"The Bird Artist" is a novel by Howard Norman, published in 1994. The story is set in the early 20th century in a small fishing village in Newfoundland, Canada and is narrated by its protagonist, Fabian Vas.
Fabian is a talented bird artist who is deeply in love with a young woman named Margaret. However, their relationship is complicated by the arrival of a stranger in the village, who disrupts their lives and forces Fabian to confront his past and the secrets of his family.
The novel explores themes such as love, betrayal, family, and the tensions between tradition and modernity. Norman's writing style is lyrical and evocative, with a focus on the natural beauty of the Newfoundland landscape and the complex emotions of his characters.
Overall, "The Bird Artist" is a beautifully written and emotionally powerful novel that offers a rich and vivid portrayal of life in a remote Canadian fishing village. It is a poignant meditation on the human experience and the power of love and loss to shape our lives.