One Came Home

Pigeons and the pigeon migration of 1871 offer context to the historical timeframe of the novel, and they also symbolize The Inevitability of Change. At the beginning of the novel, Georgie notes that the pigeon migration feels different from other years, and in the author’s note, Timberlake clarifies that the 1871 pigeon migration was much larger than those in the past. Thus, this different migration is a representation of the big changes in Georgie’s life in 1871. 

The pigeons themselves also represent the differences between Georgie and Agatha. While Georgie views the pigeons as prey to be hunted, Agatha is fascinated by the birds’ beauty and immerses herself in the experience of the migration. For instance, when flocks of the pigeons fly over Placid, Georgie is irritated by the inconvenience, while Agatha places herself in the middle of the action and twirls joyfully beneath the birds. This shows her curiosity and passion for life, which relates to her choice to leave home in pursuit of the life she wants—she refuses to be forced into submission. 

Georgie also leaves home as a result of the effects of the pigeon migration, but instead of seeking life, she does so to investigate Agatha’s supposed death.