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When Two Feathers Fell From The Sky
Louise Erdrich meets Karen Russell in this deliciously strange and daringly original novel from Pulitzer Prize finalist Margaret Verble: set in 1926 Nashville, it follows a death-defying young Cherokee horse-diver who, with her companions from the Glendale Park Zoo, must get to the bottom of a mystery that spans centuries.
Two Feathers, a young Cherokee horse-diver on loan to Glendale Park Zoo from a Wild West show, is determined to find her own way in the world. Two’s closest friend at Glendale is Hank Crawford, who loves horses almost as much as she does. He is part of a high-achieving, land-owning Black family. Neither Two nor Hank fit easily into the highly segregated society of 1920s Nashville.
When disaster strikes during one of Two’s shows, strange things start to happen at the park. Vestiges of the ancient past begin to surface, apparitions appear, and then the hippo falls mysteriously ill. At the same time, Two dodges her unsettling, lurking admirer and bonds with Clive, Glendale’s zookeeper and a World War I veteran, who is haunted—literally—by horrific memories of war. To get to the bottom of it, an eclectic cast of park performers, employees, and even the wealthy stakeholders must come together, making When Two Feathers Fell from the Sky an unforgettable and irresistible tale of exotic animals, lingering spirits, and unexpected friendship.
Two Feathers, a young Cherokee horse-diver on loan to Glendale Park Zoo from a Wild West show, is determined to find her own way in the world. Two’s closest friend at Glendale is Hank Crawford, who loves horses almost as much as she does. He is part of a high-achieving, land-owning Black family. Neither Two nor Hank fit easily into the highly segregated society of 1920s Nashville.
When disaster strikes during one of Two’s shows, strange things start to happen at the park. Vestiges of the ancient past begin to surface, apparitions appear, and then the hippo falls mysteriously ill. At the same time, Two dodges her unsettling, lurking admirer and bonds with Clive, Glendale’s zookeeper and a World War I veteran, who is haunted—literally—by horrific memories of war. To get to the bottom of it, an eclectic cast of park performers, employees, and even the wealthy stakeholders must come together, making When Two Feathers Fell from the Sky an unforgettable and irresistible tale of exotic animals, lingering spirits, and unexpected friendship.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published October 12, 2021
268 people are currently reading
10146 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Verble
5 books311 followersMargaret Verble, an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, has set her novel on her family’s Indian allotment land near Ft. Gibson, OK. She currently lives in Lexington, Kentucky.
Verble is a successful business woman and novelist. Her consulting work has taken her to most states and to several foreign countries. Upon the publication of her debut novel, Maud’s Line, Margaret whittled her consulting practice down to one group of clients, organ procurement organizations, tissue banks, and eye banks, to devote the rest of her time to writing. Maud’s Line is a Finalist for the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
Verble is a successful business woman and novelist. Her consulting work has taken her to most states and to several foreign countries. Upon the publication of her debut novel, Maud’s Line, Margaret whittled her consulting practice down to one group of clients, organ procurement organizations, tissue banks, and eye banks, to devote the rest of her time to writing. Maud’s Line is a Finalist for the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 447 reviews
December 7, 2022
Once upon a time there was the magical Glendale Park Zoo in Nashville, Tennessee. The spirit of fantasy filled the air. It was the good old days, back in 1926, and families could flock to see exotic animals, enjoy rides, and witness amazing novelty acts. By far the most breathtaking was the Cherokee woman Two Feathers and her horse Ocher, who together made death-defying plunges down 40 feet into a small pool of water. People got their money's worth.
One day the horse sensed danger, but the jump was made and things went terribly wrong. A sinkhole opened up to an underground cavern and the crash killed Ocher and badly hurt Two Feathers. As she recuperated on the park property unsettling messages began arriving from a disturbing admirer who may have been creeping in her room. She also sensed the presence of Little Elk, a protective ghost spiritually chained to the park. At this time a few animals started dying mysteriously and Two Feathers questions just what is the cause.
Two Feathers has lived her whole life being treated and considered a step below a white person. Her friend Crawford has to be wary of being seen with her too often because he is black. "Negros" were allowed to work in the park. "They could even, if well-behaved and accompanied by a white, ride the rides." The book is saturated in racism. With all the whimsy and magic in the air there were the lynchings and beatings, too. The park itself is built on an old native burial ground and it is crushing, if not surprising, to read about the desecration done to the remains. What reason was there for human dignity to stand in the way of the white man's creature comforts? So there was an ugly underside to paradise.
I love the characters Margaret Verble has portrayed. Glendale Park Zoo was real, as were many of the people in the story. We get such detailed histories-- but it is a little confusing to see how they all tie together at the novel's conclusion. We read about Crawford's courtship of his fiancée, we see the park's owner and his family squabbles... nice and believable, but it is not clear how this information was necessary to the plot. I could have spent more time directly with Two Feathers, a strong and fiercely independent personality.
Thank you to NPR's "Book of the Day" podcast for bringing "When Two Feathers Fell From the Sky" to my attention. The interview with Pulitzer Prize-nominated author Margaret Verble jumped-started my interest and led me to this flawed magic wonderland.
Thank you to Mariner Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. #WhenTwoFeathersFellFromTheSky #NetGalley
One day the horse sensed danger, but the jump was made and things went terribly wrong. A sinkhole opened up to an underground cavern and the crash killed Ocher and badly hurt Two Feathers. As she recuperated on the park property unsettling messages began arriving from a disturbing admirer who may have been creeping in her room. She also sensed the presence of Little Elk, a protective ghost spiritually chained to the park. At this time a few animals started dying mysteriously and Two Feathers questions just what is the cause.
Two Feathers has lived her whole life being treated and considered a step below a white person. Her friend Crawford has to be wary of being seen with her too often because he is black. "Negros" were allowed to work in the park. "They could even, if well-behaved and accompanied by a white, ride the rides." The book is saturated in racism. With all the whimsy and magic in the air there were the lynchings and beatings, too. The park itself is built on an old native burial ground and it is crushing, if not surprising, to read about the desecration done to the remains. What reason was there for human dignity to stand in the way of the white man's creature comforts? So there was an ugly underside to paradise.
