A Feather In The Forest - by William Henri (Paperback)

About the Book

A crow is secretly born in a place inhabited by foxes, mortal enemies of crows. He grows up, camouflaged. Can he survive?

Book Synopsis

A soul caught between two worlds: All birds that have been found beyond the boundary stones and trespassing on the lands of the five villages are to forfeit their lives. So say the laws of Foxfolk.

For all his life, Fen has had to keep his identity a secret. Being a crow having to hide among foxes is all he knows. As the time for independence draws near, truths that have remained hidden now threaten to expose themselves. It is a dangerous time for someone who is trying to be who they are not. . .yet Fen cannot imagine a life other than the one he is living. Will he survive

Review Quotes

"In A Feather in the Forest, William Henri draws readers in early with an act of moral reckoning that shapes everything that follows. On its surface, the novel is a saga of foxes and birds-but beneath, he reveals how deeply human experiences of prejudice, identity, and hatred are quietly inherited-passed down as unquestioned truths. His portrayal of hostilities between these clans is riveting-both foxes and birds live shaped by memory and fear, and there are no simple characters here, no clear right or wrong. Instead, we are invited to examine how hatred is inherited, and how understanding begins. In a world divided by labels and unquestioned truths, this story is both timeless and profoundly relevant. It speaks to the quiet compromises we make each day to fit into the perceived safety of family or community. It reminds us that understanding-and the courage to truly listen-may kindle a hope capable of healing our divisions."

-Gail Larkin, author of What We Carry