The Crane Wife
In his third book for adults, acclaimed YA author Ness (A Monster Calls, 2011) addresses work woes, broken marriages, and moral ambiguity as he lays the groundwork for weighty themes of sacrifice, forgiveness, and self-­acceptance. While the subjects are heavy, the telling is light as he masterfully weaves together two narratives. One is the story of George Duncan, a print-shop owner whose life mimics the 8½-by-11-inch monotony of his labor until a spectacular, wounded crane appears one night in his backyard. More mysterious is the appearance the next day in his shop of an enchanting woman, Kumiko, and her exquisite cut-paper artwork. Ness’ simultaneous retelling of a Japanese folktale about a crane and a volcano is folded and cut much like Kumiko’s artwork. Fantastical and whimsical yet tormented, Ness’ novel shares its title with “a brilliant album also called The Crane Wife,” by “the greatest band in the world, The Decemberists.” This acknowledgment can serve as a litmus test. If you share Ness’ ardent love for the indie folk quintet, read on. --Katharine Fronk