I love the characters Margaret Verble has portrayed. Glendale Park Zoo was real, as were many of the people in the story. We get such detailed histories-- but it is a little confusing to see how they all tie together at the novel's conclusion. We read about Crawford's courtship of his fiancée, we see the park's owner and his family squabbles... nice and believable, but it is not clear how this information was necessary to the plot. I could have spent more time directly with Two Feathers, a strong and fiercely independent personality.
Thank you to NPR's "Book of the Day" podcast for bringing "When Two Feathers Fell From the Sky" to my attention. The interview with Pulitzer Prize-nominated author Margaret Verble jumped-started my interest and led me to this flawed magic wonderland.
Thank you to Mariner Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. #WhenTwoFeathersFellFromTheSky #NetGalley
September 18, 2021
"Wild West shows had waned with the Great War and the movies...[the] Glendale Park and Zoo [provided] steady work while other streams of employment for vaudeville and Wild West performers continued drying up."
Two Feathers looked forty feet down into the diving pool. She waited for her mare, Ocher, led by her friend Crawford, to enter the diving platform. "Two liked excitement, and was addicted to danger, crowds, and clapping...Ocher [basked] in the applause...Horse diving was risky business." Two's passion was buying scarves which were often worn by performing cowgirls. She was on loan to the Glendale Park Zoo from the Miller Brothers 101 Ranch in Oklahoma.
Two Feathers was her stage name. It was assumed that she was a wild, Cherokee Indian. "She was certain animals have minds, spirits, distinctive personalities...and senses of humor...are like humans, only in different bodies...she also felt spirits in creeks, springs, river and rocks...some places were sources of strength, others were haunted...She heard the thunder of ancient hooves pounding the ground."
Two was sitting on top of the world as a horse diver, however, in 1920's Nashville, prohibition, racial, social and religious issues were at the forefront. Chambliss Hall dorm mother, Helen Hampton, could bond with Two "as long as Two knew her place." Pool inspection for the afternoon jump...crowd inspection...waiting on the ledge for Ocher...Ocher balks and backs up...a leap in the air...Ocher and Two disappear when the earth shifts and the ground collapses.
"When Two Feathers Fell from the Sky" by Margaret Verble is a powerful work of historical fiction. An accident opens a window to the past of so many well detailed characters. With references to both the Civil War and the Great War, the ravage to the human spirit is apparent. Antiquities of the past come to light...relics, caves, and a city built on sacred ground. "[Crawford's] grandfather had once owned land. His older relatives had worked it as slaves." Perhaps tolerance will prevail as swirling mysteries encourage the protagonists, from different walks of life, to work together. An excellent read.
Thank you Mariner Books and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Two Feathers looked forty feet down into the diving pool. She waited for her mare, Ocher, led by her friend Crawford, to enter the diving platform. "Two liked excitement, and was addicted to danger, crowds, and clapping...Ocher [basked] in the applause...Horse diving was risky business." Two's passion was buying scarves which were often worn by performing cowgirls. She was on loan to the Glendale Park Zoo from the Miller Brothers 101 Ranch in Oklahoma.
Two Feathers was her stage name. It was assumed that she was a wild, Cherokee Indian. "She was certain animals have minds, spirits, distinctive personalities...and senses of humor...are like humans, only in different bodies...she also felt spirits in creeks, springs, river and rocks...some places were sources of strength, others were haunted...She heard the thunder of ancient hooves pounding the ground."
Two was sitting on top of the world as a horse diver, however, in 1920's Nashville, prohibition, racial, social and religious issues were at the forefront. Chambliss Hall dorm mother, Helen Hampton, could bond with Two "as long as Two knew her place." Pool inspection for the afternoon jump...crowd inspection...waiting on the ledge for Ocher...Ocher balks and backs up...a leap in the air...Ocher and Two disappear when the earth shifts and the ground collapses.
"When Two Feathers Fell from the Sky" by Margaret Verble is a powerful work of historical fiction. An accident opens a window to the past of so many well detailed characters. With references to both the Civil War and the Great War, the ravage to the human spirit is apparent. Antiquities of the past come to light...relics, caves, and a city built on sacred ground. "[Crawford's] grandfather had once owned land. His older relatives had worked it as slaves." Perhaps tolerance will prevail as swirling mysteries encourage the protagonists, from different walks of life, to work together. An excellent read.
Thank you Mariner Books and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2021
Ochre and I fell from the sky into the underworld. from When Two Feathers Fell From the Sky by Margaret Verble
In 1926, at the Glendale Park and Zoo in the state of Tennessee, a young Cherokee woman was on her horse, ready to dive into the pool below. Her horse balked, which was unusual, but Two Feathers (a stage name) urged Ochre on. As they dove, the ground below opened, sucking down the water and the pool. The girl and her horse fell into the cave below.
Two Feathers was rescued, with a broken leg her only harm. Ochre had died on impact, his body cushioning Two.
During her recovery, Two relied on others who worked at Glendale, marginalized people who were just as broken. There was her rescuer, the Englishman Clive, veteran of WWI, who bore external and internal scars. And there was her best friend Crawford, descended from slaves; his family was prominent and educated, and yet he carefully orchestrates his friendship with Two knowing that anything perceived as untoward could result in a lynching.
Two’s widowed landlady didn’t know how to treat an Indian; she wasn’t black and she wasn’t white. With Clive’s example of parental care, and desiring Clive’s attention, Helen becomes solicitous of Two and they become friends.
A red-headed stranger with a college education is hired to care for the animals. He has a fascination with Indians and stalks Two. What no one knows is he is also fascinated with power and control.
Glendale was built on an ancient native burial ground, and the ghost of Little Elk also notices the Cherokee woman. He steals tobacco for strength, willing himself to be seen–and allowing him to interfere in human affairs.
When Two Feathers Fell From the Sky is an unusual novel, part historical fiction and part mystery and part magical realism. The setting and era is beautifully realized. So much information is shared through the characters. The characters offer insights into history. Clive has a conversation with a woman who remembers the Civil War. He talks about his experience in WWI. Crawford gives us glimpses into the legacy of slavery and continuing racism. And through Two, we learn how a Native American experiences white society, the history of native genocide, and the rich traditions of the Cherokee.
