Reviews

All the Birds, Singing by Evie Wyld

teeaysee's review against another edition

1.0

Perhaps I just wasn't in the right frame of mind for this one, because clearly this book is a real hit with readers and judging panels alike - but I found it such, such hard work. It made me feel physically dreadful every time I read it, and I had to push really hard to finish. I think it was the constant suspicion of an unreliable narrator and hints of magical realism in the 'present' chapters. It's not that I particularly dislike those devices, but here I felt so on edge to the point that one persistent, desperate thought played on my mind for nearly the whole book: "What the hell is going on?!"

sjeffreads's review against another edition

3.0

This book was structured so the odd chapters moved forward in time and the even chapters moved backwards. The writing was good, but there wasn't much of a point to it. I guess I am in the mood for a more traditional plot.

jcongirl's review against another edition

2.0

I think this is a book that I would have enjoyed more had I read it, rather than listened to it. I loved the narrator's Australian accent - she was wonderful. However, I found that her voice lulled me a bit too much, as I'd find my mind wandering.

The book was told in alternating chapters of present and past and the past chapters were told in reverse chronological order. For me, all this was just too distracting. I'd try to determine when in time the author was describing and then piece the story together. I know I lost a lot because I was listening and not reading - perhaps I'll give in another go one day, but in paperback.

kristennm1972's review against another edition

4.0

This is just a dark, dark book. Its pages are rife with physical and psychological violence and pain. The imagery throughout is grim and disturbing--everything is wounded and broken. I can't say I enjoyed reading it, but I'm glad I did. Jake is an original, interesting character--I can't think of anyone else like her. Wyld tells Jake's story in two narratives, alternating between chapters--one in her present life as a largely isolated sheep farmer, and one that unfolds in reverse chronology to reveal her mysterious past. I found the structure at times disjointed and confusing, but I did think Wyld succeeded in creating the sense that these narratives moving in opposite temporal directions would converge. And they do in the book's stunning conclusion. In the penultimate chapter, Jake and Lloyd seem to find some comfort and companionship with one another in their devastated lives. And the final chapter? It's one page, two paragraphs. I've read it three more times since I finished the book last night, and every time it seems more beautiful and gut-wrenching. It's probably because it's so fresh to me, but right now it feels like my new favorite ending to a book ever.

biancaducks's review against another edition

2.0

It's been a long time since I've read a book with such a boring voice. While I understand and appreciate what the author was attempting to do, Jake's voice felt inauthentic and forced, both in the present and in her flashbacks. What a slog

jouljet's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced

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

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal death, Bullying, Death, Sexual content, Violence, Medical trauma, and Fire/Fire injury

hjtetreault's review

dark mysterious tense slow-paced

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

3.5

Have to agree with other reviews - this book could’ve used a couple additional chapters at the end. For all the suspense that kept me coming back, I didn’t find the resolution all too profound or satisfying. 
I did, however, enjoy the metaphors and call backs woven throughout the story.

thececimonster's review against another edition

4.0

The writing was wonderful, but the ending was a little lackluster. There was no real conclusion.

sophiesargant's review against another edition

dark reflective relaxing tense medium-paced

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

4.0

bookasaurusray's review against another edition

4.0

The writing style is incredible - so imaginative and lyrical. And the structure absorbing. My only disappointment with this book is the ending; the book builds so strongly to an ending that is unfortunately too ambiguous for my liking.

PopSugar Challenge 2016: A book that takes place on an island (X)