Five of a Feather

by Angela Jeffs

182 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

Born in Worcestershire, raised in Warwickshire, Angela Jeff studied drama and Laban dance in Yorkshire, and then moved to London to work in publishing and raise her family. She went to Japan for a month or so in 1986, and stayed there 26 years, reinventing herself as a journalist and writer. She also developed a programme of creative writing, Drawing on the Writer Within, which led to the creation of HOUSEHOLD STORIES/Katei Monogatari (2017). Most recently she published Five of a Feather - a fable for our times. Angela moved into what had been her mother's home in Scotland with her Japanese husband in late 2012. She published Chasing Shooting Stars - her first independent venture - the following year. Here she continues to write, and facilitate courses and workshops. (www.angelajeffs.co.uk)

Reviews

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marvelous book, skillfully written to present an extraordinary and thought-provoking yarn: five ducks fly eastwards from wintry Scotland, joined along the way by additional feathered friends. And they cover an extraordinary amount of ground both in Angela Jeff's story-telling -- rich in life-lessons and wisdom -- and geographically (among many other near and distant lands): Germany, the Czech Republic, Russia, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan; India, Japan, and the intrepid group's eventual destination of China.

The best parts of "Five of a Feather" recall timeless classics such as Jonathan Livingston Seagull and Charlotte's Web, and this affectionately narrated book certainly is in the same league as both aforementioned. Penned with warmth and humour, "Five of a Feather" is a tale for readers of almost all ages: young adults, "kidults" (such as this middle-aged bookworm) and just about anyone with a rich imagination and an enduring awe for life's unfolding wonders, as well as its challenges.

Kudos to the author for her informative and illuminating prologue, and for prefacing each chapter with an intriguing quote.

[Will Bolin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the adventure. What started as a fable soon turns into human insights, multicultural and geographical experiences. I couldn't help but make notes to explore Google maps and images of the various lakes and cities of the countries traveled. ...and I was impressed with the knowledge of various birds and their migratory patterns.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magical fable about 5 mandarin ducks who fly from Scotland to China. A lovely earth-healing tale of making dreams come true. I enjoyed the sweep across the earth of the massive journey the ducks took and the interplay between them - it's very anthropomorphic.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet fable sees our beautiful, troubled world through the eyes of some very “human” ducks. In these days of lockdown and travel restrictions, it is liberating to fly with these ducks from Scotland to Japan.

[Bernadette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The magical tale of five mandarin ducks’ journey to their roots and their observations of humans through their many encounters and adventures along the way.

[Margaret Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

In September from a paddle boat on a pond in Tramore (a seaside town on the South coast of Ireland) my nephew spotted a very cute and unusual looking duck. My nephew abandoned me to pedal alone, took my phone clambered onto the front of the boat to try and get a good shot of the duck. Reading this book, I realised it was a mandarin drake we had seen and I still have the photos on my phone to prove it.

I think my nephew might enjoy this book. It is a fable for children and adults alike.

I loved the quotations that opened each chapter.