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Other Birds: A Novel Hardcover – August 30, 2022
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The New York Times Bestseller
From the acclaimed author of Garden Spells comes an enchanting tale of lost souls, lonely strangers, secrets that shape us, and how the right flock can guide you home.
Down a narrow alley in the small coastal town of Mallow Island, South Carolina, lies a stunning cobblestone building comprised of five apartments. It’s called The Dellawisp and it is named after the tiny turquoise birds who, alongside its human tenants, inhabit an air of magical secrecy.
When Zoey Hennessey comes to claim her deceased mother’s apartment at The Dellawisp, she meets her quirky, enigmatic neighbors including a girl on the run, a grieving chef whose comfort food does not comfort him, two estranged middle-aged sisters, and three ghosts. Each with their own story. Each with their own longings. Each whose ending isn’t yet written.
When one of her new neighbors dies under odd circumstances the night Zoey arrives, she is thrust into the mystery of The Dellawisp, which involves missing pages from a legendary writer whose work might be hidden there. She soon discovers that many unfinished stories permeate the place, and the people around her are in as much need of healing from wrongs of the past as she is. To find their way they have to learn how to trust each other, confront their deepest fears, and let go of what haunts them.
Delightful and atmospheric, Other Birds is filled with magical realism and moments of pure love that won’t let you go. Sarah Addison Allen shows us that between the real and the imaginary, there are stories that take flight in the most extraordinary ways.
- Print length304 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherSt. Martin's Press
- Publication dateAugust 30, 2022
- Dimensions6.5 x 1.25 x 9.55 inches
- ISBN-101250019869
- ISBN-13978-1250019868
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From the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
Review
The New York Times Bestseller
“Whimsical, wise, and delightfully mysterious.” --Real Simple
“If you’re looking for a bit of mystery, whimsical characters and a keen sense of place, Other Birds offers all these delights and more. Allen immerses readers in this island world, as well as in the processes of self-discovery, the experiences of being haunted and the gift of surrendering to what we can and cannot control.” --Book Page
"The biggest challenge for the reader is to try to not turn the pages so quickly in order to extend the fun. ... An outstanding reading experience. Readers who enjoy a Southern story, a touch of the unexplained, and works by Fannie Flagg and Karen White will all be delighted by this novel." --Booklist (starred review)
"A lyrical mystery that embraces letting go and living freely." --Kirkus
“Languid and peaceful, gentle and comforting, Allen’s newest showcases her talent for tender stories of near magic. Her fans will be lining up for this.” --Library Journal
“Allen skillfully weaves the various threads, as vignettes narrated by ghosts of former building residents provide further context as the plot unfurls…This will move readers.” --Publishers Weekly
"This story is so magical, beautiful and wise, with a wonderful cast of eclectic characters, and even a few ghosts. It filled my heart." -- Clare Pooley, New York Times bestselling author of THE AUTHENTICITY PROJECT
"A master of her craft, Sarah Addison Allen draws you in with her whimsy and poetic language, only to lay bare the deep emotional truths of being human. Other Birds captivated me by its utter uniqueness. Is it a ghost story? A fairytale about a girl and her imaginary pigeon? A character study of a motley crew of hard-knocks survivors? It is all these things―along with being one of my favorite books of the year." -- Colleen Oakley, bestselling author of THE INVISIBLE HUSBAND OF FRICK ISLAND
"For her latest treasure of a tale, Allen has concocted a mesmerizing cast of characters, all with mysterious pasts and quiet secrets, and placed them in a dreamy Southern resort town famous for its marshmallow candy. It’s a story of community, forgiveness, and the myriad ways the past haunts the present. Absolutely luscious and a true page-tuner."
―Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue
“With a dash of her signature magic, Allen dishes up a touching story that hits the sweet spot between heartache and healing. Set in an atmospheric island town, Other Birds interlaces the disappointments and dreams of a group of creative, lonely people who have more in common than they know. And that’s the real magic in this story: the human ability to connect with people and places in meaningful ways that transform our lives.”
