A review by miagw962
Birdy by William Wharton

challenging dark emotional funny informative reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.5

No one knows more than they have to know. All of us locked in gravity graves.

Birdy was probably one of the most unique war stories I've ever read and for that, I think it is pretty valuable as something that stands out from the rest. I don't want to give too much away but this book explores PTSD between the two characters of Al and Birdy in very different ways, predating their mental health struggles with often absurd stories from childhood, particularly in Birdy's case. There was probably too much talk about birds but I think this adds to Birdy's entire outlook on life which again is so fascinating and oddly emotionally motivated: for example, he named the first female bird he got Birdie and named the first male bird he got Alfonso (after his friend Al) and then proceeded to become emotionally attached to them - did the birds represent his real life friendships? It's something that Birdy doesn't think about but seems almost painfully obvious to the reader. Also, the fact we never get Birdy's real name...he is forever tied to his identity as a bird lover and this seems to never bother him. I would love to do a full in depth analysis of this book and everything it is trying to do but for now I will just sit with my thoughts.