When We Were Birds
When We Were Birds
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022
Book Brief
Beta292
Novel • Fiction
Trinidad • Contemporary
2022
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In When We Were Birds, Ayanna Lloyd Banwo weaves a narrative about two individuals, Darwin and Yejide, whose lives converge in a Trinidadian graveyard. The story explores themes of heritage, spirituality, and the connection between the living and the dead, as each character navigates personal challenges and discoveries within this mystical setting.
Mysterious
Fantastical
Contemplative
Emotional
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
8,998 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ayanna Lloyd Banwo's When We Were Birds is praised for its lyrical prose and rich, atmospheric setting. The novel effectively explores themes of life, death, and ancestral ties, though some critics feel the pacing lags in places. Its blend of magical realism and heartfelt storytelling leaves a lasting emotional impact.
Who Should Read When We Were Birds?
Readers who enjoy lush, magical realism and rich cultural stories will find When We Were Birds captivating. Fans of Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude or Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things will appreciate its exploration of love, ancestry, and mystical elements woven into Trinidadian life.
8,998 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
292
Novel • Fiction
Trinidad • Contemporary
2022
Adult
18+ years
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