Raven’s End

by Ben Gadd

Imagine if the last thing you remembered was falling. Unfortunately for young Colin, it is the last thing he remembers. Raven’s End tells the story of a wounded and disoriented boy who can’t seem to remember anything except the recent landing he made in a juniper bush. Thank goodness for the kindness of strangers because he is immediately rescued. A little confused, Colin asks many questions of his new friend Zack before finally realizing he is a raven. The story focuses on Colin and his introduction into a special flock, called Raven’s End. They live on the south face of Yamnuska, near Canmore. The ravens have flaps where they discuss the important daily news, take flights together, eat together and act much like a modern day family. At first glance you might even think you are reading about a group of flying humans — in fact, the reader discovers that all of the animals in the story seem quite human. The life cycles Gadd describes increase awareness of the mountain surroundings and the day to day struggle of different animals. Colin makes friends easily even when he is thought to be a predator. He meets a pika who tells him about their unique pikaness and human climbers on Yamnuska who recognize him each time they come to the area. But as much as Colin wants to be an ordinary raven, he is not. His flying ability out-soars most ravens and his keen sense of prey helps to feed the whole flock. These are not the only things that set Colin apart from the other ravens in Raven’s End but also the fact that he finds a friend and mentor in an elder named Greta who aids him with his distinct characteristics. Greta guides him and teaches him all she can, until he is ready to find his memories again. The end of the book is exceptionally done. Colin’s life comes together and the meaning of the story becomes much more certain.

Gadd’s book is beautifully written and is a wonderful story for all ages. It leaves you with a feeling of compassion in your heart and a greater understanding for these beautiful birds. Their language and admiration for knowledge will surprise and their closeness to the human race will make you believe. A raven’s view from above the clouds must be sensational compared to our limited view from the ground, and although we will never fly through the clouds like the ravens, Gadd’s book lets us feel what it would be like if we could. You will never again look at a Raven the same way.