The Birdcatcher

The Birdcatcher is a novel by Tayari Jones that explores artists in exile, dangerous relationships, and the demands of creativity. It is set on the white-washed island of Ibiza, where Catherine Shuger, a sculptor who has been declared legally insane, tries to kill her husband, Ernest. Amanda Wordlaw, a professional watcher and listener, is a fascinating meditation on Black female creativity and vivid characters shimmer through the pages.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 13 September 2022
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

The Birdcatcher is a novel by a prominent figure in American literature that delves into the lives of artists in exile, perilous relationships, and the pressures of creativity.

Tayari Jones, the acclaimed author of An American Marriage, is a literary giant, and one of my absolute favorite writers. I currently reside on the picturesque island of Ibiza, sharing a home with my friend Catherine Shuger, a sculptor who has been deemed legally insane, and her husband, Ernest. While the atmosphere on the terrace is serene, with the scent of oranges and eucalyptus enveloping us and the sun's warmth washing over us, it is not without its dangers. Catherine has a tendency to attempt to harm her husband, a pattern that has persisted for years.

My name is Amanda Wordlaw, and I believe it is a wonderful name for a writer. I am a sort of companion for the Shugers, a professional watcher and listener who observes their actions and listens to their conversations. It's as if they need someone else to witness the chaos, the spectacle they create of themselves.

This novel offers a captivating exploration of Black female creativity, following in the footsteps of Jones' previous works such as Corregidora and Palmares. The characters are vividly portrayed, and their journeys unfold through the pages, captivating the reader with their depth and complexity.

Vivid characters shimmer through the pages, bringing the story to life and leaving a lasting impression. Suzi Feay, writing for the Guardian, praised the novel, stating, "A fascinating meditation on Black female creativity from the author of Corregidora and Palmares. Vivid characters shimmer through the pages, bringing the story to life and leaving a lasting impression."

Weight: 360g
Dimension: 220 x 152 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780349016856