The Language of Birds: A Novel

Gracie and Jannie were taken on a senseless trip through Europe by their mother, which ended in their mother's suicide. Gracie weaves a web of lies around herself to isolate herself, while Jannie begins to speak, interact, and emerge through her relationships with and understanding of birds. The Language of Birds is a story of coming to understand what seems unfamiliar and indecipherable and finding authentic ways to be with the people you love.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 17 May 2022
Publisher: She Writes Press

Gracie, a serious and sensitive aspiring writer, finds solace in her craft. However, her younger sister, Jannie, is autistic and deeply passionate about birds. Their childhood was marred by a senseless trip through Europe that ultimately led to their mother's suicide. Now, in Berkeley, their father works tirelessly to engage Jannie's mind and provide her with the support she needs.

Gracie, burdened by the secrets of her mother's suicide and her sister's autism, struggles to connect with others. She weaves a web of lies around herself, isolating herself from the world. Despite Jannie's progress in speaking, interacting, and emerging, Gracie remains closed off, unable to reveal the truth to anyone outside her family.

The novel, narrated by Gracie and alternating between 2002, when the sisters are still children/adolescents, and 2017, when they are in their early adulthood, explores the complexities of understanding what seems unfamiliar and indecipherable. It delves into the challenges of finding authentic ways to be with the people we love, even when they seem different or distant.

Through Jannie's relationships with birds and her profound understanding of their behavior, Gracie begins to see the world through new eyes. She realizes that there is beauty and wonder in the world, even in the midst of pain and loss. Gracie's journey is one of self-discovery and growth, as she learns to embrace her sister's unique perspective and find her place in the world.

The Language of Birds is a powerful and moving story that explores the depths of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for understanding and growth.

Weight: 420g
Dimension: 141 x 217 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647423575