★The Axeman’s Carnival. Catherine Chidgey. Europa. Aug. 2024. 336p. ISBN 9798889660224. pap. $18. F

When tiny helpless magpie chick Tama is rescued and taken in by New Zealand woman Marnie, he learns about people while remembering his magpie family in the trees above. Marnie’s husband, Rob, a farmer and competitive woodchopper, is a violent man at home (“This is how houses work,” Tama learns) and is fiercely determined to win his 10th consecutive Golden Axe (and the accompanying prize money) at the upcoming Axeman’s Carnival. But Marnie’s attentions are on Tama as he displays his intelligence, speaking human words and phrases he has picked up at home and performing for Marnie’s effusive love. Tama, who says “meow” as he hops through the house’s cat door, is before long a social-media darling with an agent, a livestream, and merch. Tensions between Marnie and Rob increase as Tama’s fame skyrockets, the Axeman’s Carnival approaches, and the farm struggles, leading to a gripping dénouement. VERDICT To the oft-invoked online debate of man vs. bear, Tama offers a new question: man vs. bird. The magpie narrator offers more nuance and understanding to human relations than do most people. Chidgey (Pet) is a skilled storyteller and doesn’t stop surprising with this gorgeously haunting work. Endlessly faceted and highly recommended for book clubs.