Book Review: The Cry of an Osprey by Angie Vancise

Angie Vancise’s “Cry of an Osprey” is definitely an emotional roller coaster. Although the main theme appears to be an alternate love story, this is just the backdrop to a larger picture that every reader can relate to to some degree. It is a story about family ties, solidarity and the loss of a loved one.

At the center of the story is Jax Vanbeerman, who at the age of 48 suffers from a stroke. This is the trigger that unites a scattered family, a current and a former lover and many more people to share a couple of agonizing days in closed spaces. At that moment there is a temporary fork, on the one hand we are in the present together with Jax in the hospital with loved ones, but also in the past, reliving memories of the good old days. It is in this process of recollection that regret creeps in as the characters wonder about alternative decisions and actions, about what could have been. In fact, as Jax fades from the living, he grows ever stronger in the hearts and memories of the people who loved him. Perhaps this is the most important lesson in the book.

One of the interesting stylistic features of the novel is the approach the author takes. She allows readers to learn about Jax only through other characters; his sister Amelia and his ex-lover Ben. Each chapter is presented from the perspective of one or the other as we become more familiar with and closer to them. Jax represents the overlap between two very different people and stories; It is interesting to explore the different facets of him, but also the constants of his character from the point of view of the most important people in his life.

The book should appeal to a wide audience, especially because the story is told from the point of view of both genders, but mostly because of the themes it deals with. It is about much more than an alternative lifestyle, the LGBT community and its struggle, it covers the colorful spectrum of human relationships, difficulties and solidarity. However, it must be said that the novel contains some explicit content and language, so it is not appropriate for readers of all ages. All in all, Angie Vancise’s debut novel “Cry of an Osprey” is a highly personal piece with a strong gravitational pull. There are many aspects worth mentioning, but above all it is the sincerity and vulnerability that seduces the reader and makes them resonate with the characters. In addition, the cover of the book is painted by the author herself, enveloping her writing in a purple haze.