I’m honored to share that Seahorses in the Olive Jar received a five-star review from Readers’ Favorite. Their kind words and thoughtful take on the story truly meant a lot to me — here’s the full review below:
Seahorses in the Olive Jar by Barb Kirpluk follows Walter, a puppet
crow unable to fly, who struggles deeply with acceptance and
emotional vulnerability. He develops a strong, idealized devotion to
Gypsy, a real crow introduced to him by Dervish, a bold and scheming
puppet crow who often stirs trouble with his antics. Walter’s
artistic expression and emotional world revolve around his
complicated feelings for Gypsy, who carries her burdens and affects
Walter’s life in unpredictable ways. Meanwhile, the flamboyant Hank
provides support within the chaos. Walter attempts to connect with
Gypsy, juggle the consequences of Dervish’s disruptive behavior,
and cope with loneliness and rejection while surrounded by a mix of
quirky characters and legal battles. Throughout, Walter confronts his
inner fears and desires while managing his relationships and artistic
identity.
Barb Kirpluk’s Seahorses in the Olive Jar is a
sharp, playful book that mixes a large helping of whimsy, balanced by
some moments of genuine feeling. Among the quirky cast, Dervish
steals the show with his massively unpredictable and disorderly
conduct made me laugh the most. I mean, he made a certain bombastic
real-life TV attorney come across as reasonable and levelheaded,
which is no small feat. On the flip side, Loki, the endearing
Shetland sheepdog, quietly won my heart with her gentle persistence
and loyalty, becoming the very tender counterpoint to the madness.
Barb Kirpluk’s talent shines in crafting a wide range of characters
who feel alive and flawed, with hilarious interactions. In her bag of
humor, subtle social commentary, and offbeat scenes, Kirpluk proves
that there are no limitations to storytelling when it is done well,
and there is no question she succeeded here. Very highly recommended.
Review by Asher Syed, Readers' Favorite