What I loved most about the book were the characters, all so likeable and appealing. They love and care for the animals and for each other. The community they create is heart-warming and cheering. Two is courageous, spunky, and smart. She has a deep connection to the zoo animals, especially the American bison Adam.
Two was accustomed to animal friends, but they didn’t make up for the loss of a whole herd, family, or tribe…Two felt the animal’s loneliness…Her own tribe had been hunted, too, and would vanish with the passing of her generation. from When Two Feathers Fell From the Sky by Margaret Verble
It is a wonderful read, enjoyable and satisfying, while raising awareness of social issues including race, power and control, and war’s legacy.
In the Author’s Note, Verble talks about growing up in a neighborhood built over the Glendale Park and Zoo, knowing about the caves, and the ancient Indian graves. Later she learned about the horse diving tank’s collapse into a cave, and about the affluent African American family that owned land.
I received an ARC from the publisher through Bookish First. My review is fair and unbiased.
In 1926, at the Glendale Park and Zoo in the state of Tennessee, a young Cherokee woman was on her horse, ready to dive into the pool below. Her horse balked, which was unusual, but Two Feathers (a stage name) urged Ochre on. As they dove, the ground below opened, sucking down the water and the pool. The girl and her horse fell into the cave below.
Two Feathers was rescued, with a broken leg her only harm. Ochre had died on impact, his body cushioning Two.
During her recovery, Two relied on others who worked at Glendale, marginalized people who were just as broken. There was her rescuer, the Englishman Clive, veteran of WWI, who bore external and internal scars. And there was her best friend Crawford, descended from slaves; his family was prominent and educated, and yet he carefully orchestrates his friendship with Two knowing that anything perceived as untoward could result in a lynching.
Two’s widowed landlady didn’t know how to treat an Indian; she wasn’t black and she wasn’t white. With Clive’s example of parental care, and desiring Clive’s attention, Helen becomes solicitous of Two and they become friends.
A red-headed stranger with a college education is hired to care for the animals. He has a fascination with Indians and stalks Two. What no one knows is he is also fascinated with power and control.
Glendale was built on an ancient native burial ground, and the ghost of Little Elk also notices the Cherokee woman. He steals tobacco for strength, willing himself to be seen–and allowing him to interfere in human affairs.
When Two Feathers Fell From the Sky is an unusual novel, part historical fiction and part mystery and part magical realism. The setting and era is beautifully realized. So much information is shared through the characters. The characters offer insights into history. Clive has a conversation with a woman who remembers the Civil War. He talks about his experience in WWI. Crawford gives us glimpses into the legacy of slavery and continuing racism. And through Two, we learn how a Native American experiences white society, the history of native genocide, and the rich traditions of the Cherokee.
What I loved most about the book were the characters, all so likeable and appealing. They love and care for the animals and for each other. The community they create is heart-warming and cheering. Two is courageous, spunky, and smart. She has a deep connection to the zoo animals, especially the American bison Adam.
Two was accustomed to animal friends, but they didn’t make up for the loss of a whole herd, family, or tribe…Two felt the animal’s loneliness…Her own tribe had been hunted, too, and would vanish with the passing of her generation. from When Two Feathers Fell From the Sky by Margaret Verble
It is a wonderful read, enjoyable and satisfying, while raising awareness of social issues including race, power and control, and war’s legacy.
In the Author’s Note, Verble talks about growing up in a neighborhood built over the Glendale Park and Zoo, knowing about the caves, and the ancient Indian graves. Later she learned about the horse diving tank’s collapse into a cave, and about the affluent African American family that owned land.
I received an ARC from the publisher through Bookish First. My review is fair and unbiased.
January 6, 2022
DNF @50%
I really wanted to love this one. I mean, how eye-catching is that cover? Unfortunately, I ended up finding it slow, boring, and a slog to get through. 😞 I finally had to call it a day halfway through. Life is too short for reading books that are not holding your interest.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
I really wanted to love this one. I mean, how eye-catching is that cover? Unfortunately, I ended up finding it slow, boring, and a slog to get through. 😞 I finally had to call it a day halfway through. Life is too short for reading books that are not holding your interest.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
December 19, 2021
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Horse diving was risky business. That's why people liked it so much.
When Two Feathers Fell from the Sky, pulled me in with the synopsis about a young woman Cherokee horse diver who worked at Glendale Park Zoo in Tennessee. While Two is the most centered character, the story was really about all the humans, animals, and other occupants of the Tennessee land. The beginning provides a summary of the land from prerecorded history to 1926, where the story stops to focus.
This was a mish mash of historical fiction, mystery, and magical realism; I think the historical fictions aspects were the best parts. The author uses real historical places (Glendale Park Zoo) alongside fictitious people, but who are clearly based on real people. The first half had me struggling at some points because of the amount of characters and how we get a focus, background and following along with the issues in their lives in this moment of time, on them. I really enjoyed the character of Two, she admits that Two Feathers is a stage name, her real name is Nancy but that isn't colorful enough for the shows. She grew-up on a ranch in Oklahoma and always wanted to be a star, she's been riding horses since she was three and loves horse diving with her horse Ocher. She's a character that instantly grabs your attention and you want to spend time with her and that is where my struggling with the first half came in as the focus shifted to other characters too much.
Along with Two at the Park Zoo, she lives in a dormitory run by a woman named Helen and also houses two plate spinning sisters Marty and Franny, Crawford who takes care of Ocher and the stables, Clive who oversees all the animals, new-hire Jack, and Park owner Mr. Shackleford. All of these characters have their own backgrounds and issues that get focuses, Franny starting to drop plates, Crawford romancing a girl named Bonita, Clive dealing with PTSD from WWI and starting to see ghosts, and Mr. Shackleford trying to hold it all together. The first half ends up feeling too scattered and divided, the second-half does bring and thread them together more but it does make for an undertaking beginning.
