My rating: 4/5
Night Bird Calling by Cathy Gohlke is an outstanding novel that intricately pulls on the heart of the reader with a storyline that encapsulates themes of revival, hope, and restoration. This story beautifully showcases the measure of Christian faith in revitalizing purpose and self-worth.
Night Bird Calling is a novel with a character driven plot that includes a cast of fascinating characters. The primary and secondary characters were masterfully portrayed in the story and gave the plot an essence of distinction. I appreciated that the author included both White and African American characters that were thoughtfully depicted. The story opens interestingly as readers meet the main character, Lilliana Swope, as she makes an unplanned escape from an abusive marriage to live with her aunt Hyacinth, in No Creek, North Carolina. Aunt Hyacinth is a poignant resident of the small town and helps to revive Lilliana’s broken spirit, and shattered faith in Christ. While living in No Creek, she learns the value of community, familial bonds, and friendship. However, No Creek is no perfect town. Set during the early 1940’s on the cusp of World War II, the novel depicts a community that is mixed race and contains residents who hold racist beliefs towards Black Americans. Issues such as segregation infuriate Lilliana, since she grew up in the integrated city of Philadelphia. When Lilliana and Aunt Hyacinth decide to open a library for both Black and White patrons, it incites dangerous racial events.
“Jesus didn’t die so you can suffer. He died to free you from sufferin” (Granny Chree, Night Bird Calling).
Issues of physical, emotional, sexual, and verbal abuse, as well as racial violence are referenced in the storyline. There were no actual scenes of abuse depicted but implied in the plot. The scenes of racial violence were descriptive but provided an authentic depiction of this issue in the story. The novel is a well-paced page turner that keeps the reader enthralled with each passing chapter. There was great Christian faith content included in the plot that provided a hopeful and inspiring element to the story. Several characters were believers of Christ who were depicted praying, citing scriptures, and remaining steadfast in their faith. Church was the pinnacle of the community, and the message of loving others like Christ loves us was beautifully captured in the storyline. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who prefers a meaningful story with memorable characters, inspiring plot, and good writing.
