Layne Maheu's debut novel Song Of The Crow offers a unique depiction of the confluence of humanity and the metaphysical heavens as illustrated by the story of Noah and the Flood from the perspective of a crow. Song Of The Crow carries readers through an incredibly engaging and superbly crafted story of struggle, fear, free will, the inner workings of the human mind, and the obedience of an old gray haired man to the commandment of his God despite the ridicule and disbelief of his community. Maheu's writing style is lyrical and imaginative, a kind of extended story-telling meditation uniquely portrayed through the eyes of a bird viewing the pitiful struggle of the man to build his ship and save all life from being extinct because of the wrath of Yahweh. A welcome addition to any community library fiction collection, Song Of The Crow is especially recommended for all readers who enjoy stories inspired by scripture and brought to life with flair, style, and imagination.

First, read all the epigraphs for each chapter. These provide a story within themselves. Layne Maheu says as much in his acknowledgements: "The fundamental telling of this story is indebted to. . . the many marvelous, far-reaching sources I researched, all of which are included in the work's epigraphs. I am especially grateful to these, as they seem to talk to one another, and tell a story all their own." Maheu used these works to speculate on the crows he saw each day and to think about the story he wanted to tell.

Second, read the book as an exercise in shifting your perspective. Maheu brings us the story behind the myth and re-imagines the Biblical story of the Flood and the Ark. What a gift!

"Song of the Crow" is beautifully written, yes, but also beautifully produced graphically by Unbridled Books. It's a pleasure to hold in your hand and to look at as well as to read.

--Janet Grace Riehl, author "Sightlines: A Poet's Diary"