The horse diving wasn't as much a focus as I would have liked, we do get a good descriptive scene of it but at 25% a horrific moment happens (there are multiple animal deaths in this) and the mystery starts to come in, along with the magical realism and supernatural elements. The mystery is more for the characters as the reader knows who is behind everything and why. It involves Two getting secret admirer letters from someone calling themselves “Strong-Red-Wolf”, she knows right away that the person isn't a real Native American by the way the letter is written, and the mysterious letter writer ties-in with the Park Zoo animal deaths. The supernatural elements have Clive starting to see ghosts after he recuses Two and a ghost, Little Elk, who starts to become a protector of Two.
While the story did go off on other character tangents that did give the story a disjointed feel at times, they, mostly, found a way to come back to Two. If you go into this with more of the mindset of reading about a snapshot in time about that particular land's current occupants, you'd enjoy it more. This 1920s snapshot had the author infusing and weaving evolution debate, racism, segregation, shell shock, and the horrific impact of Manifest Destiny on Native Americans. I'm not so sure the ghosts aspects worked but, like I said, if looking for historical fiction elements, this had a good feel for the times in 1920s Tennessee.
Horse diving was risky business. That's why people liked it so much.
When Two Feathers Fell from the Sky, pulled me in with the synopsis about a young woman Cherokee horse diver who worked at Glendale Park Zoo in Tennessee. While Two is the most centered character, the story was really about all the humans, animals, and other occupants of the Tennessee land. The beginning provides a summary of the land from prerecorded history to 1926, where the story stops to focus.
This was a mish mash of historical fiction, mystery, and magical realism; I think the historical fictions aspects were the best parts. The author uses real historical places (Glendale Park Zoo) alongside fictitious people, but who are clearly based on real people. The first half had me struggling at some points because of the amount of characters and how we get a focus, background and following along with the issues in their lives in this moment of time, on them. I really enjoyed the character of Two, she admits that Two Feathers is a stage name, her real name is Nancy but that isn't colorful enough for the shows. She grew-up on a ranch in Oklahoma and always wanted to be a star, she's been riding horses since she was three and loves horse diving with her horse Ocher. She's a character that instantly grabs your attention and you want to spend time with her and that is where my struggling with the first half came in as the focus shifted to other characters too much.
Along with Two at the Park Zoo, she lives in a dormitory run by a woman named Helen and also houses two plate spinning sisters Marty and Franny, Crawford who takes care of Ocher and the stables, Clive who oversees all the animals, new-hire Jack, and Park owner Mr. Shackleford. All of these characters have their own backgrounds and issues that get focuses, Franny starting to drop plates, Crawford romancing a girl named Bonita, Clive dealing with PTSD from WWI and starting to see ghosts, and Mr. Shackleford trying to hold it all together. The first half ends up feeling too scattered and divided, the second-half does bring and thread them together more but it does make for an undertaking beginning.
The horse diving wasn't as much a focus as I would have liked, we do get a good descriptive scene of it but at 25% a horrific moment happens (there are multiple animal deaths in this) and the mystery starts to come in, along with the magical realism and supernatural elements. The mystery is more for the characters as the reader knows who is behind everything and why. It involves Two getting secret admirer letters from someone calling themselves “Strong-Red-Wolf”, she knows right away that the person isn't a real Native American by the way the letter is written, and the mysterious letter writer ties-in with the Park Zoo animal deaths. The supernatural elements have Clive starting to see ghosts after he recuses Two and a ghost, Little Elk, who starts to become a protector of Two.
While the story did go off on other character tangents that did give the story a disjointed feel at times, they, mostly, found a way to come back to Two. If you go into this with more of the mindset of reading about a snapshot in time about that particular land's current occupants, you'd enjoy it more. This 1920s snapshot had the author infusing and weaving evolution debate, racism, segregation, shell shock, and the horrific impact of Manifest Destiny on Native Americans. I'm not so sure the ghosts aspects worked but, like I said, if looking for historical fiction elements, this had a good feel for the times in 1920s Tennessee.
February 25, 2023
**Mother-and-Daughters-Book-Club-Read for February, 2023**
My daughters and I loved this book, especially the way the author was able to weave so many social issues of the time into the narrative. The characters were so well-developed, even the creepy villain! This is an author to remember.
My daughters and I loved this book, especially the way the author was able to weave so many social issues of the time into the narrative. The characters were so well-developed, even the creepy villain! This is an author to remember.
May 29, 2023
3.5****
1920s Tennessee is the setting for this novel. Two Feathers (her stage name) is a Native American horsewoman who, determined to make her own way in the world, left her family’s Oklahoma ranch to join a Wild West show. Now she’s at the Glendale Park and Zoo in Nashville, performing twice a day as a horse diver. Her best friend at Glendale is Hank Crawford, a black man who tends the horses. When unexplained events begin occurring, Clive, the chief zookeeper, becomes involved. He is a veteran of World War I warfare and is haunted (literally and figuratively) by his experiences in the trenches.
What interesting characters! Verble weaves through elements of history not often covered in school from ancient bison tracks, to the forced expulsion of the Cherokee (Trail of Tears), to Jim Crow, to the desecration of ancient burial grounds, and to the effects of PTSD. She deftly incorporates magical realism, especially by using the ghost of Little Elk, a long-deceased warrior who longs to communicate with Two Feathers.
I was captivated by this unique story. All these characters had interesting journeys of self discovery, which required they to use intelligence, courage and perseverance. I absolutely loved Little Elk and cheered at his increasingly successful efforts to make his presence known. Two Feathers is a remarkable young woman – fiercely determined, intelligent, observant, loyal, resilient. Her personal journey is every bit as fascinating as Little Elk’s.
1920s Tennessee is the setting for this novel. Two Feathers (her stage name) is a Native American horsewoman who, determined to make her own way in the world, left her family’s Oklahoma ranch to join a Wild West show. Now she’s at the Glendale Park and Zoo in Nashville, performing twice a day as a horse diver. Her best friend at Glendale is Hank Crawford, a black man who tends the horses. When unexplained events begin occurring, Clive, the chief zookeeper, becomes involved. He is a veteran of World War I warfare and is haunted (literally and figuratively) by his experiences in the trenches.