―Glendy Vanderah, best-selling author of Where the Forest Meets the Stars and The Light Through the Leaves
"Oh, joy of joys! A new book by Sarah Addison Allen, and Other Birds is her best yet! Dark and sweet, brutal and wise, full of delectable food and plenty of meddling ghosts, and soaked with an abiding tenderness and hope. One of my favorite books this year." ―Barbara O’Neal, author of Write My Name Across the Sky and When We Believed in Mermaids
“This delightful novel is rife with magical realism as Zoey learns what home really means and how helping others can help heal one's own heart, too.” --Good Housekeeping
“Allen’s gift for whimsical, poetic language, makes Other Birds one of our most-anticipated books for 2022. You’re going to want to read this one with your book club.” --Reader's Digest
“Tinged with magic, interlaced with loss and longing, each character’s story unfolds in layers creating an intricate puzzle that teases and delights." --Southern Bookseller Review
“Fans of Hulu’s ‘Only Murders in the Building’ and Netflix’s ‘Dead to Me’ will warm to this quirky tale.” --Los Angeles Times
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : St. Martin's Press; First Edition (August 30, 2022)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 304 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1250019869
- ISBN-13 : 978-1250019868
- Item Weight : 1.08 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.5 x 1.25 x 9.55 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #104,807 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #992 in Magical Realism
- #2,951 in Women's Domestic Life Fiction
- #3,715 in Contemporary Women Fiction
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
SARAH ADDISON ALLEN is the New York Times bestselling author of Garden Spells, The Sugar Queen, The Girl Who Chased the Moon, Lost Lake, First Frost and Other Birds. She's sold millions of copies worldwide and her books have been translated into more than thirty languages. She was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina.
You can follow Sarah on Facebook/Instagram: @sarahaddisonallen
And visit her website: www.sarahaddisonallen.com
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book engaging and enjoyable. They describe the story as heartwarming, magical, and filled with moments of pure love. The characters are special and real, with colorful stories that connect them. Readers appreciate the charming and whimsical writing style. The twists and turns are unexpected and fit well with the story.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find the characters interesting and well-developed. The premise is set in their state, and they appreciate the audio version. The book is described as delightful, fun, and unique, adding magical realism and romance to a story of loss.
"I loved this book from start to finish. The characters were so real, beautifully flawed, yet very likable...." Read more
"...Delightful and atmospheric, Other Birds is filled with magical realism and moments of pure love that won't let you go...." Read more
"...I recommend this book for anyone who may want a relaxing, but engaging, read that pulls you in and has you realizing it’s 4AM as you close the book..." Read more
"...This unique book adds magical realism and romance to a story of loss and friendship and family (real or made), to make the difficult task of..." Read more
Customers enjoy the heartwarming story with its evocative descriptions and magical realism. They find the book touching, filled with love, and explores themes of friendship, family, grief, and growing up. The book is described as a magical fable with moments of pure magic and love.
"...It’s a story of trauma and how we move on from that. How to let go of our past and the people that haunt us (literally in this book)...." Read more
"...Delightful and atmospheric, Other Birds is filled with magical realism and moments of pure love that won't let you go...." Read more
"...are so many elements to this story, but what it is overall is a bittersweet tale of letting go of the past and of past love (not romantic) to build..." Read more
"...This unique book adds magical realism and romance to a story of loss and friendship and family (real or made), to make the difficult task of..." Read more
Customers enjoy the characters' development. They find the characters special, colorful, and brave. The author connects well with all the characters.
"...The characters’ stories are interwoven in a well crafted way, making it the ultimate “found family” experience...." Read more
"...From there we get introduced to a colorful cast of characters, each wounded and brave in their own way...." Read more
"...This is definitely a character driven story, but the characters and their history and where the story takes you keeps you reading just one more page...." Read more
"...I love Zoey's innocence and the way she is able to connect with all the other characters...." Read more
Customers enjoy the charming and sweet story with a bit of magic and whimsy. They appreciate the vivid storytelling, emotional depth, and creative writing style. The book cover is also appreciated. Readers find the story unique and creative.
"...coastal town of Mallow Island, South Carolina, lies a stunning cobblestone building comprised of five apartments...." Read more
"what a wonderful book. so tender and filled with love and magic and charm...." Read more
"...Even the way the author described these adorable resident dellawisp birds (that are also fictional) the author gave them such vivid personalities...." Read more
"...of feeling valued, regardless of one’s social status, and the beauty of self-discovery found in the grieving process...." Read more
Customers find the writing style wonderful, magical, and talented. They describe the book as an easy read with vivid and beautiful stories. The book is not too complex or X-rated for them to enjoy just reading.
