EIDI

The close of Bredsdorff’s exquisite U.S. debut, Crow-Girl (2004), found its title character peacefully ensconced in her seaside home with her “found” family. This sequel (the first of three) follows one of the other Children of Crow Cove, Eidi, rescued by Myna in the previous book, as she departs the cove when the birth of a half brother leaves her feeling out of place. A skilled spinner and weaver, she teams up with shepherd Rossan to help him bring his wool to market in the very town she escaped from. There she encounters people both kind and cruel, and, like Myna before her, finds herself drawn to the most vulnerable. As quiet as its predecessor, this novel shines when it explores the complexities of the human psyche; Eidi finds that even the most seemingly heartless may have redemptive qualities. Her quasi-mystic ability to “hear” truth, brought on by a head injury, mars the simplicity of the tale, keeping it from achieving the gem-like perfection of Crow-Girl. Still, an equally heartfelt story of love and belonging. (Fiction. 10-14)