Other Birds

Sarah Addison Allen
48 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Adult
Published in 2022

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Book Brief

Sarah Addison Allen

Other Birds

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022
Book Details
Pages

290

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Magical Realism

•

Coming of Age

•

Science Fiction
Setting

Mallow Island, South Carolina • Contemporary

Theme
Truth & Lies

•

Literature

•

Daughters & Sons
Topic
Grief & Death

•

Relationships

•

Religion & Spirituality
First Publication Year

2022

Publisher

St. Martin's Press

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen follows eighteen-year-old Zoey, who moves into the Dellawisp Condos after inheriting a unit from her mother. She meets various residents, each dealing with their own grief and secrets. When Lizbeth dies under mysterious circumstances, Zoey befriends Charlotte and Mac as they unravel the building's mysteries, leading to personal growth and renewed connections. This novel briefly mentions childhood sexual abuse.

Heartwarming

Nostalgic

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.0

92,197 ratings

76%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen is widely praised for its enchanting prose and whimsical storytelling. Reviewers commend its intricate character development and the magical realism that weaves through the narrative. Some critiques center on predictable plot elements and occasional pacing issues, but overall, it's regarded as a heartwarming and satisfying read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Other Birds?

Fans of enchanting, character-driven contemporary fiction with a touch of magical realism would enjoy Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen. Ideal for readers who appreciate the whimsical blend of ordinary life and enchantment found in works like Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman and Garden Spells by Allen.

4.0

92,197 ratings

76%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

The initial point-of-view character who moves to Mallow Island, driven by curiosity about her mother's past. As she navigates the transition to adulthood, she forms new relationships and experiences wonder about the world around her.

The youngest resident after Zoey at the Dellawisp, characterized by her guarded and isolated demeanor due to her complex past. She struggles with her dual identity while seeking stability and connection.

A character deeply connected to food, which he uses to express love and camaraderie. He is a compassionate individual who cares for his illicit pet Fig and navigates a supernatural presence related to his past grief.

The building manager of the Dellawisp who also secretly writes under the pseudonym Roscoe Avanger. He has a unique connection with the dead and a close relationship with the dellawisp birds on the island.

A young man in his early twenties who initially seeks career advancement but faces personal revelations that lead him back to Mallow Island. He becomes an integral part of Zoey’s journey into her new adult life.

Book Details
Pages

290

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Magical Realism

•

Coming of Age

•

Science Fiction
Setting

Mallow Island, South Carolina • Contemporary

Theme
Truth & Lies

•

Literature

•

Daughters & Sons
Topic
Grief & Death

•

Relationships

•

Religion & Spirituality
First Publication Year

2022

Publisher

St. Martin's Press

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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