35 pages 1 hour read

Margaret Craven

I Heard The Owl Call My Name

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1967

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

I Heard The Owl Call My Name by Margaret Craven follows 27-year-old Anglican vicar Mark Brian, who has an unnamed terminal illness, as he is sent to live among the Kwakiutl Indians in the coastal village of Kingcome. With the guidance of local Jim Wallace, Mark learns about the indigenous culture, the struggles of the village, and the dignity in the cycle of life. Through his journey, Mark forms deep connections with the villagers and gains profound insights into life and death.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Margaret Craven's I Heard the Owl Call My Name offers a poignant exploration of indigenous culture and the confrontation with mortality. The narrative is praised for its simplicity and emotional depth. Critics highlight the sensitive portrayal of the Kwakiutl tribe, though some feel the characterization could be more nuanced. Overall, it's a moving and thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read I Heard The Owl Call My Name?

Readers who relish touching tales of cross-cultural encounters and personal growth will appreciate Margaret Craven's I Heard The Owl Call My Name. Fans of books like Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart and Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner will connect with its poignant exploration of life, death, and community amidst indigenous settings.

RecommendedReading Age

14+years

Lexile Level

1080L