lizzie_wann 's review for:

Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen

3.0

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I have loved Sarah Addison Allen's previous books and was looking forward to reading this one, her newest, especially after having found out why it had been delayed. I hope she finds peace and strength in her grief. But I didn't love this book as much as some of her others. It doesn't have the magical realism that most of her other books have. Although, this one has multiple ghost stories that I did enjoy. There are several things that are revealed in this novel - one of which was obvious to me so it was not a surprise. Another one I thought I had figured out, but when it was revealed, I felt a little cheated, like the reveal hadn't been earned or that it hadn't been set up to be the payoff I think the author had hoped it would be. Another reveal felt more justified though I thought the author could have given some additional foreshadowing. I appreciate that this book is ultimately about mothering/fathering and being mothered/fathered (or not) as well as choosing the family you want rather than maybe being bitter about the one you have. There were some dark themes in this book as well as some hopeful ones. A good one but not a favorite.