"...The writing is soooo visual I feel like I’m right there at the Dellawisp Condos. What an eclectic group of neighbors...." Read more
"...An easy read, I finished it in one day. ⭐️⭐️⭐️" Read more
"...These lovable characters were written with such a richness and complexity that really helps you understand others and see others in a new light...." Read more
"The book is well written with great descriptions. Draws the reader in. Anyone who enjoys fantasy and romance should read." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's sweetness. They describe it as a delightful coming-of-age tale and dessert.
"...There are tinges of romance, sweet and budding, to add flavor to the mix, but the foundation remains family and acceptance...." Read more
"Are you sure you can take it? There's a LOT of sweetness and cruelty in this story. It will haunt you." Read more
"...Sweet, sad but lots of hope and possibilities for a brighter future for all. I enjoyed this and feel that I needed the message I got from this...." Read more
"...A character open, beautiful, and so sweet, my heart melts thinking about her...." Read more
Customers have different views on the plot twists. Some enjoyed the unexpected turns and mystery, finding the story moving along smoothly. Others felt the plot was skimpy, with poorly connected characters and a lack of solidifying the story until the end. The big revelations were not very exciting, and the book lacked the escapism of the author's previous books.
"...tiny turquoise birds who, alongside its human tenants, inhabit an air of magical secrecy...." Read more
"...Her story didn’t solidify until the very end, which surprised me because I didn’t see that little twist coming, but it was a fitting addition to..." Read more
"...The plot moves along as sweetly as the marshmallows the island was once famous for & the ending comes with a triple surprise." Read more
"...But a rushed reading lets so many details and subtle clues get left behind...." Read more
Customers have different views on the pacing of the book. Some find it fast-paced and engaging throughout, while others say it starts slowly but draws them in. The characters keep readers hooked with their captivating writing style.
"...There's so many twists and turns and keeps your attention. I'm a stickler for grammar and noted no mistakes in the book which is a rarity...." Read more
"I have to say, I did not expect this book to be this good! It starts slow but once the bits and pieces from the beginning/middle start coming..." Read more
"...As ever, the writing is seamless and flows so fast I could have read Other Birds in one sitting, but instead I found myself savoring every word,..." Read more
"...It was a fast read and kept you engaged from the very beginning all the way to the end...." Read more
Reviews with images
Unique and well crafted story
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2024I loved this book from start to finish. The characters were so real, beautifully flawed, yet very likable. The characters’ stories are interwoven in a well crafted way, making it the ultimate “found family” experience.
It’s a story of trauma and how we move on from that. How to let go of our past and the people that haunt us (literally in this book).
This book was heavy on the magical realism (which I loved)!
5.0 out of 5 stars Unique and well crafted storyI loved this book from start to finish. The characters were so real, beautifully flawed, yet very likable. The characters’ stories are interwoven in a well crafted way, making it the ultimate “found family” experience.
Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2024
It’s a story of trauma and how we move on from that. How to let go of our past and the people that haunt us (literally in this book).
This book was heavy on the magical realism (which I loved)!
Images in this review - Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2024‘22 - READ MAR ‘24 - 4 STARS
DESCRIPTION : Down a narrow alley in the small coastal town of Mallow Island, South Carolina, lies a stunning cobblestone building comprised of five apartments. It's called The Dellawisp and it's named after the tiny turquoise birds who, alongside its human tenants, inhabit an air of magical secrecy. When Zoey Hennessey comes to claim her deceased mother's apartment at The Dellawisp, she meets her quirky, enigmatic neighbors including a girl on the run, a grieving chef whose comfort food does not comfort him, two estranged middle-aged sisters, and three ghosts. Each with their own story. Each with their own longings. Each whose ending isn't yet written. When one of her new neighbors dies under odd circumstances the night Zoey arrives, she's thrust into the mystery of The Dellawisp, which involves missing pages from a legendary writer whose work might be hidden there. She soon discovers that many unfinished stories permeate the place, and the people around her are in as much need of healing from wrongs of the past as she is. To find their way they have to learn how to trust each other, confront their deepest fears, and let go of what haunts them. Delightful and atmospheric, Other Birds is filled with magical realism and moments of pure love that won't let you go. Sarah Addison Allen shows us that between the real and the imaginary, there are stories that take flight in the most extraordinary ways.
REVIEW :
First book by this author for me. quietgirl said it was her “favorite book of ‘23 - absolutely stunning”. The description alone pulled me towards this book.
