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There are currently 41 member reviews
for Migrations
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Carole R. (Burlington, WI)
From Chaos ...
Migrations is one of those novels that are as chaotic to read as the story the author is giving us. As readers we have a choice, embrace the chaos, forgive the cliffs or choose to step back and close the cover. Charlotte McConaghy (could be first book I chose to read because of name) has written a book that feels like it was wrenched out of her soul. I would really like to know more about her. I suspect in coming months that will happen.
This is a book of what ifs. Clues are parsed out stingily and with little fanfare. I'm sure I missed many in my race to the end of this story. Although placed in the future, this book feels like it could be now. More than an interpersonal relationship book it is also an environmental story that warns us to take heed of our climate policies and protections.
I will carry this book with me a long time. I will reread it more slowly and deliberately. I will give it to you with my highest recommendation. Step into the chaos....
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Gina T. (Natick, MA)
Powerful and poetic
Wow! Migrations took me by surprise.
I would describe it as a work of art. Such beautiful prose, powerful and unusual plot, gripping characters.. the setting reminded me of Matterhorn, in that I can feel the cold, the turbulence of the seas etc . Not many novelists are capable of that feat.
I found myself rereading paragraphs, reflecting on the universal themes of grief, hope, frustration, spirit and determination.
I truly could not put this novel down and will recommend it to all my friends.
Why we read...
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Dorothy M. (Maynard, MA)
Beautifully written books about a dark subject
Australian author Charlotte McConagny's first novel published in the US, Migrations, is set in the (probably nearer than we hope) future when human actions and climate change have decimated animal, bird and fish populations to near or complete extinction. Her main character - Franny Stone - is a seriously damaged woman who has spent her life wandering, unable to deal with enclosure in places or relationships. The story begins when Franny is in Greenland, having successfully banded three Arctic terns, members of what appears to be the last flock on earth. She is convinced that if she can follow their migration - the longest one in nature from the Arctic to Antarctica - she can save the species. But there is much more going on and McConagny cleverly parses out Franny's background story, making the book a page turning thriller. Beautifully written with incredible descriptions of the journey across some of the most dangerous portions of the Atlantic ocean, this is a highly recommended book.
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Donna W. (Wauwatosa, WI)
Migrations
This was a very powerful story! The book was written in such a beautiful way that it touched my heart, and I was really sorry to see it end. There is a bit of a mystery about the lead character's background and this adds to the strength of book.
I was profoundly touched by this book: The author did an excellent job writing such a moving story. I highly recommend this book.
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Betty B. (Irving, TX)
Such An Amazing Book
Once I began reading Migrations I found it very difficult to put down, and the day after I started it I finished it. The writing is so beautiful, poetic and melancholic. In this desolated world of Migrations, there is still love...love of birds, adventure, and those special people in our lives. I will definitely share Migrations with my Book Club and other special friends. And I imagine in years to come I will remember Migrations as one of my most favorite books. I wish I could have rated it higher.
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Rebecca
This book will tug at your heart
There have been several books written recently that caution us to take better care of our planet: The Overstory, The History of Bees and The End of the Ocean to name a few. They have all touched me and made me weep for the things mankind has done. But none of them touched me like Migration. Migration is set in a world where animals no longer exist, except for domesticated ones. Fishing has been banned since marine life is depleted. Birds are extinct except for the Arctic tern, the hardiest of birds that migrates yearly from the top of our planet to the bottom, Franny Lynch lives in this world, wanderer, sister to the sea, lover of birds. She is on a mission to follow the terns on their journey which just may be their last. She enlists a fishing boat with a crew of characters who become as determined as her to follow her birds although they have no idea Franny has a past that slowly unfolds throughout their travel. This is a book of regret, betrayal, fear, determination, hope and ultimately of great love. The ending left me breathless.
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Joy E. (Rockville, MD)
Prescient Tale of Extinction
Reading Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy during this period of life-changing events is chilling. The book is set in a time when climate change has led to extinctions of most forms of wildlife, which is shifting life for many people all over the world. Although Corvid-19 is not the same, the foreshadowing of uncontrolled and uncontrollable events is unmistakable
A migration is a voyage, which is what this book is—both a literal voyage following the last migration of the Arctic tern and Franny Lynch's own voyage seeking the clues to her life. Franny is both determined and desperate. You are drawn into her story and the lives of the oddly assorted crew of the fishing vessel which she inveigles into her quest. This is a sad but beautifully written book which slowly unfolds its mysteries and truths.
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