberg Laforge comes out June 5, 2018.
Thank you, NetGalley and Amberjack Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 28, 2018
3.75*
Sad, compelling and bittersweet.
Sad, compelling and bittersweet.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews