Customer Reviews

Birdwing

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Birdwing is an interesting story. It is based on the Brothers Grimm story The Six Swans. Six brothers are turned into swans. Their sister remains silent for six years to save them. When she does, the youngest brother's left arm remains a wing. That's where the Grimm story ends and Birdwing begins.

This is a story of adventure, self-realization and kindness. It moves at a steady pace with just the right amount of description. I enjoyed the fantastical elements such as the mechanical golden arm and the presence of talking animals. It really sent home the idea that this was a story about the human spirit, about imagination and freedom to be unique.

The character of Ardwin is completely endearing. We've all felt out of place once in awhile. Imagine always being the odd one out, the boy with a wing. He more than makes up for his differences with strength, courage and kindness. Many other characters endear themselves as well - the old wizard Belarius, Prince Alene and Horse to name a few.

The settings are beautifully described. In each place that we find Ardwin, the author makes us feel as if we are there. When Ardwin and his horse face rough snowy climes, we are there with them. When the sun rises on a spring day, you could almost feel the warmth. With an economy of words, Rafe Martin has created a real modern classic.

Ardwin leaves home when he feels that there is a threat to his wing. He endures many trials which nearly kill him. He meets up with the 'witch' who 'cursed' him in the beginning. Along the way and in the end, he learns much about himself and human nature.

At Amazon.com, this book is recommended for grades 6-10. I think this is an appropriate age group but probably not for anyone younger. For those who like books that include adventure, some elements of fantasy, romance and a story about the triumph of the human spirit - this book is for you. If you are hoping for complete fantasy, dragons, wizards, elves and what-not, mythological characters, etc - you may want to pass on this.

This book is beautifully written. The story, part action adventure and part fable, is captivating and filled with meaningful messages for all ages. Martin is a master storyteller bringing life to an interesting bunch of characters; including animals! I highly recommend this novel (destined to become a classic) for you and your children.

Rafe Martin has written an absorbing story, filled with dark and light. Ardwin Birdwing struggles to come to terms with his life and his destiny in a way most young, and older, readers will fully relate to. His journey along the way is filled with memorable characters and places, humor, heroism and the underlying deep magic which fills young Ardwin's world. After reading Birdwing, one sees more magic in our world as well. This is a wonderful book!

"It was on the last day of the six years during which she was not to speak or laugh if she hoped to free her brothers from enchantment, that her own sentence was to be carried out. Five of the six shirts were done, but the last and littlest was still missing its left sleeve. As they led her to the stake and the fire was about to be lit, she looked up and saw six swans flying through the sky. Her heart leapt with joy at the sight of them. The swans touched the ground before her and with lowered necks walked forward. Quickly she threw the shirts over each of them. At once their swans' skins fell off and there, once again, stood her own brothers, strong and handsome. Only the youngest and littlest lacked a left arm, and in its place there remained a swan's wing." (From "The Six Swans" by the Brothers Grimm). From this fairytale the author has written a wonderful possible scenario set in the middle ages of what became of that littlest brother. Not human and not swan, he tries to find his place in the world while living with a unique handicap, and the world makes him the cause of a war. It is beautifully written...the author is a great storyteller and he conveys the message that all creatures are important and connected in some way.

A friend recommended this book and I had heard of the author Rafe Martin (my daughter has a couple of his childrens books). At first it seemed more targeted to teenage readers but the story ultimately hooked me with its substance and originality. Readers of all ages can take something from the book. For teenage readers, Ardwin models a path into adulthood with strength, character, integrity and plenty of spirit and wildness. It is the path of a true warrior as opposed to the facade of toughness which masks insecurity so commonplace in 'this' world. Myth and fantasy can often reveal more truth than a realistic narrative. This was exactly what I needed to read right now. I was impressed with the book and recommend it highly. I would love to see this story made into a screenplay someday. Since reading the book I came across an interview with Rafe Martin in the winter 2005 issue of Tricycle magazine that was very informative (and includes an extended excerpt from Birdwing).

Birdwing: an inspiring 'children's' story that moves magically through realms of light and dark, from painful seperation/rejection to whole-some reconciliation/acceptance. A wonderful blend of memorable characters: animal, human, mystical, mechanical and various combinations thereof. Who could forget Ardwin, Alene, and Horse, along with Belarius and his wonderful creations Trinculo & Stephano? Not to mention Sniccan and Narg, ugh! Mr. Martin is a masterful storyteller who speaks well to readers of all ages. I look forward to booking a room at "The Rack" and enjoying his next tale.

My 13-year-old nephew left Rafe's book at my house. I read the first couple of pages and was instantly hooked. I refused to return the book until I was finished. For the adult that enjoys reading fantasy novels like the Lord of the Rings trilogy, this book is for you. The story follows Birdwing's quest to "find himself" and to learn to appreciate his differences. This is a motivational story for anyone with a disability or inability to easily "fit in". I enjoyed it immensely and highly recommend the book.

At first I thought the story sounded weird, but one I started reading it I could not stop. Ardwin seems like a freak at first, but then you start to understand him and realize you would have the same doubts and questions too if it happened to you. This is a story about being different from others, and finding acceptance.
Other books I would recommend are Flowers for Algernon and An Audience for Einstein.

I love retellings of classic tales; I thought Birdwing had an extremely interesting premise. However, I found the construction of the plot to be rather shoddy. Too many twists were thrown in with no clues except cryptic hints by seers that don't impress any reader of the fantasy genre anymore.

The characters were forgettable. The only character with much identifiable personality was Horse, who was rather endearing.

The writing, for the most part, was mediocre. Ardwin's angst was described, but not particularly felt. He comes off as just another mixed up emo kid who wants everything but not willing to commit to anything.

As another reviewer pointed out, this book is definitely NOT appropriate for 6-10 year olds, for sexual references and overall redability. They are small, but definitely not necessary for younger readers.

All in all, I'm glad I didn't buy this book at full price. $.50 at a second hand store was a waste of money.

I usually do not like reading but this book made me really want to!!! I started "Birdwing" and finished this 358 page book 12 days later, along with homework and tests...! I never wanted to put this book down, at 10 at night my mom had to finally tell me to stop reading and go to bed! If you like sci fi, animals, mideavel times, and/or fantasy you will like this book! five stars all the way!