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The Bird Artist
The Bird Artist: A Novel | Howard Norman
9 posts | 7 read | 17 to read
Howard Norman's The Bird Artist, the first book of his Canadian trilogy, begins in 1911. Its narrator, Fabian Vas is a bird artist: He draws and paints the birds of Witless Bay, his remote Newfoundland coastal village home. In the first paragraph of his tale Fabian reveals that he has murdered the village lighthouse keeper, Botho August. Later, he confesses who and what drove him to his crime--a measured, profoundly engrossing story of passion, betrayal, guilt, and redemption between men and women. The Bird Artist is a 1994 National Book Award Finalist for Fiction.
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review
Centique
The Bird Artist: A Novel | Howard Norman
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Pickpick

A strange little story, quietly told, but I have a feeling these characters will still be on my mind at the end of the year. Set in Newfoundland in 1911, we follow Fabian Vas, a young man who from the first paragraph has told us that he has murdered the lighthouse keeper. The little sea blown village is full of odd characters, bitter or broken or generous, and they each add to Fabian‘s tale in their own unique ways. Hugely atmospheric ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Centique I definitely want to read more by this author! 6y
ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled I‘m JUST about to start this one! It‘s been on my radar (and in my TBR) for a while! 6y
Centique @ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled oh wow, awesome timing! I hope you like it 😊 6y
71 likes3 stack adds3 comments
blurb
ApoptyGina69
The Bird Artist: A Novel | Howard Norman
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I've been busy all day, but finally able to post. I didn't see anyone else post this one, but I thought of it right away. A great read and one I've recommended a few times. I've also included a photo of the Santa Cruz Lighthouse (c. 1994) 2 blocks from my grandparents' old place. And a cute pack of notecards I have from The Cliff House, SF. #lighthouses #marchintoreading

blurb
Suet624
The Bird Artist: A Novel | Howard Norman
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I live 5 minutes from the very small town of Johnson where the Vermont Studio Center is located. The VSC is a non-profit organization that conducts the largest international fine arts and writing residency program in the U.S. Many authors come to write for anywhere up to 12 weeks. Occasionally one will do a reading. I just found out that Howard Norman is reading from his work tomorrow night!!! I loved The Bird Artist.

kspenmoll Wonderful! How great to leave close to a creative space. 📚 8y
Suet624 @kspenmoll I know. It's pretty special. 8y
minkyb How wonderful! 8y
52 likes1 stack add3 comments
blurb
ApoptyGina69
The Bird Artist: A Novel | Howard Norman
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Allow me to backtrack for a minute and post for yesterday's challenge #publishedinthe1990s. I loved this emotional book! (1994) I know very little about eastern Canada-takes place in Newfoundland, but the author really brings the seascape and environs to life. Highly recommended. #photoadaynov16

43 likes5 stack adds
quote
GoneFishing
The Bird Artist: A Novel | Howard Norman

I didn‘t know you could break your finger just hanging up clothes. God Almighty, you situate your hand wrong between a blouse and a clothespin and everything suddenly changes. What a stupid life this is.

Suet624 Great book!! 8y
19 likes2 stack adds1 comment
blurb
ApoptyGina69
The Bird Artist: A Novel | Howard Norman
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Here are bookmarks from my regular haunts, both in San Francisco and where I live now, Nevada County. Lots of love for these #indiesellers #bookstorelove #somethingforsept #septbookchallenge

RealLifeReading Fun photo! 8y
ApoptyGina69 @RealLifeReading Thanks! I thought it would be a fun shout out. I really like it when free bookmarks are available! 8y
22 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
LWagoner
The Bird Artist: A Novel | Howard Norman
Pickpick

Witty, captivating story. So many great lines in this book! The very first paragraph sets the stage, "I am a bird artist....yet I murdered the light house keeper." P. 37 " Jealousy leads to stupid behavior even among Christians." P. 30 "...appeared as bored as a child in church on his birthday." I highly recommend this quick read.

review
LWagoner
The Bird Artist: A Novel | Howard Norman
Pickpick

Witty, captivating story. So many great lines in this book! The very first paragraph sets the stage, "I am a bird artist....yet I murdered the light house keeper." P. 37 " Jealousy leads to stupid behavior even among Christians." P. 30 "...appeared as bored as a child in church on his birthday." I highly recommend this quick read.

blurb
LWagoner
The Bird Artist: A Novel | Howard Norman
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Starting this read. I had never heard of it before, but I read a review and recommendation from an author I follow, Haven Kimmel (A Girl Named Zippy). This book has me at the very first paragraph.