Sale $2.99; reg 11.99
After my last book, a prison thriller reviewed above, I needed something totally different. Right away, I’m introduced to a group of quirky characters that I feel I’m going to come to love. The writing is soooo visual I feel like I’m right there at the Dellawisp Condos. What an eclectic group of neighbors. I felt this book really showed how we can all, no matter where are roots began, can pick ourselves up and find family when least expected. I have a connection with both my parents and birds so this book really touched my heart. This book warmed my heart.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2022Other Birds
Author: Sarah Addison Allen
Genre: Magical Realism
Rating: 5/5
I enjoy stumbling onto new (to me) authors that delight and entertain me. Especially authors who can build a world within our world that takes the bitter and/or the mundane and turns it into something wondrous. Sarah Addison Allen did all of that and more in Other Birds. This was my September 2022 BOTM (Book of the Month) pick, and the cover alone is enough to draw the eye, but what’s inside completes the package.
We begin with Zoey and her sassy, bossy, and invisible bird companion named Pigeon on their way to the somewhat-famous Mallow Island. And that’s just in the first few pages. From there we get introduced to a colorful cast of characters, each wounded and brave in their own way. Mac, the red-haired chef that wakes up coated in cornmeal every morning. Charlotte, the henna artist (how different and cool is that!) who is struggling to plant her roots while outrunning her past. Frasier, who knows way more than anyone realizes. Lizbeth and Lucy, sisters living side by side with secrets and silence. Oliver, struggling to find distance from his childhood, but needing closure on it. And finally, the Dellawisp Condos where everyone lives, including the Dellawisps for which it’s named – mischievous, fantastical birds that like to steal and divebomb unsuspecting victims.
Then there’s the death followed by the ghosts.
There are so many elements to this story, but what it is overall is a bittersweet tale of letting go of the past and of past love (not romantic) to build a found family that celebrates what others ignored or never appreciated. There are tinges of romance, sweet and budding, to add flavor to the mix, but the foundation remains family and acceptance.
Charlotte became the standout character for me by the end of the book. I felt like everyone grew through the story, but Charlotte had the most to let go of and the most to gain if she found the strength to stop running. Her story didn’t solidify until the very end, which surprised me because I didn’t see that little twist coming, but it was a fitting addition to what made her Charlotte.
I recommend this book for anyone who may want a relaxing, but engaging, read that pulls you in and has you realizing it’s 4AM as you close the book on Mallow Island and the Dellawisps. I look forward to trying out this author’s other titles.
Top reviews from other countries
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Mariana Heredia PimentelReviewed in Mexico on March 12, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Llegó antes de la fecha esperada
El libro llegó antes de la fecha establecida y llegó lo esperado y en buen estado.
- Krista GReviewed in Canada on November 13, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Another amazing novel
Another stunning, sweet well written novel by an authour who is slowly created a wonderful body of work in the southern magical realist stream. I've read all of Sarah's books and love everyone of them. Wonderful characters, great plotting, magical story with lovely settings - descriptive and inspiring. There is the deep ethos of the southern "way", that is modern and feminine, with the emotionally resonant touches of current issues that matter most to all - familial relations, memory, history, grief. The book is beautifully rendered with a striking cover and I always love a dust jacket. The size is slightly different, slimmer and taller perhaps and the paper stock is sturdy and the typeface easy on the eyes. This is a complex story that Sarah has managed to write with mastery and a light touch. I won't give too much away except to say that the last chapter made me hang my head and weep - truly. A deeply fulfilling read that is both fun and touching. A great gift for yourself or others. Sarah has also prepared a book club guide - with recipes!!!
- Nathalia PanesiReviewed in Brazil on September 2, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely As Always
Sarah Addison Allen is my favorite author and all of her books are like gifts to me.
They are my comfort, my piece of home, my way back to hope.
This one was not different.
I could see a lot of Sarah, her other books and myself in this one.
It broke my heart insome parts, ot healed me in others.
What a great talent Sarah has. Talent and hard work.
This one is about love, grief, found families and finding a home. All of her books that about these topics and I hope I'll never get enough.
Yeah. It was lovely.
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 19, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!
Great book at a great price.
- JPReviewed in the Netherlands on March 12, 2024
1.0 out of 5 stars Not like the photo
Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem like an original book from the publisher. The colors are faded and it doesn’t look like the photos shown. The cover and back are blurry.
JP
Reviewed in the Netherlands on March 12, 2024
Images in this review