35 pages • 1 hour read
I Heard The Owl Call My Name
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
160
Novel • Fiction
British Columbia • Mid-20th Century
1967
Adult
14+ years
Super Short Summary
I Heard The Owl Call My Name by Margaret Craven follows 27-year-old Anglican vicar Mark Brian, who has an unnamed terminal illness, as he is sent to live among the Kwakiutl Indians in the coastal village of Kingcome. With the guidance of local Jim Wallace, Mark learns about the indigenous culture, the struggles of the village, and the dignity in the cycle of life. Through his journey, Mark forms deep connections with the villagers and gains profound insights into life and death.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Inspirational
Serene
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
9,769 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Margaret Craven's I Heard the Owl Call My Name offers a poignant exploration of indigenous culture and the confrontation with mortality. The narrative is praised for its simplicity and emotional depth. Critics highlight the sensitive portrayal of the Kwakiutl tribe, though some feel the characterization could be more nuanced. Overall, it's a moving and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read I Heard The Owl Call My Name?
Readers who relish touching tales of cross-cultural encounters and personal growth will appreciate Margaret Craven's I Heard The Owl Call My Name. Fans of books like Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart and Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner will connect with its poignant exploration of life, death, and community amidst indigenous settings.
9,769 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
160
Novel • Fiction
British Columbia • Mid-20th Century
1967
Adult
14+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.