What interesting characters! Verble weaves through elements of history not often covered in school from ancient bison tracks, to the forced expulsion of the Cherokee (Trail of Tears), to Jim Crow, to the desecration of ancient burial grounds, and to the effects of PTSD. She deftly incorporates magical realism, especially by using the ghost of Little Elk, a long-deceased warrior who longs to communicate with Two Feathers.
I was captivated by this unique story. All these characters had interesting journeys of self discovery, which required they to use intelligence, courage and perseverance. I absolutely loved Little Elk and cheered at his increasingly successful efforts to make his presence known. Two Feathers is a remarkable young woman – fiercely determined, intelligent, observant, loyal, resilient. Her personal journey is every bit as fascinating as Little Elk’s.
April 30, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley as well as Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing me with a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The clever title coupled with an interesting premise drew me to request this book. I had mixed opinions regarding certain aspects of the story, but for the most part I found it to be an absorbing read.
Verble's novel follows Two Feathers, a performer at the Glendale Park Zoo whose act involves diving into a pool – while riding on the back of a horse. I really liked her character, even though it was difficult to get a read on her at first: on one hand, we're shown that she enjoys the spotlight and knows her way around a crowd, but on the other we don't really see her speak all that often (at least, not directly). This would be because the author chooses to focus on Two's mind, her thoughts and feelings surrounding each situation she faces, rather than on the words she says out loud.
The book itself chooses to delve into the minds of all the characters given POVs. Character-driven to the extreme, you don't notice that there's a progressing plot until you're seventy percent of the way in and realise that the characters aren't in the same place as they were when you began reading. This isn't always a bad thing; in the case of When Two Feathers Fell from the Sky, I actually did not mind, in large part due to the fact that I liked most of the characters in it.
What I was mildly disappointed in was Two Feather's friendship with Crawford. Considering that a significant portion of the blurb was dedicated to telling the reader about it, I expected that it would be a major feature of the novel itself; however, that was not so. Their friendship existed, sure, and was given some screen time, but not as much as I had hoped for.
This novel's writing depends greatly on short, short sentences and half-sentences strung together. Often in the middle of reading, I'd get distracted by the writing style instead of immersed in the story, but I did grow accustomed to it eventually.
Full review here!
The clever title coupled with an interesting premise drew me to request this book. I had mixed opinions regarding certain aspects of the story, but for the most part I found it to be an absorbing read.
Verble's novel follows Two Feathers, a performer at the Glendale Park Zoo whose act involves diving into a pool – while riding on the back of a horse. I really liked her character, even though it was difficult to get a read on her at first: on one hand, we're shown that she enjoys the spotlight and knows her way around a crowd, but on the other we don't really see her speak all that often (at least, not directly). This would be because the author chooses to focus on Two's mind, her thoughts and feelings surrounding each situation she faces, rather than on the words she says out loud.
The book itself chooses to delve into the minds of all the characters given POVs. Character-driven to the extreme, you don't notice that there's a progressing plot until you're seventy percent of the way in and realise that the characters aren't in the same place as they were when you began reading. This isn't always a bad thing; in the case of When Two Feathers Fell from the Sky, I actually did not mind, in large part due to the fact that I liked most of the characters in it.
What I was mildly disappointed in was Two Feather's friendship with Crawford. Considering that a significant portion of the blurb was dedicated to telling the reader about it, I expected that it would be a major feature of the novel itself; however, that was not so. Their friendship existed, sure, and was given some screen time, but not as much as I had hoped for.
This novel's writing depends greatly on short, short sentences and half-sentences strung together. Often in the middle of reading, I'd get distracted by the writing style instead of immersed in the story, but I did grow accustomed to it eventually.
Full review here!
October 8, 2021
I wanted to like When Two Feathers Fell From the Sky. As historical fiction the premise is incredibly unique-a young Indian woman who horse dives for a zoo in Nashville, where things start going haywire after Two Feathers has an accident. In addition to a unique premise, it has several other unique characters beyond Two Feathers; Crawford, a Black man from a wealthy, land owning family who prefers manual labor, Clive, an animal savant still dealing with PTSD from the Great War, the juggling Montgomery sisters, Jack Older, a white man who thinks he’s an Indian, and Little Elk, definitely an Indian, but a dead one. The story, as fascinating as it could be, tends to get bogged down with too many different intertwined storylines, many of which have their basis in real events that happened. And while it’s really quite amazing that many of these things DID happen, less would have been more to keep the plot cohesive and the reader engaged. While there technically is a conflict resolution at the end of the book it somehow feels very open-ended and incomplete. I don’t know if the author intends a follow-up, but it was hard for me to feel satisfied with the ending of this book.
July 18, 2022
Just ok. The story gets a bit lost on itself. It is a shame because it’s historically accurate and shows levels of prejudice that is appalling-whites then native Americans and blacks at the bottom.
January 2, 2022
A very entertaining, interesting historical fiction set in a Nashville zoo and amusement park in 1926. The place, long gone, actually once existed and, as we learn from the author’s note, she grew up in the neighbourhood later built on the grounds. While her research gave her the building blocks, this is otherwise a fictionalized fun and genre-bending trip into the past. Two Feathers is the stage name of a young Cherokee woman who has a novelty act that involves diving on horseback into a pool dozens of feet below a diving tower, thrilling crowds several times a day. (Hard to believe now, but horse diving was once a hugely popular real thing.) There’s lots of other entertaining business, involving a creepy stalker who’s fixated on Two Feathers, a hippopotamus murder, turtle races, and the 150-year-old ghost of a Cherokee brave. But there’s a seam of harsh reality woven through the fun. Though the events don’t feature in the narration, there’s a telling of the desecration of thousands of barrow graves left by prehistoric peoples, the historical injustice of the slaughter, land theft and driving off (the Trail of Tears) of the Cherokee, and the surviving legacy of racism. Lots of characters to like and appreciate, but none more so than the bright and intrepid Two Feathers.
