Wild Bird

by Leanne Baugh

In the opening pages of this historical novel, sixteen-year-old Kate Harding is desperately trying to assist her mother who is about to give premature birth to a child in their home in the small colonial community of Victoria in 1861.The experience is gruelling for mother and daughter, and in the end, though a local midwife gets there in time to assist, the baby does not live more than a few hours. It's ironic because Kate's father is one of only a few doctors in the colony, but was out tending patients while his wife was going through this tragic ordeal. Though Wild Bird is set 160 years ago, it has a lot to say to the readers of today. First of all, in its spotlight on a young girl's yearning to involve herself in meaningful work in a society that thinks women are little more than decoration, and household managers. Secondly, in the description of the way in which Indigenous people relate to the recently arrived settlers who are quick to turn on them when it suits. Finally, the story includes some historical figures who made a significant impact on the early history of Canada, portrayed in dynamic ways.

336 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2021

Reviews

[Erin Ruppel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This intermediate historical novel is set in Victoria, BC in the mid 1800s. The book follows our protagonist, Kate, who aspires to be more than a wife and mother in a time that women rarely became anything else. She yearns to be a doctor like her father, and be a meaningful addition to society.

This was a difficult time in history and this story highlights many of these hardships - the intolerance of Indigenous people by most of the new settlers, the expectation of women to marry young and raise children, and the rampant spread of smallpox that killed so many.

I lived in Victoria for many years, so all the geographical references were really interesting. I found some aspects of this story to be similar to Anne of Green Gables, namely the friendship between Kate and Rebecca and the passion with which Kate lives her life. I look forward to reading more by Leanne Baugh.

[Marina Zimmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because the description gave me Pride and Prejudice vibes, and because the setting is a British colony in Canada which I thought was very interesting from a historical point of view. But unfortunately the main character was not relatable at all in my opinion because of her constant parent-pleasing, treating her father as a god-like superhuman being, and her annoying self-pity without really taking any action to live her life as she wants it to be (even though it is always possible, but she traps herself by being too narrow-minded and dependant on others). The author's intentions to picture a strong-willed young woman à la Jane Eyre or Elizabeth Bennett are there, but the effect on the reader is not quite achieved in a way that one could really respect Kate for what she achieves on her own (which is almost nothing). I really enjoyed the writing style and the references to the settler's history as well as their relations with the indegenious tribes on Vancouver Island. Would not really recommend it as a relatable read for teenagers or young women in terms of family values.

[Juniper Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild bird is the story of Kate, a 16 year old girl living with her parents in the colonial settlement of Victoria is the early 1800’s. As a young lady of some social standing Kate is expected to marry to the financial benefit of her family, despite possessing a mind fascinated by the intricacies of the human body. Caught between duty, affection and passion, Kate must make the best possible choice for herself and her family.

This was a good little YA palette cleanser. I loved the way the author painted the city of Victoria, and I found the characters believable and moderately compelling. Docking marks for a very predictable plot line and for some disjointed spacing in places. I also wish that the author had spent a little more time exploring the indigenous peoples and all of the characters a little bit more. There is a lot of telling and not as much showing as I would I like, but over all a very fun read.

[Matt LJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book set in 1861 Victoria BC! Wild Bird tells the story of Kate, a brave forward thinking young woman who will not accept society's sexist expectations of her.