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In the Shadow of Crows
Connected via the fictional town of St Anne's, a community along Nova Scotia's western shore, each story takes its title from the children's rhyme Counting Crows:
One for sorrow, two for joy,
three for a message, four for a boy,
five for silver, six for gold,
seven for a secret never to be told.
Within each tale an individual (often from the same family, always from the same town) will note the number of crows in their midst and recall the poem as it relates to the prophecy and the story at hand. Between the last century and the current one, the characters (for the most part, women) walk a shifting landscape carved out by war, poverty, and patriarchal expectations. Beneath the gaze of a small town and these intelligent birds whose memories are unforgiving, we are as close as a heartbeat to the souls upon these pages.
One for sorrow, two for joy,
three for a message, four for a boy,
five for silver, six for gold,
seven for a secret never to be told.
Within each tale an individual (often from the same family, always from the same town) will note the number of crows in their midst and recall the poem as it relates to the prophecy and the story at hand. Between the last century and the current one, the characters (for the most part, women) walk a shifting landscape carved out by war, poverty, and patriarchal expectations. Beneath the gaze of a small town and these intelligent birds whose memories are unforgiving, we are as close as a heartbeat to the souls upon these pages.
100 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 12, 2024
IN THE SHADOW OF CROWS by M.V. Feehan
I believe the short story is an art form and M.V. Feehan has painted this collection of short stories with beautiful strokes of her pen.
Feehan introduces us to characters that are simply living their lives through all of life’s burdens, while experiencing small wonders and joys that we so often find among the heartache. The tragedy of miscarriage is dealt with so sensitively it holds a kindness of understanding not lost on this reader.
“She saw their lives fall apart like a fractured puzzle- one they could never piece together again…”
So much beauty wrapped in so few words made this read one that will stay with me for a very long time.
The ever present crows of the old children’s rhyme interwoven within each story, fortelling the fates of the characters.
I believe the short story is an art form and M.V. Feehan has painted this collection of short stories with beautiful strokes of her pen.
Feehan introduces us to characters that are simply living their lives through all of life’s burdens, while experiencing small wonders and joys that we so often find among the heartache. The tragedy of miscarriage is dealt with so sensitively it holds a kindness of understanding not lost on this reader.
“She saw their lives fall apart like a fractured puzzle- one they could never piece together again…”
So much beauty wrapped in so few words made this read one that will stay with me for a very long time.
The ever present crows of the old children’s rhyme interwoven within each story, fortelling the fates of the characters.
September 26, 2024
IN THE SHADOW OF CROWS by M.V. Feehan
I believe the short story is an art form and M.V. Feehan has painted this collection of short stories with beautiful strokes of her pen.
Feehan introduces us to characters that are simply living their lives through all of life’s burdens, while experiencing small wonders and joys that we so often find among the heartache. The tragedy of miscarriage is dealt with so sensitively it holds a kindness of understanding not lost on this reader.
“She saw their lives fall apart like a fractured puzzle- one they could never piece together again…”
So much beauty wrapped in so few words made this read one that will stay with me for a very long time.
The ever present crows of the old children’s rhyme interwoven within each story, fortelling the fates of the characters.
I believe the short story is an art form and M.V. Feehan has painted this collection of short stories with beautiful strokes of her pen.
Feehan introduces us to characters that are simply living their lives through all of life’s burdens, while experiencing small wonders and joys that we so often find among the heartache. The tragedy of miscarriage is dealt with so sensitively it holds a kindness of understanding not lost on this reader.
“She saw their lives fall apart like a fractured puzzle- one they could never piece together again…”
So much beauty wrapped in so few words made this read one that will stay with me for a very long time.
The ever present crows of the old children’s rhyme interwoven within each story, fortelling the fates of the characters.
June 9, 2024
Ms. Feehan ingeniously crafts each story so that we get an idea of what life in St. Anne's is like and a feel for its inhabitants . . . I can highly recommend this small but mighty collection of excellent short stories. A remarkable example of interlinked stories that leave you wanting more from an author to watch.
March 14, 2025
This collection of short stories reads beautifully. One to be savoured, like a Lynn Coady; an Alex McLeod; a Mavis Gallant. Feehan makes town life elegant in its simplicity. Every word is carefully chosen, allowing us to form our own picture of what is being told. Enough information to go by, with just enough withheld to stimulate the imagination. I look forward to reading more of Feehan’s works!
January 17, 2026
Short stories well written. The theme of crows seems a bit forced at times but the characters draw you in and each vignette is touching.
August 6, 2024
"In the Shadow of Crows is a profound, sensitive, beautifully told narrative of significant moments in the lives of ordinary people. The author's voice is quietly self-assured. She knows where she is taking us and when we get there, it is worth the trip. The cover art works perfectly with the stories and is so visually appealing that one wishes not to shelve it but leave it out on a table where it can be easily seen." Joan Vincent, author of Because Mother Liked to Dance.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews