The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly

Los Angeles Times bestseller
New Atlantic Indie bestseller
Mountains and Plains Indie bestseller
Southern California Indie bestseller

“A very special little book. I absolutely loved it, and I find myself still thinking about Sprout. She embodies all the best characteristics of deep-hearted mother-love: loyalty, sacrifice, and courage.” —Lisa See, author of the New York Times bestsellers Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Peony in Love, and Shanghai Girls
 
“Sometimes the simplest character, expressed in the sparest prose, embarks upon life’s most heroic journey. Meet Sprout, a plucky hen whose modest dream to hatch a single egg will take her down a path that leads to her true place in the natural world. Heart, determination, and empathy are the only skills Sprout needs to navigate this perilous passage in Sun-mi Hwang’s lovely The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly, a novel uniquely poised at the nexus of fable, philosophy, children’s literature, and nature writing.” —Adam Johnson, author of the New York Times bestseller and Pulitzer Prize winner The Orphan Master’s Son and the National Book Award winner Fortune Smiles
 
“The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly breaks down the boundaries between the animal and the human and takes us on the intensely personal journey of a lonely hen whose simple, fierce desires guide her to surprising places. This entertaining and plaintive tale is South Korea’s Charlotte’s Web for youth and adults alike.” —Krys Lee, author of Drifting House

“Everything wonderful about the world is contained in this small gem of a novel, which brims with dream-fulfilling adventures and the longing that underlies love.” —Kyung-sook Shin, author of the New York Times bestseller Please Look After Mom

“It has the plain language of a folktale but also its power of dark suggestion.” —NPR.org, “The Best Books Coming Out This Week”

“Bewitching . . . a fabular bestseller told from the point of view of a homeless hen, which will make grown men and women cry.” —The Independent, “Books of the Year”

“A note-perfect masterstroke of a novella . . . that belongs on a bookshelf somewhere between the innocent frivolity of Charlotte’s Web and subliminal politics of Animal Farm . . . Sublime.” —Toronto Star

“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 allegorical crossover hit.” —The Bookseller, “Books of the Year”

“Poignant . . . Themes of love, sacrifice, parenthood and belonging are explored through the simple but moving story.” —Audrey Magazine

“[A] simply told but absorbing fable . . . Spare but evocative line drawings . . . add to the subtle charm.” —Publishers Weekly

“An adroit allegory about life . . . in the vein of classics like Charlotte’s Web and Jonathan Livingston Seagull . . . A subtle morality tale that will appeal to readers of all ages.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Recalling Jonathan Livingston Seagull (1970), this slim but powerful tale will resonate with readers of all ages, who can take it at face value or delve deeper into its meditations on living courageously and facing mortality. . . . The English translation moves smoothly and straightforwardly and is aided by graceful black-and-white illustrations.” —Booklist