Customer Reviews

In Search of Wings Lost

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A truly gorgeous novel, one of the most remarkable books I've read in years. It's all here--life and death, love lost and gained, ultimacy as well as the here and now, beauty, philosophy, poetry, humor. And can you believe every character is an animal? Two pages in, you realize it couldn't, shouldn't, happen any other way. Marcel is an unforgettable and highly effective protagonist, spearheading a book that begs to be read again and again.

Here is the hero's journey told in a new and refreshing voice -- from the beak of Marcel. I was able to relate to Marcel, being a sensitive type myself. At one point, Marcel asks an elder: "Why can't we all just lead ordinary, peaceful lives...forever?" Sensitive Marcel must overcome his fears of adulthood, of the outside world, even death, as he sets out into the frightening world beyond his nature preserve. As I travel with Marcel, author Don Berk convinces me that flying is completely natural: wings, not legs, the norm. With Marcel I dodge the dangers of the world and find salvation in unexpected places. Read this book. You will enjoy it.

In Search of Wings Lost was everything I love in a book. It had profound significance without beating one over the head, it had humor that made me laugh out loud, it was easily read without being too simplistic and it continues to draw me back over and over. Marcel and the rest of his family felt like any family; funny and flawed, well meaning and periodically mistaken. The appeal of this book is universal: all ages, all demographics, all sexes, and all nations.

Beautiful allegory, cleverly written, funny metaphors and clever one-liners.
"The worst part about death seems to be having to give up who you are, or to quit trying trying to be who thought you wanted to be before you are ready".
And another quote from the book: "As they say, music soothes the savage beak. I liked music".

This is the best book that i have read in a long time, one that would keep me up past bedtime, unable to stop turning the pages.
There is a feeling of an action-adventure story, as many dramatic events, often with unexpected twists and turns, are witnessed; but this novel is so much more, it has real depth.

The endearing characters are very engaging, they invite the reader to discover their avian world, it's beauty and challenges.
Beyond this there is a very strong spiritual dimension, as circumstances push humble Marcel on a unique journey of self-development. His personal experiences lead him to realisations about life, death and love.

Donald Berk is a master craftsman playing with the english language, using his skills to bring laughter, tears, hope and insight into the big questions that, sooner or later, face us all.
This book deserves to be a best-seller.

but it left me disappointed. Although this tale had all the elements and promise of a "Watership Down", it lacked depth and heart. I found the secondary characters far more interesting and admirable than the hero (Marcel) and was disappointed when they left the plot without much explanation. I found the writing sometimes cumbersome with the intelectual weave of otherwise simple concepts. I really wanted to like this.....very sad ending, not from a tearful view either.