When Two Feathers Fell From the Sky is Margaret Verble’s latest novel. The setting is at Glendale park and zoo in 1926 Nashville, where Two Feathers, the female protagonist, performs as a horse diver (the horse and diver jump from a platform and land in a pool below for an audience). Two is a Cherokee cowgirl. She has an interesting point of view, given her social status vis-à-vis 1920s America and also has her own interesting and endearing personal qualities. Rather than recite how the plot unfolds, I’ll mention some qualities that make this tale compelling. First, is Two Feathers herself. You’ll remember this character. Second is how well 1926 Nashville and America (and race and class) is reflected in the speaking and doings of various characters. A lot of research went into this book that creates a sense of actually being in the time and place and feeling how it must have felt. Third, there are additional supporting characters that are interesting, enjoyable, and well-developed. Fourth, this Glendale park and zoo was a real place. Turns out the author grew up beside the area where it used to operate. The only small criticism one might have is occasionally there’s more exposition than some readers will want.
This is a fine book and likely will win awards. I’ll never forget Two Feathers and several other characters or the sensibility of the time and place where the story takes place. Here’s what Kirkus Reviews says:
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/margaret-verble/when-two-feathers-fell-from-the-sky/
