Feather and Claw

A hundred or so years ago, in Valencia, a young girl lives with her grandfather. Between them, they are keeping an incomprehensible, extraordinary secret. Each morning, as the sun rises, Amparo becomes Feather - a hawk. And each evening, as the sun sets, she returns, once again, to her human form.

One day, as she flies over a fairground in the city, Amparo notices a boy change into a panther. She has an instinct that he is part of her mystery and is determined to speak to him. She finds him suspicious but remains undaunted and insists they must work together to unravel the truth of their origins. It’s not easy, as they are never human at the same time but, with the help of Pedro, an irrepressible friend she makes on the streets, they start to delve for the truth of their origins. Together, they gradually unravel dark plots, family secrets and an ancient legend until, finally, each of them needs to choose their own destiny.

Feather and Claw read with a freshness that compelled my attention. Translated from Italian, it comes from an angle slightly different from the many fantasy stories published in English, although I think it would fit best into that category. There is as much of Ovid here as of Harry Potter.

The story is told partly in gloriously atmospheric black and white illustrations that add to the sinister sense of a shadowy conspiracy. It is a beautifully produced book and an intense read that encourages the reader to ponder on themes of transition, change and identity.

240 pages / Reviewed by Louisa Farrow, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 11+