Book Notes: Timeless classic highly recommended
In simple, almost poetic prose, Margaret Craven’s novel, I Heard the Owl Call My Name, tells the story of Mark Brian, a young Anglican vicar who is sent by his bishop to serve a First Nation parish in an isolated village in British Columbia. The bishop knows Mark is dying but Mark does not. In many ways, the book is about the natural acceptance of change and death.
As Mark settles in and builds relationships with his parishioners, he realizes that the traditions the elders hold dear are dying, and along with them possibly the village, too. Many young people are restless and feel alienated from their native culture. As they venture into the wider world, they forget about or are embarrassed by their heritage. They become so changed by the modern world that when they return to their village, there is friction between young and old.
The young vicar works hard to be respectful of the culture, integrate his work into the ways of the village, and help bridge the gap between the traditional and modern worlds. After a year with the villagers, Mark is well integrated into their community. When it becomes evident that Mark’s life is coming to an end the bishop calls him back to Vancouver. But the people of the village ask Mark to stay with them and be buried there.
Overall, the members of UMRA’s book club enjoyed the book and loved the flowing style of the simple sentences. One member commented, “The book went right to my heart, grabbed my soul, and gave me peace.” We highly recommend this timeless classic.
—Beth Bedell, Book Club member
Book Club to discuss I Heard the Owl Call My Name
Fri, Oct 12 2018, 2pm
The UMRA Book Club will meet on Friday, October 19, at 2 p.m. at 1666 Coffman. Beth Bedell will lead the discussion of I Heard the Owl Call My Name by Margaret Craven. For more information, contact Pat Tollefson at [email protected].
Upcoming Events
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Climatologist and meteorologist Mark Seeley joined the U of M faculty in 1978 and has been a weekly commentator on Minnesota Public Radio since 1992. We are honored to welcome him as our guest speaker for UMRA’s May Luncheon Forum and 2024 Annual Meeting. He is always entertaining and informative.
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Picnic under the covered, open-air Como pavilion, gaze at the water, spy some birds, catch up with friends and former colleagues, and meet new members. We’ll have lunch with plenty of time for visiting and then compete in teams as we are challenged by our Quiz master(s)!
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