I once read that the cuckoo leaves its eggs in other birds’ nests to avoid the effort of raising its own young. Imagine the duped birdβs shock to find that the egg hatched into some other species!
And so in Cuckoo Song, young Triss wonders if she is a cuckoo among the crows. Sheβs just had an accident that no one wants to talk about, but she knows sheβs changed. For one thing, her memories are hazy and detached. For another, she is so hungry all the timeβ¦
This book was like a giant jigsaw puzzle for Triss to solve. A mollycoddling possessive mother. A rebellious angry kid sister who often runs away from home. A father whoβs broken a dangerous bargain. Letters that still come in from a dead brother. The brotherβs fiance who seems to call in snowfall. Dolls that speak. A shopkeeper who uses scissors as weaponry. Strangers who wear grey coats and are hard to describe.
Have I given away too much? I think not. *inserts evil grin*
Triss has to go through so much to figure out who she is or has become after the accident. Every time you think it canβt get worse, it really does. Every time you think that this is the end for Triss, it seems thereβs one more round to go. Seriously, this is my first book by Hardinge and quite simply, she is the Master of the Plot.
The best part is that Hardinge also mixes in so much empathy and insight about the human condition β
βLife isnβt that simple. People arenβt that simple. You canβt cut them into slices like a cake, then throw away the bits you donβt like. The Triss who was kind about the frog and the Triss who spoilt your birthday β theyβre the same person.β
Somehow the safety of another person, a smaller person, had been thrust into her hands. It frightened her. She wondered if mothers felt scared at having so much power over their children. Perhaps they did. Perhaps they wished there was somebody to tell them if they were doing things wrong.
βThe letter about my sonβs passing had arrived that morning … I went out, and walked through the streets without seeing them. I do not expect you to understand, but sometimes grief has a terrible energy …β He trailed off.
This book is extraordinary. Itβs middle grade fiction, and definitely for younger audience (ages 9 & above), but donβt let that stop you. Once you start reading, you wonβt be able to stop β itβs really perfect for whenever you are commuting or standing in queues.
The book also isn’t hard core horror / nightmare material, but if you’re looking for Eerie and Dark with lots of heart, then go read Cuckoo Song. Or gift it to the youngsters in your life, theyβll thank you.
Rating: 8.5 of 10 — Highly Recommended
Have you read Cuckoo Song? Did you manage to read any spooky books for Halloween month or #RIP XVI Challenge? Tell me about it!
16 replies on “Cuckoo Song by Frances Hardinge”
This one sounds amazing! Can’t wait to read it. π
It’s spooky yet heart-warming, and very quick pace. It was a great read!
This sounds amazing. and middle grade too! I love MG that’s thought provoking about the human condition like that- don’t dumb down for the younger readers. Love those quotes also. π
Yes! I’ve started reading a lot of Middle Grade fiction recently, and IMHO, they’re so much better than a lot of the YA stuff currently going around.
Middle Grade books are SO underrated, in my opnion. I’m glad you enjoyed this one!
That’s so true, underrated and underhyped.
I am a huge fan of MG reads. The premise of Cuckoo Song is intriguing.
I discovered the MG buzz very recently, and such a refreshing change from the YA angst. Cuckoo Song is lovely, I hope you’ll take it up some day.
OMG! i think I really need to read this one! thanks
I’ve read one of her other books but have not got to this yet. I am glad you liked it so much – helps me move it up on my mental TBR.
Re MG, I find it really varies. When well done, I enjoy but then there are some where I am so conscious the ideal reader is 9 years old.
Hmm, that’s true. And the age bracket that they mention in the blurbs can be quite misleading too…
I hope you try this out Emma, this is pretty good.
This sounds like a neat book! I love that you said it blends spooky with empathy.
It does. It’s perfect for “horror-wimps” like you and me. π
I already really like this author so will defo check this one out. Thanks
Lynn π
This does sound like a great choice for R.I.P. or any other time you want to read a bit of a spooky book. What a stunning cover too!