October 17, 2021
This book had a lot of moving pieces and it was a historical fiction with a splash of mystery and the mystical mixed in. I really liked the original premise and characters. I found the story overall to be a bit of a slow read for me and it was not a book that kept me from picking up other books. I will say I liked reading a historical fiction from a different time period.
I liked the main character Two Feathers a lot even if her voice in the story came off as detached. Two Feather is a horse diver (I had no idea such a thing existed which was crazy and neat). She enjoys being a show person and loves her horse dearly. One day she dives and a sinkhole opens up and she and her horse fall into an underground cave. While recovering she has to slow her pace which lets her reconnect with herself and notice some other odd things like her mysterious admirer and an Indian ghost that has been following her around.
I liked the main character Two Feathers a lot even if her voice in the story came off as detached. Two Feather is a horse diver (I had no idea such a thing existed which was crazy and neat). She enjoys being a show person and loves her horse dearly. One day she dives and a sinkhole opens up and she and her horse fall into an underground cave. While recovering she has to slow her pace which lets her reconnect with herself and notice some other odd things like her mysterious admirer and an Indian ghost that has been following her around.
November 20, 2021
I was sold when I heard this book was going to be about a Cherokee diving horse rider set in 1920s Nashville. Sadly however, I found this story very disjointed and rambly and I had a really difficult time staying focused.
There is a wide cast of characters and multiple storylines, jumping back in forth in time. I found the various POVs just didn't mesh well cohesively and I really just wanted to focus on Two Feather and her journey when her diving career comes to a tragic end.
The author does do a good job establishing a sense of time and place and the way all people of color were really second class citizens in 1920s America. I also did really enjoy the Zoo setting and all the animals (I got lots of Water for elephants vibes in the best possible way). Where I got kind of lost is with the stalker and ghost storylines. Overall a solid book but I was hoping for a tighter plot. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance review copy!!
There is a wide cast of characters and multiple storylines, jumping back in forth in time. I found the various POVs just didn't mesh well cohesively and I really just wanted to focus on Two Feather and her journey when her diving career comes to a tragic end.
The author does do a good job establishing a sense of time and place and the way all people of color were really second class citizens in 1920s America. I also did really enjoy the Zoo setting and all the animals (I got lots of Water for elephants vibes in the best possible way). Where I got kind of lost is with the stalker and ghost storylines. Overall a solid book but I was hoping for a tighter plot. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance review copy!!
March 31, 2021
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I liked it, but I didn't like it all the time.
To be honest, I nearly stopped reading after getting through the intro. It was difficult to read, and I was left wondering what it had to do with the plot. I'm glad that I kept reading, because there were parts of the story I enjoyed.
Two is a great character, but I felt like we didn't get a sense of her at all. We see little glimpses, but never enough to get a real sense of who she is. I think that this wasn't her story, perhaps it hasn't been developed yet. She deserves to be a very strong leading character.
The plot was slow, and a little scattered. I appreciated the other character stories, but they did nothing to further the plot in any way.
If I had to rate it, I'd give it about 2.75 stars.
I liked it, but I didn't like it all the time.
To be honest, I nearly stopped reading after getting through the intro. It was difficult to read, and I was left wondering what it had to do with the plot. I'm glad that I kept reading, because there were parts of the story I enjoyed.
Two is a great character, but I felt like we didn't get a sense of her at all. We see little glimpses, but never enough to get a real sense of who she is. I think that this wasn't her story, perhaps it hasn't been developed yet. She deserves to be a very strong leading character.
The plot was slow, and a little scattered. I appreciated the other character stories, but they did nothing to further the plot in any way.
If I had to rate it, I'd give it about 2.75 stars.
July 28, 2022
This one reminded me of "Night Circus" with it's amusement park setting, magical realism, a hint of romance, a mystery to be solved, in a very interesting historical fiction (1920's Nashville TN). Mostly, it was fun, though it dragged a bit. But then, "Two Feathers" our horse-diving hero, is on crutches for most of the story. Verble is entertaining her readers while educating them about institutionalized racism, in particular about the plight of indigenous Americans: "(She) was acquainted with the lie. She knew that unless there was an actual roundhouse, wigwam, tipi, or longhouse sitting on an exact spot, whites considered all land unpeopled and free for the stealing." I'm hoping Verble is considering writing a sequel. I'm sure Two Feathers has more to tell us. Recommended.
November 28, 2021
This was just the right read for me during the Thanksgiving holiday! Two Feathers is a sturdy, admirable heroine full of all the noble, honorable aspects balanced with justified imperfections that one comes to expect in a complex protagonist. And all those other yummy characters. . . .I loved this book!
The writing was delicious as characters unfurled, the live ones, the dead ones, the inner thoughts of the bears and buffalos, as well as long-dead native grandmas. . .I loved it. Don't forget the spirit of the would-be-warrior who saves the day (he's dead). And we all know the magic of tobacco!
As one who is haunted by and believes in places as a tie to the many life events that occur on / in that very place. . . this story has great resonance for me. Stand in a place and feel it. . . I get that. Great book!
The writing was delicious as characters unfurled, the live ones, the dead ones, the inner thoughts of the bears and buffalos, as well as long-dead native grandmas. . .I loved it. Don't forget the spirit of the would-be-warrior who saves the day (he's dead). And we all know the magic of tobacco!
As one who is haunted by and believes in places as a tie to the many life events that occur on / in that very place. . . this story has great resonance for me. Stand in a place and feel it. . . I get that. Great book!
July 15, 2025
I’m so glad we don’t let people dive with horses off 40 foot platforms anymore but wowza this setting was epic + this main character rocked
May 1, 2022
This book was pretty great! I enjoyed this and learning about things in the past was some what like. I love learning and reading about horses and Native Americans, (some of my ancestors or full blooded Native Americans) so when reading stories even if fiction makes me feel more connected to them. This book and story had me at the end looking up horse diving and diving deep into research on the subject. Two Feathers was a pretty cool, caring main character. This story really had me viewing going to the zoo in New light , that is for sure. This story from what I took is mainly about a group of people becoming friends and overcoming diversity and mystery together. This was a okay mystery with little bit of paranormal aspects. Overall this was a extremely inspiring story and ride in my opinion. It was a honor to be selected to read this advanced readers copy. Any. Book or story that makes you spend a couple of hours researching should tell you that it does its job and inspires.
