The Crane Husband by Kelly Barnhill – A Book Review

In The Crane Husband, Kelly Barnhill takes us upon a captivating journey to a realm where magical realism and poignant familial turmoil intertwine seamlessly.

At the heart of this narrative is a woman looking back upon the time when she was fifteen and responsible for taking care of her six year old brother. She’d lost her father many years before, until the day her mother, a gifted through eccentric artist, brought home a new father–a literal, giant crane. This strange development paired with a perfect blend of technical futurism and bucolic charm challenges our perceptions of reality and entices us to question the boundaries between the magical and the ordinary.

What truly sets this book apart, however, is Barnhill’s deft exploration of complex family dynamics. As readers follow the characters through their difficulties, the emotional depth that resonates from each page is both raw and breathtaking. It is in these moments of vulnerability that the true magic of The Crane Husband shines through.

Kelly Barnhill’s ability to create a world that feels both real and fantastical is a testament to her storytelling prowess. I highly recommend this brief novella. As you can see, it left quite an impact upon me.