And luckily, in this case, the novel does not disappoint, transporting you into a world both imaginary and strikingly real.' - Campus Circle ' has one of those charming covers that call out to you from the shelves of the bookstore. In its exploration of difference – of disability, of queerness – it feels truly modern, but in its themes of love and sacrifice, it is the oldest tale in the world.' - The Guardian It has lingered in my mind in a way that only the most original works do. 'It would not surprise me if Chouette finds a place in the feminist literary canon.

An engrossing, surreal portrayal of motherhood.” - NPR “By turns poetic, gory, heartbreaking and strange…. “Weirdly funny and bold, this novel will make you look at maternal sacrifice in a new way.” - Real Simple The book has deep and universal resonance.” - San Francisco Chronicle “Chouette,” which abounds with humor and lush imagery, forces parents to consider their relationship with their children…. “Oshetsky’s book is surrealism at its best…. A harrowing and magnificent fable.” - New York Times Book Review

squarely on Tiny’s fierce love as she battles her husband and nature to allow Chouette to be wild and exact, stakes that feel frightening and true to life…. When she discovers that her husband is on an obsessive and increasingly dangerous quest to find a “cure” for their daughter, Tiny must decide whether Chouette should be raised to fit in or to be herself-and learn what it truly means to be a mother.Īrresting, darkly funny, and unsettling, Chouette is a brilliant exploration of ambition, sacrifice, perceptions of ability, and the ferocity of motherly love.

Even in those times when Chouette’s behaviors grow violent and strange, Tiny’s loving commitment to her daughter is unwavering. Left on her own to care for a child who seems more predatory bird than baby, Tiny vows to raise Chouette to be her authentic self. When Chouette is born small and broken-winged, Tiny works around the clock to meet her daughter’s needs. “You think this baby is going to be like you, but it’s not like you at all,” she warns him. 'Claire Oshetsky’s novel is a marvel: its language a joy, its imagination dizzying.' -Rumaan Alam, New York Times bestselling author of Leave the World BehindĪn exhilarating, provocative novel of motherhood in extremis LONGLISTED FOR THE 2022 PEN/FAULKNER AWARD FOR FICTION

Chouette claire oshetsky review