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A review by roisin_prendergast
The Language of Birds by Jill Dawson
4.0
Absolutely loved The Language of Birds!
This book is so warm, strong and feminine. I found it on the shelves of the library I work at and was attracted by the 60s/70s imagery on the front cover. The main character Mandy is so likeable and I was hooked by the style of writing; simple yet full of depth. Lots of intricate, unusual metaphors and descriptions that made me feel intrigued about the author. I'm always interested in writing that makes me wonder and admire the authors mind. I had no idea until halfway through, but the story is actually a fictionalised account of events based on the real-life characters and events of the aristocratic Lucan family and their nanny. I won't say much more as it was, for me, a massive spoiler realising this and I would rather have read on oblivious. But yes, Lord and Lady Morven are the fictionalised Lord and Lady Lucan and Mandy is the real-life Sandra Rivett who was the family nanny caught up in the nasty custody-battle.
The writing and characters kind of reminded me of an Edna O'Brien novel. I think that must be the lucid femininity throughout the story; the strength and endurance of women, fertility, and the beauty of female friendship. It really is a beautiful book and I highly recommend.
This book is so warm, strong and feminine. I found it on the shelves of the library I work at and was attracted by the 60s/70s imagery on the front cover. The main character Mandy is so likeable and I was hooked by the style of writing; simple yet full of depth. Lots of intricate, unusual metaphors and descriptions that made me feel intrigued about the author. I'm always interested in writing that makes me wonder and admire the authors mind. I had no idea until halfway through, but the story is actually a fictionalised account of events based on the real-life characters and events of the aristocratic Lucan family and their nanny. I won't say much more as it was, for me, a massive spoiler realising this and I would rather have read on oblivious. But yes, Lord and Lady Morven are the fictionalised Lord and Lady Lucan and Mandy is the real-life Sandra Rivett who was the family nanny caught up in the nasty custody-battle.
The writing and characters kind of reminded me of an Edna O'Brien novel. I think that must be the lucid femininity throughout the story; the strength and endurance of women, fertility, and the beauty of female friendship. It really is a beautiful book and I highly recommend.