Have you ever stumbled upon a book that feels like stepping into a forgotten world—one that whispers secrets in the rustling leaves and echoes in the call of an unseen bird? Cry of the Hornbill by Husna is one such book. Set against the lush yet mysterious backdrop of Assam, this novel weaves folklore, family drama, and supernatural elements into an enthralling narrative. Husna, known for her evocative storytelling, brings her deep-rooted connection to Northeast India to life, making this book stand apart from conventional mystery thrillers.
At its core, Cry of the Hornbill is a gripping mystery with layers of cultural and supernatural intrigue. The story follows Amrita, a journalist who returns to her childhood home in Assam after the mysterious disappearance of her estranged father. What starts as a quest for truth soon spirals into a labyrinth of hidden family secrets, eerie folklore, and an unsettling presence lurking in the dense forests. As Amrita digs deeper, she uncovers truths that blur the line between the rational and the mystical, leaving her—and the reader—questioning reality itself. The novel masterfully balances suspense and emotional depth, making it a truly immersive experience.
Husna’s prose is atmospheric and lyrical, almost cinematic in the way it paints the Assamese landscape. Her writing is rich with sensory details—the damp earth after rain, the distant call of the hornbill, the hush of the forest at dusk. The narrative voice is engaging, seamlessly shifting between past and present, keeping the reader hooked. What’s particularly impressive is how Husna infuses her story with elements of oral storytelling, a trait often found in indigenous folklore, which adds an authentic touch to the novel’s mystique.
Amrita is a well-crafted protagonist—flawed yet determined, skeptical yet emotionally vulnerable. Her internal struggles mirror the novel’s central themes of identity and belonging. The supporting cast, from the enigmatic villagers to Amrita’s fractured family, adds depth to the story. Each character feels real, shaped by their personal histories and cultural beliefs. More than just a mystery, the book explores ideas of generational trauma, the weight of unsaid truths, and the cultural loss associated with modernity creeping into indigenous spaces.
The novel’s pacing is well-balanced, with moments of quiet reflection interspersed with pulse-pounding revelations. Husna structures the story in a way that gradually unfolds the mystery, keeping the reader invested without overwhelming them with too much information at once. The shifts between Amrita’s present-day investigation and glimpses of the past are handled smoothly, making the unraveling of secrets feel organic rather than forced. There are twists—some expected, some jaw-dropping—but none feel gimmicky. Instead, they serve the larger narrative, reinforcing the book’s eerie, dreamlike quality.
Beyond its mystery, Cry of the Hornbill delves into themes of displacement, cultural erasure, and the thin veil between the natural and supernatural. The titular hornbill itself is a powerful symbol of both freedom and entrapment—revered yet endangered, much like the traditions and folklore of Assam that form the backbone of the novel. Husna’s narrative doesn’t just tell a story; it poses important questions about our connection to our roots, the stories we inherit, and the ones we choose to believe.
This book is more than just a page-turner; it lingers with you. The creeping sense of unease, the raw emotions in Amrita’s journey, the wistful beauty of fading traditions—it all stays long after the last page. There are moments of genuine heartbreak, particularly in how the past intertwines with the present, making the reader reflect on their own familial bonds and untold histories.
Husna’s biggest strength is her ability to transport readers into the world she creates. The atmospheric setting, the rich cultural backdrop, and the seamless blend of folklore with reality make Cry of the Hornbill a standout. The character development is another high point—Amrita’s transformation from skeptic to believer is handled with nuance, making her journey feel authentic and relatable.
While the book excels in atmosphere and depth, the pacing in the middle section slows down slightly. Some readers might find the heavy emphasis on folklore and symbolism a bit overwhelming, especially if they’re expecting a straightforward thriller. However, this is a minor flaw in an otherwise beautifully crafted novel.
For me, Cry of the Hornbill was an unforgettable read. It resonated deeply because it wasn’t just about solving a mystery—it was about uncovering lost legacies, about the invisible threads that bind us to our past. The way Husna intertwines folklore with personal history reminded me of the power of storytelling itself. This book isn’t just to be read; it’s to be experienced.
If you love mysteries that are more than just whodunits—if you crave stories steeped in culture, emotion, and a touch of the supernatural—Cry of the Hornbill is for you. Husna’s novel is a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling, one that deserves a place on every reader’s shelf. I can’t wait to see what she writes next. Highly recommended!
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