Reviews

Birds of a Lesser Paradise by Megan Mayhew Bergman

araowl's review

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I enjoyed this short story collection. The writing style was graceful, yet not overdone. The focus on the nuance of family relationships and how the natural world can override our rational selves was interesting and compelling. My main critique is that the characters in the stories felt very similar, at times it felt like the narrators of the different stories were the same person. I also found it a bit odd that so many of the characters happened to be veterinarians. I read in the author's bio that they are married to a veterinarian, so I suppose it falls under a case of "write what you know." Overall, this collection was a joy to read, although the stories sometimes felt a bit undifferentiated.

wordynerdyanddirty's review

3.0

Great book of short stories centered around the ups and downs of relationships between people, animals, and nature.

vaia_the_reader's review

Reminds me of Alice Munro's stories.

elineedsmoreshelves's review

dark emotional reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

elexa's review

5.0

ravyncrow's review

medium-paced

3.0

lisawhelpley's review

5.0

The writing is stunning. There are sentences that were so moving and beautiful that I read them over and over. Good stories.

colorfulleo92's review

4.0

There is far to many short story collection that haven't worked for me and far to few that have. But Birds of a lesser paradise was in the category with those who did. Very well written and I enjoyed most of them. Was easy to get invested and didn't felt rushed. Perhaps because I've read shorter works recently.

lizaroo71's review

5.0

I have had this book on my radar for quite some time, but pushed it up on the list when it was mentioned on the Literary Disco podcast.

This is an excellent collection of short stories that makes the connection between individuals and nature. Each story contains some aspect of nature whether it is an animal or going out into the forest.

I think what appeals to me in this collection is that there is an honesty that comes through with each character. The voice of each character is strong and complex. It is this complexity that speaks to me.

I highly recommend this collection of short stories. It is impressive.

emilyisreading2024's review

4.0

This is a fantastic collection of memorable short stories. Thanks to Andrea for lending it to me!