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A review by book_concierge
Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones
4.0
First line: My father, James Witherspoon, is a bigamist.
Dana Lynn Yarboro and Bunny Chaurise Witherspoon are sisters, but only Dana knows this. Dana’s mother, Gwen, married James 10 years after he had married Laverne, and just a few days after Chaurise was born. Gwen has always told Dana that her father has another family, and also made her understand that this is a private matter that cannot be discussed. But having the basic information isn’t enough for her; Dana hungers for more. What she really wants to know is does James “love” his other family? Or more importantly, does he love them MORE than he loves Dana and Gwen? Dana will not stop until she has elbowed her way into Chaurise’s life. And once the girls become friends their secrets are bound to come out.
I was completely drawn into the story of these two sisters, only one of which knows the other exists. Jones crafts a tale of a different family model that rings true. I recognize my own emotions and reactions in those of the characters, from the desire to be “Daddy’s little girl” to the need for recognition. Dana narrates the first half of the book, Chaurise the second. Through them we also learn about their mothers, grandmother, friends and neighbors.
Everyone, the men – James and his “brother” Raleigh – included, is flawed but trying to do the right thing, or at least the best she or he can do given past choices. The choices they make affect not just themselves but a wider circle of people, often with unintended results. In the end Jones shows that we must all live with the results – whether it was our choice or someone else’s. Every character wins and loses. The reader’s loyalties are conflicted – do we side with Gwen and Dana? With Laverne and Chaurise? In the end, we can love all of them, with all their flaws and despite some bad behavior.
Dana Lynn Yarboro and Bunny Chaurise Witherspoon are sisters, but only Dana knows this. Dana’s mother, Gwen, married James 10 years after he had married Laverne, and just a few days after Chaurise was born. Gwen has always told Dana that her father has another family, and also made her understand that this is a private matter that cannot be discussed. But having the basic information isn’t enough for her; Dana hungers for more. What she really wants to know is does James “love” his other family? Or more importantly, does he love them MORE than he loves Dana and Gwen? Dana will not stop until she has elbowed her way into Chaurise’s life. And once the girls become friends their secrets are bound to come out.
I was completely drawn into the story of these two sisters, only one of which knows the other exists. Jones crafts a tale of a different family model that rings true. I recognize my own emotions and reactions in those of the characters, from the desire to be “Daddy’s little girl” to the need for recognition. Dana narrates the first half of the book, Chaurise the second. Through them we also learn about their mothers, grandmother, friends and neighbors.
Everyone, the men – James and his “brother” Raleigh – included, is flawed but trying to do the right thing, or at least the best she or he can do given past choices. The choices they make affect not just themselves but a wider circle of people, often with unintended results. In the end Jones shows that we must all live with the results – whether it was our choice or someone else’s. Every character wins and loses. The reader’s loyalties are conflicted – do we side with Gwen and Dana? With Laverne and Chaurise? In the end, we can love all of them, with all their flaws and despite some bad behavior.