The Hen Who Dreamed she Could Fly (Paperback)
Sun-mi Hwang (author), Kazuko Nomoto (illustrator), Chi-Young Kim (translator)Published: 27/02/2014

A touching and idiosyncratic fable of truly global popularity, Hwang’s uplifting tale of fowl freedom and motherhood in the wild is a great feel-good read with a warm and welcome message.
A TOP TEN INDIE PUBLISHERS' FICTION BESTSELLER FOR 2014
AN INDEPENDENT BOOK OF THE YEAR 2014 PICK
A WATERSTONES BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2014 PICK
A BOOKSELLER BOOK OF THE YEAR 2014 PICK
This is the story of a hen named Sprout. No longer content to lay eggs on command only to have them carted off to the market, she glimpses her future every morning through the barn doors, where the other animals roam free, and comes up with a plan to escape into the wild-and to hatch an egg of her own. An anthem for individuality and motherhood, The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly has captivated millions of readers in Korea. Now the novel is making its way around the world, where it has the potential to inspire generations of readers the way Jonathan Livingston Seagull or The Alchemist have. And with Nomoco's evocative illustrations throughout, this first English-language edition beautifully captures the journey of an unforgettable character in world literature.
Publisher: Oneworld Publications
ISBN: 9781780745343
Number of pages: 144
Dimensions: 198 x 129 mm
MEDIA REVIEWS
'Already regarded as a modern classic... compelling and beautifully told... a fable for our time, outstanding in the quality of its layered, lyrical prose and memorable in the exemplary determination, loving kindness and courage of its heroine'
* Carousel *'Bewitching... a fabular bestseller told from the point of view of a homeless hen, which will make grown men and women cry.'
* Independent, "Books of the Year" *'Will bring a tear to many a young eye'
* School Librarian *'Timeless [and] touching'
* Independent *'Has charms for all ages'
* Glasgow Herald *'Intriguing'
* Independent *"The beauty of Hwang's story lies in its simplicity. Beneath the surface The Hen Who Dreamed taps into a timeless, restless existential quandary that speaks to the very heart of our modern alienation from nature and our instincts...The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly is, in its physical brevity and philosophic heft, a note-perfect masterstroke of a novella that captures the contemporary indignation we often accept in tempering our own ambitions, so that we can at least lead undramatic lives."
-- Toronto Star"It has the plain language of a folktale but also its power of dark suggestion."
-- NPR.org, "The Best Books Coming Out This Week""Beautifully and simply written . . . Sprout [is] one of the most likable protagonists of the year. With her defiance of the rules, curiosity and tireless efforts, Sprout stays with and inspires the reader long after the slim story is finished."
-- Bookreporter"Perfect to read in a single sitting, although the story's loving spirit is sure to linger. It's also the ideal gift to share with anyone and everyone who holds a place in your heart."
-- BookDragon"An adroit allegory about life..in the vein of classics like Charlotte's Web and Jonathan Livinvston Seagull...A subtle morality tale that will appeal to readers of all ages."
* Kirkus Review *"A simply told but absorbing fable...Spare but evocative line drawing...add to the subtle charm."
* Publishers Weekly *You may also be interested in...
“A wonderful tale- I already want to read it again!”
This is such a wonderful story. As a reader, I really engaged with the heroine of the tale, Sprout, which I wasn't expecting (Sprout being a hen).
It speaks of courage, hope, love, determination and most of all...
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“”
The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly is a charming tale about Sprout, a tired, worn down industrial hen who yearns and dares to dream about a better life for herself. Sprout desperately wants to be free from the coop and... More
“Beautiful book”
I absolutely loved this book, it was very well written and the story line develops wonderfully. It is easy reading, but also really captures your attention, I read it in a single night and literally couldn't put... More
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