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A Pocketful of Crows by Joanne M. Harris
4.0

Pocketful of Crows dances through the seasons, spinning the age-old tale of the brown girl from the traveling folk. It’s like a poetic quilt, stitched together with threads of the Child Ballad, “The Brown Girl”, and adorned with old proverbs that whisper wisdom.

Our protagonist, a girl with the ability for taking the form of woodland creatures, trades her identity for the allure of love by a wealthy nobleman. But love’s betrayal sends her spiraling in thoughts of revenge. It’s a classic tale of heartache and redemption, wrapped in the cloak of forests and their animals.

Yet beneath its fairy tale veneer lies a deeper narrative—a coming-of-age story that races through class distinctions and the stark contrast between those attuned to nature’s rhythms and those outside its embrace.

As for the writing style, it’s a lyrical symphony dancing like leaves on the wind. Sure, the story may meander at times, is occasionally a bit repetitive or simplistic, but still. The atmospheric charm and stunning charcoal drawings are like breadcrumbs, guiding you through the thicket of enchantment.

So prepare for a slower ride—a tale as old as time but with a modern twist that’s sure to leave you cackling at midnight. And hey, if you ever find yourself lost in the woods, just remember: revenge is best served with a side of woodland wisdom and a sprinkle of fairy dust.