The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year By Margaret Renkl

In "The Comfort of Crows," Margaret Renkl offers a poignant exploration of the passing seasons, intertwining the rhythms of nature with the evolving landscape of her own life. Through fifty-two chapters, Renkl invites readers into her backyard, where the creatures and plants become characters in a captivating narrative.

Renkl's lyrical prose celebrates the beauty and resilience of the natural world while acknowledging the bittersweet reality of its decline. From the resourceful crows observed on New Year's Day to the dwindling populations of songbirds, each encounter serves as a reflection of both joy and grief. As the seasons unfold, so too do the changing rhythms of Renkl's own existence, marked by the presence of grown children returning home amidst the backdrop of a pandemic.

Throughout the book, Renkl's observations are accompanied by original color artwork by her brother, Billy Renkl, enhancing the immersive experience of the narrative. Together, text and illustrations paint a vivid portrait of the interconnectedness of life, where moments of loss are intertwined with bursts of radiant beauty.

"The Comfort of Crows" is more than just a book about nature; it's a testament to the power of observation and the capacity for resilience in the face of change. Renkl's writing is a "howling love letter to the world," as described by Ann Patchett, capturing the profound sense of wonder and awe that comes from bearing witness to the cycles of life and the enduring presence of hope in even the darkest of times. 📚❤️