A review by bibliokyra
How to Turn Into a Bird by María José Ferrada

4.0

How to Turn Into a Bird by María José Ferrada (trans. from Spanish by Elizabeth Bryer) is a coming-of-age story told through the eyes of a curious twelve-year-old boy, Miguel. His unconventional uncle, Ramòn, finds an odd job looking after a Coca-Cola billboard and decides to live up there, perched along the side of a Santiago highway. The author goes on to explore themes of growing up, the deconstruction of innocence, homelessness, differences leading to distrust and the freedom of individuality. Miguel’s young perspective brings so much nuance, innocence and imagination to the story and as he learns of the cruelty of the world, it tugs on the reader’s heart strings. This is a thoughtful, poignant read that can be devoured in one sitting. Thank you so much @tin_house for my #gifted copy.