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There are currently 41 member reviews
for Migrations
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Melissa S. (Rowland, NC)
Migrations
I agree with one reviewer of Charlotte McConaghy's novel Migrations in that it is a "deeply moving and consistently unsettling novel, both personal and global." From the first page, Franny Stone reveals just enough about herself and the environment to know something is tragically wrong with both. Broken proves a dominant theme of this novel. Throughout Franny's mission to follow the migration of the world's last flock of Artic Terns, the reader discovers, bit by bit, Franny is a destroyer. She wrecks everything and everyone she touches. Franny romanticizes that her "wandering" nature is an inherent trait passed from her mother and her mother before that. However, when examined closer, one can see her wandering, and resulting emotional destruction, comes not from a gene passed through the generations, but rather a horrifically tragic event. Her life is one big lie, both to herself and those around her.
Even though McConaghy's novel is a page turner that kept me reading too late many nights, I found myself not liking Franny at all. I feel she is supposed to be the sympathetic victim we are to root for and fall in love with, but I'm not sold. In life, we are all responsible for our actions. No matter how horrible the cards we are dealt, we have a responsibility to protect others, even if it's from ourselves. I found irony in the fact that she felt so deeply about the animals going extinct, but did little to save the people she loved from herself. Now, I had moments of weakness when Franny was bluntly honest (in retrospect) and bared her soul to show the workings within. In those moments, my heart truly hurt for her. I could see her as a little injured bird, so fragile the slightest disruptions may end her life right then and there.
McConaghy's prose throughout the novel is as rhythmic as the ocean Franny sails, and Franny's emotions are as volatile as the storms that rage on that same sea. In many ways, the Terns and Franny live the same life and, in the end, the Terns bring her back.
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Penny P. (Santa Barbara, CA)
Migrations
I put off reading this book because of the uncertain times we are facing. Once I stated reading it I found it to be captivating. Very scary at time, as it addresses rel situations we are facing such as climate change and extinction of species.
Fanny was a modern day hero with issues in her own past. She dealt with her issues and tried to help others on a ship bound journey to follow the migration.
I found this to be a very interesting and informative book and I will recommend it to my book club.
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Mary O. (Boston, MA)
Birder
This book captured me! So refreshing in a time of fear and uncertainty. The heroine is passionate about life and especially birds. As a birder, I shared her wonder and curiosity. It is a true joy to read! READ THIS BOOK!!! You will be so glad you did!
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Carol F. (Lake Linden, MI)
Migrations
Migrations is a compelling story of the possible future of wildlife extinction. As Franny follows the last of the Arctic Terns during their migration we are drawn into her past story and yet apprehensive of her current journey. The descriptions of Franny's surroundings are particularly beautiful and so vivid as to bring you right there with Franny feeling the coldness of the ocean or seeing the birds in the sky. The author's spare and elegant writing style makes reading this book a true joy.
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Marilyn G. (Phoenixville, PA)
You must make this journey!
McConaghy writes a poignant tale of two intersecting and courageous journeys, one of bird, the other human. Written with profound insight, Migrations tells the story of Franny Stone's quest to follow the endangered Arctic tern migration from Greenland to the Wendall Sea near the Antarctic Peninsula. While following this fragile yet indomitable bird on the longest migration of any animal, Franny's quest to calm her inner turmoil and find closure is as harrowing as her time at sea. With well-crafted parallels and polarities, Migrations makes you think and feel, and stays with you long after reading the last word. You must make this journey!
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Kay K. (Oshkosh, WI)
Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy
This may be my favorite book this year! Beautiful language describing hope and despair in a future world that has lost most of its wild life. As Franny navigates her own last migration following the last migratory bird, the Arctic Tern, her life and love unfolds through her letters to Niall and her relationship with the crew of the Saghani. Her journey is harrowing and heroic. Spirits in despair can find each other, form a bond and save each other.
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Viqui G. (State College, PA)
Migrations
It has been awhile since I read a book that thoroughly captured me, but with "Migrations" I found that delight in reading again. The protagonist, Franny Stone, is intense, honest with herself and others and yet flawed in some ways. She is a very believable heroine. Her passion for all living things, especially birds, is all encompassing. However, her relationship with humans is complicated.
Franny's world is changing quickly; many of her beloved birds are becoming rapidly rare and even extinct. The reader follows Franny as she attempts to follow migrating terns to Antarctica. Along the way we learn about her past life and what made Franny the passionate and complicated woman that she is. If you want a great read with a lot of nuanced characters READ THIS NOVEL!
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