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Gift of the Raven Kindle Edition
Canada, 1971: Terry always believed his father would return one day and rescue him from his dark and violent childhood. That's what Indian warriors were supposed to do. But he's thirteen now and doesn't believe in anything much.
Yet his father is alive. Someone has tracked him down. And Terry is about to come face to face with the truth about his own past and about the real nature of the gift of the raven.
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateDecember 8, 2013
- File size300 KB
Editorial Reviews
Review
About the Author
Product details
- ASIN : B00CWD6HDM
- Publisher : Piebald Publishing (December 8, 2013)
- Publication date : December 8, 2013
- Language : English
- File size : 300 KB
- Simultaneous device usage : Unlimited
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 104 pages
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
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Catriona Troth was born in Scotland and grew up in Canada before coming back to the UK. She has now lived in the Chilterns longer than she has ever lived in anywhere, a fact that still comes as a surprise.
After more than twenty years spent writing technical reports at work and fiction on the commuter train, Catriona made the shift into freelance writing. She now writes a regular column for Words with Jam literary magazine, researches and writes articles for Quakers in the World and tweets as @L1bCat. She is very proud to be the latest member of the Triskele Books author collective.
Her writing explores themes of identity and childhood memory.
Her novella, Gift of the Raven, is set against a backcloth of Canada from the suburbs of Montreal to the forests of the Haida Gwaii.
Her novel, Ghost Town, is set in Coventry in 1981, when the city of Two Tone and Ska was riven with battles between skinheads and young Asians.
Customer reviews
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Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonTop reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2016The Gift of the Raven is absorbing and brilliant.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2013I must read more novellas, if this is anything to go by.
A richly condensed story, which is highly unusual. I had no idea about the Haida Gwaii Indians of Canada, and the tensions between communities. This was a fascinating way to discover more and appreciate the Canadian landscape.
Terry hasn't had much luck. His dad's gone, his mum's sick and his stepdad is dangerous. He dreams of his father, someone to rescue him from his miserable world, but knows his father must be dead. Until he finds out he isn't.
The child's-eye perspective of this piece is especially piercing for an adult. The imagery of maple leaves, eagles and the raven are perfect and almost poetic.
Terry's gradual adjustment to his heritage and his own personality are realised with a deft touch masking a moving theme.
A story that punches above its weight.
After reading, I thought about this for a long time.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2013Sometimes less is more. When a novella is well-written it can tell a deep, meaningful tale that is full and comprehensive. Gift of the Raven is such a book. Although it could have been a full length novel, I feel it would have lost a lot of its focus. It is a quick read but definitely not a light one. It is rich with feeling and intensity. At times it broke my heart but, ultimately, it was uplifting.
Terry immediately captured my heart. His strength of spirit is evident from the beginning. His resilience is admirable. He is a fantastically drawn character on a compelling journey.
I would absolutely recommend this novella. It is an outstanding debut for an author who appears to have immense talent. I will be keeping my eyes open for future works.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2014An emotionally raw tale of an outcast, abused and orphaned boy’s quest for a father whose “hair is black like night, and [whose] skin is the colour of Auntie Jean’s strong tea. I’ve never seen anyone who looks like me but that’s okay because I belong here anyway”. This story about a budding relationship between a father and son touched a deep emotional chord for its sincerity and the delicacy of its prose. One of those books that left me emotionally choked up.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2013Synopsis: 13 year old Terry has known nothing but abuse and abandonment his entire life. No one can blame his cynicism. When his father comes back into his life, can he use his Indian heritage and forgiveness to start a new life?
My rating: 3 Stars
My opinion: This was a beautifully written novella (approximately 60 pages long) that did maintain my interest. I must say that I thought there were significant gaps due to the storyline. I think this is one of those novellas that I would have liked to see as a full story as to what happened to this young boy in early life and more information as to the Indian background. I simply felt that it was too rushed. This was one of the reasons that I jumped at the chance to read this novella.
Source: Sisterhood of the Traveling Book-Traveling Book
Would I recommend? : Yes
- Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2013A beautifully-written novella that explores the troubled childhood of Terry, and his journey to find his roots with the Haida Gwaii Indians of Canada. As well as Terry's heart-warming story, and the author's lyrical prose that brought these parts of Canada to life, I really enjoyed learning about a culture of which I previously knew nothing.
This is a story that will remain with me for a long time, and I would recommend it to readers of a wide variety of genres.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2013This was a great novella! I definitely was drawn into the story quickly and wanted more. I want more. I want to know more about Joseph. I want to know more about Kate. I want to know more about Ed. I especially want more about Terry. I want more. Because I want more that is why I am rating this 4 stars instead of 5.
Top reviews from other countries
- beeteeReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 26, 2013
5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful and very moving story
This is a truly wonderful story and one which you won't forget in a hurry. It is skilfully written, the characters are full of depth and the scene beautifully set.
Terry has a horrendous childhood of abuse, neglect and loneliness compounded by a sense of not belonging. He survives by drawing and by dreaming of being rescued by the father he can't remember. Meeting his father brings much pain but opens up the road to his Indian heritage and he finally knows that he belongs.
I would love to know what happens to Terry!
- AlReviewed in the United Kingdom on June 6, 2013
5.0 out of 5 stars Well I like it what more is there to say
I'm normally a Sci Fi reader or thriller type but this was so captivating I read it very quickly not wanting to put it down. The author clearly has Canadian connections with UK influence, maybe that's only in my imagination so buy it and see for yourself.
- Jane CarlingReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 17, 2013
4.0 out of 5 stars A lovely story
A lovely story which is both well written and touching. The author captures the mood and surroundings well.
Sad at times but is also funny and true to life
- Gazza1309Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 13, 2014
5.0 out of 5 stars Gift of the Raven - Catriona Troth
We bought this as it was by a local author, it was however a very good read and we both enjoyed it very much.