July 16, 2023
Welp. It isn't often that I give 1 star, and I'm not entirely sure I gave this one a fair chance. I was very preoccupied with life and not spending enough quality time reading. On the other hand, I need to give myself permission to not like a book.
The story sounded intriguing and had real potential, even halfway through. But it took too long to get where it was going, and then finished with some cliché ideas. There were too many characters for so short a book, and too much sexually explicit material which had no value to the story.
I did like many of the historical references, including a supposed conversation between president Jackson and the Bell Witch, which has some truth to it. I also enjoyed the main character, Two Feathers and several of the others. It just didn't seem cohesive at times for me.
I'll take some of the blame, but I can't change my rating.
The story sounded intriguing and had real potential, even halfway through. But it took too long to get where it was going, and then finished with some cliché ideas. There were too many characters for so short a book, and too much sexually explicit material which had no value to the story.
I did like many of the historical references, including a supposed conversation between president Jackson and the Bell Witch, which has some truth to it. I also enjoyed the main character, Two Feathers and several of the others. It just didn't seem cohesive at times for me.
I'll take some of the blame, but I can't change my rating.
August 21, 2023
I enjoyed this slice-of-life tale, which took me to a time and place (1920s Nashville) I knew little about. There is something very dreamy about the story. Set in the Glendale Zoo, the story is populated by people from all walks of life who come together to see exotic animals and feats like the horse diving the title character performs. The history of the area comes into play, with people who have lived in the area at various times across the centuries finding themselves within the story. (I LOVED how the book opened with a very brief history of the place from the beginning of time. It was beautifully rendered.) The story does not white-wash the area's history, looking at the experiences of indigenous and black Americans.
It's not a plot-driven story and will appeal to readers who enjoy spending time with complex, colorful characters.
It's not a plot-driven story and will appeal to readers who enjoy spending time with complex, colorful characters.
June 13, 2024
Saw this recommendation in my Tik Tok feed and that poster is helping redeem book-tok for me. This is historical fiction set in Tennessee in 1925. This book lightly explores themes of connectedness through different racial and religious points of view, post-traumatic stress, environmental destruction and social hierarchy. It was not heavy handed, but interesting how the characters reconciled personal relationships with small town racial attitudes. The was humor, introspection, light romance and a touch of mysticism. It took me a few chapters to get into it, but it wasn't long before I was invested in the plot and characters and was disappointed when the story was finished. This is a fresh departure from most current historical fiction and a quick, enjoyable read.
September 18, 2021
Rounded to 3.5 stars.
Thank you to BookishFirst for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am offering my honest opinion voluntarily.
CONTENT WARNING: racism, alcoholism, trauma, death of animals, racist slurs, gore
The premise is such an intriguing one. While I got the idea of what the writer was attempting to accomplish, it didn’t quite come across in the execution of the novel. Unfortunately, the story was bogged down by too many viewpoints and a somewhat clunky storytelling style and a very slow-moving storyline. It’s also highly character-driven, so that it took a really long time to make out the full shape of the plot.
As for the story itself, it addressed some heavy subjects. Racism, classism, the legacy of slavery, segregation, how indigenous people fit into society, and war trauma all play a role in the plot, and I thought they were addressed well. It was hard not to be outraged multiple times throughout the story on behalf of the characters of color and how society treated them.
I liked Two Feathers (a stage name), although I got the sense that there was so much more to her character than what we saw. I would have loved to see her interact with more people in a genuine way, such as with her family. She clearly held back so much of herself with the vast majority of characters in Glendale, which spoke to her lack of trust in white people. But her own history and that of her people was discussed, and it’s totally understandable why she doesn’t trust white people — they’ve never given her any reason to. One of her main struggles is trying to find a place in a world that isn’t designed to make room for indigenous people:
“It boiled down to being herself and also making her way in a world built by whites. It would be difficult to do, but, really, she didn’t have any other options.”
There are elements of historical fiction, fantasy, magical realism, and even some romance in this story. I liked how they were all intertwined to make an intriguing narrative, even if it was exceptionally slow-moving. All of the different storylines combine towards the end of the book, and I enjoyed seeing it all come together, even if the ending left me a bit unsatisfied and wanting … just more. But perhaps the thing that I liked most about this book was learning more about Cherokee beliefs and how they view the world.
Thank you to BookishFirst for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am offering my honest opinion voluntarily.
CONTENT WARNING: racism, alcoholism, trauma, death of animals, racist slurs, gore
The premise is such an intriguing one. While I got the idea of what the writer was attempting to accomplish, it didn’t quite come across in the execution of the novel. Unfortunately, the story was bogged down by too many viewpoints and a somewhat clunky storytelling style and a very slow-moving storyline. It’s also highly character-driven, so that it took a really long time to make out the full shape of the plot.
As for the story itself, it addressed some heavy subjects. Racism, classism, the legacy of slavery, segregation, how indigenous people fit into society, and war trauma all play a role in the plot, and I thought they were addressed well. It was hard not to be outraged multiple times throughout the story on behalf of the characters of color and how society treated them.
I liked Two Feathers (a stage name), although I got the sense that there was so much more to her character than what we saw. I would have loved to see her interact with more people in a genuine way, such as with her family. She clearly held back so much of herself with the vast majority of characters in Glendale, which spoke to her lack of trust in white people. But her own history and that of her people was discussed, and it’s totally understandable why she doesn’t trust white people — they’ve never given her any reason to. One of her main struggles is trying to find a place in a world that isn’t designed to make room for indigenous people:
“It boiled down to being herself and also making her way in a world built by whites. It would be difficult to do, but, really, she didn’t have any other options.”
There are elements of historical fiction, fantasy, magical realism, and even some romance in this story. I liked how they were all intertwined to make an intriguing narrative, even if it was exceptionally slow-moving. All of the different storylines combine towards the end of the book, and I enjoyed seeing it all come together, even if the ending left me a bit unsatisfied and wanting … just more. But perhaps the thing that I liked most about this book was learning more about Cherokee beliefs and how they view the world.
