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37 pages 1 hour read

The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2000

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Book Brief

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Sun-Mi Hwang

The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2000
Book Details
Pages

144

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Farmyard • Timeless

Topic
Publication Year

2000

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

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Super Short Summary

The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly by Sun-Mi Hwang follows Sprout, an egg-laying chicken yearning for freedom and motherhood. Escaping her coop, she finds a deserted egg, which hatches into a duckling named Baby. Facing dangers like a relentless weasel, they seek refuge, but as Baby matures, he joins a flock of wild ducks. Sprout, embracing her ultimate role as a mother, makes personal sacrifices to ensure Baby's safety and freedom. Topics include animal maltreatment and death.

Inspirational

Heartwarming

Bittersweet

Melancholic

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.2

20,546 ratings

73%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Sun-Mi Hwang's The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly is a poignant, fable-like tale that resonates with themes of freedom, sacrifice, and motherhood. The simple yet expressive prose and the touching story of the hen named Sprout captivate readers of all ages. However, some may find the narrative too straightforward and the pacing slow. Overall, it is a heartwarming read that appeals to those who appreciate deeply reflective stories.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly?

Readers who cherish tales of resilience, dreams, and personal growth, akin to George Orwell's Animal Farm or Richard Bach's Jonathan Livingston Seagull, will find inspiration in Sun-Mi Hwang's The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly. This allegorical novella appeals to those who appreciate poignant, introspective fables.

4.2

20,546 ratings

73%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Sprout

A hen who longs for freedom and individuality, defined by her unconventional approach to life and desire to be a mother in a farm setting.

A wild mallard duck who is rejected by domesticated animals and displays kindness by sympathizing with Sprout, highlighting his status as an outsider.

The biological offspring of Straggler and the white duck, whom Sprout adopts and raises, exploring his sense of belonging as he grows alongside her.

Initially posed as a threatening antagonist in the story, this character undergoes a transformation to reveal a parallel life as a mother with her own motives.

Book Details
Pages

144

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Farmyard • Timeless

Topic
Publication Year

2000

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

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