The Swan Bonnet

by Katherine L. Holmes

Narrated by: Pamela Hershey

Produced by Couchgrass Books

Review by R. Burkey

Quite a Swan Bonnet!

Katherine L. Holmes created this young adult as a coming-of-age story of Dawn. The character development of Dawn and her family is well done as well as integral to the story. The small-town mindset of the Alaskan territory included civilized changes. The descriptions were vivid with the delightful narration by Pamela Hershey.

The swans' story and their annual migration on the Alaskan coast roughly one hundred years ago is a focus. For three generations, Dawn's family has been involved with the swans' migration as they return in summer. Dawn's Grandma Glenda recognizes many of the swans and names them. They care for them and teach their children and children's children to appreciate these magnificent creatures.

Swan feathers are valuable, and poachers are illegally shooting them then exporting them. Getting common hunters redirected became a common practice. Dawn's Uncle Alex is a hunter and tries to misdirect poachers to help preserve the swans. Since swans mate for life when a spouse dies, their mate soon follows. Such was the case with one of the birds named Bustle. The family found the dead carcass and fashioned a hat for Dawn's mom. At the height of the changes in poaching laws, she makes quite a statement by wearing it to town.

This is a good story and recommended for the young adult reader. I liked the flavor and description of the times. The language is easy to listen to and understand. It provides a little history of other cultures and a time sadly gone. The narration was excellent with pacing and tone. There were no issues with the quality of this audible.

Disclaimer: This Audiobook was provided free of charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher in exchange for a non-bias, honest review.