August 17, 2025
I fell in love with this book and its characters slowly. A good, slow burn book.
December 20, 2022
Prohibition-area American South/racism is the main theme of this unique novel.
November 12, 2021
⭐️⭐️I ordered this book because I read some reviews that made it sound intriguing. I love historical fiction, and I have family that lives in Nashville, so I thought it would make for an interesting read.
I was disappointed. The story is drawn-out and thin. Granted, there are some interesting facts about the native Americans that once inhabited the land that became Nashville. And the setting of the story, the Glendale amusement park, actually existed in the 1920’s.
The story centers on Two Feathers, a young Cherokee woman who makes her living horse-diving at Glendale Park. The other secondary characters are Clive, the park manager, who struggles with his memories of WWI (read: PTSD), and Crawford, a young black man who also works at Glendale. There are also many other people — too many, really. It was hard to keep track of them all and how they fit in. And that’s why the story gets thin…it’s like adding too much water to the broth, it dilutes the taste and just ends up making everything soggy. I kept waiting for a strong thread to appear, but the tale just meanders. The ending is abrupt—it just stops. On the one hand, I thought “Really? That’s it?”, and on the other hand, I mentally shrugged and said “OK—at least it’s over.” Not exactly the kind of resolution you look for upon finishing a novel.
**Oh, and get this!! Brand new book, published this year, hardcover..and 31 pages of it were cut off! The printer screwed up big time, and each page was cut off at the top or bottom! I could still keep up with the story, but wow! So, if you want to read this one, don’t order it online…pick up a physical copy and look at pages 307-338, to make sure they’re properly printed!
I was disappointed. The story is drawn-out and thin. Granted, there are some interesting facts about the native Americans that once inhabited the land that became Nashville. And the setting of the story, the Glendale amusement park, actually existed in the 1920’s.
The story centers on Two Feathers, a young Cherokee woman who makes her living horse-diving at Glendale Park. The other secondary characters are Clive, the park manager, who struggles with his memories of WWI (read: PTSD), and Crawford, a young black man who also works at Glendale. There are also many other people — too many, really. It was hard to keep track of them all and how they fit in. And that’s why the story gets thin…it’s like adding too much water to the broth, it dilutes the taste and just ends up making everything soggy. I kept waiting for a strong thread to appear, but the tale just meanders. The ending is abrupt—it just stops. On the one hand, I thought “Really? That’s it?”, and on the other hand, I mentally shrugged and said “OK—at least it’s over.” Not exactly the kind of resolution you look for upon finishing a novel.
**Oh, and get this!! Brand new book, published this year, hardcover..and 31 pages of it were cut off! The printer screwed up big time, and each page was cut off at the top or bottom! I could still keep up with the story, but wow! So, if you want to read this one, don’t order it online…pick up a physical copy and look at pages 307-338, to make sure they’re properly printed!
November 9, 2021
Not what I was expecting. Heavy on the place and time, light on the character development. There were sections that felt like a history lecture. Would have liked better fleshed out characters. A bit of a slog, really struggled to finish this one.
May 1, 2022
This book is set in 1926 Nashville and follows a death-defying young Cherokee horse-diver. Two Feathers is on loan to Glendale Park Zoo from a Wild West show. Her best friend is a black boy named Hank, who also loves horses. But when strange things start to happen at the zoon, Two Feathers must get to the bottom of a mystery for centuries.
I found all of the research about that time in Nashville fascinating. The book starts with a sweeping tale of how this place started. At a deeper level, the book is also about the Cherokees, the Creeks, and the Shawnee being run out of historic Tennessee. I was particularly interested in some racial dynamics and what it means to be Native American and rely on people. I was also shocked about this girl's life and how she took her life into her hands on every dive.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/whe...
I found all of the research about that time in Nashville fascinating. The book starts with a sweeping tale of how this place started. At a deeper level, the book is also about the Cherokees, the Creeks, and the Shawnee being run out of historic Tennessee. I was particularly interested in some racial dynamics and what it means to be Native American and rely on people. I was also shocked about this girl's life and how she took her life into her hands on every dive.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/whe...
July 12, 2023
“The diving tank gave way. Right in the middle of a dive. The girl, the horse, and the water swooshed into the ground.
I wanted to like this book more than I did but it took everything I had to get through it. When I saw that it was about a horse diver, I was all in, but about 1/3 of the way through the book, I realized that the horse diving was over and that no longer played any part in the story. It was the reason I started this read so I wanted more. The magical realism in this story was fun, and I wish there was more of that too. The voices were all so disconnected from one another and the story switched around too much for me to enjoy any of the characters.
I wanted to like this book more than I did but it took everything I had to get through it. When I saw that it was about a horse diver, I was all in, but about 1/3 of the way through the book, I realized that the horse diving was over and that no longer played any part in the story. It was the reason I started this read so I wanted more. The magical realism in this story was fun, and I wish there was more of that too. The voices were all so disconnected from one another and the story switched around too much for me to enjoy any of the characters.
April 30, 2023
4.0⭐️
strange | strong sense of history, but also personal | circus and community
This is for you if you like… stories about outsiders, the spiritual realm whispering behind everyday reality, animal-human connection, strong female characters.
Reminded me of:
Water for Elephants
Lines I underlined:
“If ya sit real still, the world will come to ya. A path will open up.”
“We get the world we have, not the one we want. But we can make this one better.”
strange | strong sense of history, but also personal | circus and community
This is for you if you like… stories about outsiders, the spiritual realm whispering behind everyday reality, animal-human connection, strong female characters.
Reminded me of:
Water for Elephants
Lines I underlined:
“If ya sit real still, the world will come to ya. A path will open up.”
“We get the world we have, not the one we want. But we can make this one better.”
August 21, 2023
While this book is nothing that I could have expected, I still think it is well written and interesting. I am actually kind of glad I got spoilers from my book club (I hadn’t finished before the meeting) so I was not as disturbed by some of the events of the story, but I am glad ai took the time to finish it for myself. It is a very interesting, fictional, snapshot of a historical time and place that I previously knew nothing about.
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