Wren lost their family with the recent passing of their uncle Jeremy. Death seems to follow Wren, as another person close to them is the victim of a mysterious murder. Wren won’t accept losing more people they care about, and they’ll find an unconventional partner in the outsider Jethro.

“You gotta make the in-between worth the heartbreak. Nothing lasts except the memories you have behind you, and nothing is certain except for change.”

Disclaimer: This book is a participant in the Indie Ink Awards 2022 and I read it as a judge. My personal rating does not reflect its score for the contest.

Wren lived with their uncle in Spastoke since the death of their parents when they were young. Sharing the passion for birdwatching, Wren found a home with the Citizens, a not-so-secret group of birdwatchers the town is wary about. More than the Citizens, they’re distrustful of outsiders. That’s where Jethro comes in.

Jethro just moved in with his father to take care of his grandfather, who lives in Spastoke. He tries to approach Wren and become their friend, but Wren is tired of losing the people they love, so they close themselves to new relationships.

I’ve mentioned before that I’m not a fan of contemporary settings. This book also lacks fantastical elements, making it different from my usual reads. I’m clearly not the target for this book, but that didn’t detract me from enjoying the beautiful passages.

The river is an open cut in the landscape. Like a wound that keeps flowing open, never able to heal. It feeds the trees, the brambles. In turn, they give way to wildlife.

The book is heavy on birdwatching references. That’s an interest I’ve never understood since it’s not a thing where I’m from. I believe people who have practiced the activity will find it nostalgic.

It also paints the curse and blessing that is living in a small town: never enough privacy, but your neighbours are familiar enough to rely on. I’ve always lived in a city. I guess I’m too much of a “city boy” (like Jethro) to appreciate everything this book has to offer.

The Fable of Wren highlights the importance of history and record keeping. It is a love letter to those who lived before us, especially those who left a mark on our lives.