Marnie is isolated, not only in her South Island (Aotearoa New Zealand) terrain, but in life and hope. At a vulnerable time of loss and heartache, Marnie claims a young magpie that has fallen from its nest – and so, the two forge a bond. Through her nurture and hand feeding, Tama the magpie, becomes her all-seeing eye and all-knowing of the dark reality in Marnie’s domestic life. Throughout Chidgey’s novel, Tama is the ‘truth and hope’ – a most endearing character but doesn’t reduce to mere anthropomorphism. Tama lifts the tale into a hopeful and courageous narrative – even bringing colourful humour too!
If you enjoyed the 2018 novel, Lucky Galah by Tracy Sorensen then you will enjoy this genuine comparison too.