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katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
Story of danger, loyalty and bravery.
3.5 stars.
This would still have worked for me, without the magical realism. I'm not a huge fan of spirits/ ghosts and their ilk, but it was interesting to see the context in which this would be accepted and a fairly common idea.
Asha lives near the Himalayas, her father works away in the city, sending money home. But when his letters and funds suddenly stop, her mother finds herself on the nasty end of a moneylender. Asha makes a decision with her best friend Jeevan - they will travel to her father and find out what has happened to him. But this means travelling over some very challenging terrain... and facing many dangers.
The 'spirit bird' of the title is that of her grandmother, Asha believes, watching out for her. Though I preferred the moving tale of the two friends and their 'fellowship'. They are 11-12 and with a maturity that sometimes stretches incredulity, but the exciting story gives readers all sorts of eye-opening adventures for them to share with the two children.
I wasn't enamoured of the narrator. I listened to this via Audible, and found her a little underwhelming/calm. The paper version might have suited me better and let me move at a faster pace.
A poignant adventure in an exciting setting, one for ages 8-12.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
3.5 stars.
This would still have worked for me, without the magical realism. I'm not a huge fan of spirits/ ghosts and their ilk, but it was interesting to see the context in which this would be accepted and a fairly common idea.
Asha lives near the Himalayas, her father works away in the city, sending money home. But when his letters and funds suddenly stop, her mother finds herself on the nasty end of a moneylender. Asha makes a decision with her best friend Jeevan - they will travel to her father and find out what has happened to him. But this means travelling over some very challenging terrain... and facing many dangers.
The 'spirit bird' of the title is that of her grandmother, Asha believes, watching out for her. Though I preferred the moving tale of the two friends and their 'fellowship'. They are 11-12 and with a maturity that sometimes stretches incredulity, but the exciting story gives readers all sorts of eye-opening adventures for them to share with the two children.
I wasn't enamoured of the narrator. I listened to this via Audible, and found her a little underwhelming/calm. The paper version might have suited me better and let me move at a faster pace.
A poignant adventure in an exciting setting, one for ages 8-12.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
hmbrokaw's review
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
A sweet story. My elementary school self would have adored this book
ltimberlake's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.25
ruths13's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
flourished1's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
jadeyrae's review
3.0
6.86 on CAWPILE, so a very high 3 stars!
This was a really cute read that definitely tugged in the heartstrings at moments! I thought this had a really strong atmosphere and a compelling plot, however I didn’t feel very attached to the characters unfortunately.
I would for sure recommend if you’re after a quick read with an adventure and a sense of magic in the form of ancestral reincarnation!
This was a really cute read that definitely tugged in the heartstrings at moments! I thought this had a really strong atmosphere and a compelling plot, however I didn’t feel very attached to the characters unfortunately.
I would for sure recommend if you’re after a quick read with an adventure and a sense of magic in the form of ancestral reincarnation!
adamskiboy528491's review
3.0
[b:Asha & the Spirit Bird|41710162|Asha & the Spirit Bird|Jasbinder Bilan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1543401989l/41710162._SX50_.jpg|65054109] by [a:Jasbinder Bilan|18386515|Jasbinder Bilan|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] will make you want to visit rural India. Each chapter headings also has one of the figures from the cover in black & white illustration, which helps set the mood for the beautifully descriptive writing.
From the foothills of the Himalayas to Zandapur, Asha takes a spellbinding journey searching for her father. With the help of her best friend, Jeevan, & watched over by the spirit bird of her grandmother, Asha's journey will test her resolve at every stage.
It's no wonder that this remarkable debut won both the Costa prize for children's books and the Waterstones children's book prize. The author paints a rich and detailed picture of life in a village in the foothills of the Himalayas, describing the landscape, the flowers, the trees, birds, scenery - even evoking the smell & taste of delicious-sounding food. I would recommend this book for anyone who loves adventures, is interested in India, & is intrigued by other cultures.
yasminwooldridge's review
3.0
Very captivating, but a slightly cluncky start to the story. There were moments when I didn't feel much of a connection to the characters and I didn't really grasp the main point. At the same time, there was enough to keep the reader invested, but some aspects were a little too far fetched to be believable. I really enjoyed Asha's connection to her nanijee and the lamagaia.
asourceoffiction's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Just like Tamarind & the Star of Ishta, this book is filled with beautiful imagery and an incredible journey undertaken by children who are hoping to solve their family's problems. Asha is an amazing character and the perils she faces are far more shocking than in Tamarind. I feel like it's possibly aimed at older children and is quite scary in places for younger kids (including mine!).
But the imagery is what we're here for, and the depictions of the Himalayas and the Ganges are really stunning. It's still hopeful like its predecessor, but we have to go through a lot to get there.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
lawbooks600's review against another edition
3.0
7/10, a rather interesting story about a character's journey to another country, but this has been done before.