Other Birds

A Novel

By: Sarah Addison Allen

Narrated by: Siiri Scott

Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

From the acclaimed author of Garden Spells comes a tale of lost souls, secrets that shape us, and how the right flock can guide you home.

Down a narrow alley in the small coastal town of Mallow Island, South Carolina, lies a stunning cobblestone building comprised of five apartments. It's called The Dellawisp and it's named after the tiny turquoise birds who, alongside its human tenants, inhabit an air of magical secrecy.

When Zoey Hennessey comes to claim her deceased mother's apartment at The Dellawisp, she meets her quirky, enigmatic neighbors including a girl on the run, a grieving chef whose comfort food does not comfort him, two estranged middle-aged sisters, and three ghosts. Each with their own story. Each with their own longings. Each whose ending isn't yet written.

When one of her new neighbors dies under odd circumstances the night Zoey arrives, she's thrust into the mystery of The Dellawisp, which involves missing pages from a legendary writer whose work might be hidden there. She soon discovers that many unfinished stories permeate the place, and the people around her are in as much need of healing from wrongs of the past as she is. To find their way they have to learn how to trust each other, confront their deepest fears, and let go of what haunts them.

Delightful and atmospheric, Other Birds is filled with magical realism and moments of pure love that won't let you go. Sarah Addison Allen shows us that between the real and the imaginary, there are stories that take flight in the most extraordinary ways.

©2022 Sarah Addison Allen (P)2022 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“The wistful sweetness in Siiri Scott's narration perfectly complements the small-town South Carolina setting of this audiobook.… Scott movingly depicts each character's hesitant yet hopeful path to friendship and, in some cases, romance. Scott employs light accents and adeptly softens her tone or deepens her pitch to portray every character—male or female, young or old, local resident or transplant.… Scott creates an absorbing, atmospheric listening experience.”—AudioFile Magazine

“Siiri Scott's engaging narration accompanies listeners as the story moves from past to present, revealing the residents' backstories and introducing ghosts, both symbolic and literal.… Scott sensitively takes listeners through the twists and turns in each resident's story, ending on a hopeful note. With ghosts that are comforting rather than frightening, this story, gently laced with magical realism, weaves a charming spell. With its underlying theme of resilience and growth, Allen's (First Frost) latest will have wide appeal. A great match for book clubs.”—Library Journal (starred review)

"The biggest challenge for the reader is to try to not turn the pages so quickly in order to extend the fun. ... An outstanding reading experience. Readers who enjoy a Southern story, a touch of the unexplained, and works by Fannie Flagg and Karen White will all be delighted by this novel."—Booklist (starred review)

Brilliance Audio should be ashamed.

I’m sorry, but I don’t think the narrator is good enough. Her rhythm is choppy, at best. I have all of SAA’s books on audible. I listen to them over and over. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll be keeping this one. It’s so sad because I’ve been waiting for years for a new SAA book, and looking forward to this for months. Such a disappointment.

Get the physical book!!

I was so looking forward to this book. Ms. Allen is one of my favorite authors and I have loved so much of her previous writing. What sunk is this for me, was the narrator. Just not good enough for this story. I am returning the book and getting it on Kindle.

Loved everything about it

I have eagerly awaited Sarah's next book, and feel relieved to be living in her creation once again. at first, I worried I would not connect with these new characters, but alas they managed to capture my heart. in each, I could find some of myself and others I love. we are all wounded and we are all capable of rebirth. the magical realism was the icing on the cake. it is my favorite genre, and this writer captures it best.

The best part is the beautiful cover

Terrible narration, cringey writing, unbelievable interpersonal relationships, squeaky clean characters, a slog of a plot, and some random ghosts. No thank you

SO GOOD!

I’m a huge fan of SAA and I loved this book. A little magic, a few ghosts, some interesting backstories… it just doesn’t get any better.

Delightful

I love all of her books. The kind of magic that she uses in her books always seems to be possible to me.

Whimsical

Whimsical with some serious childhood issues being the main theme. I have read Sarah Allison Allen before, And I do enjoy her books. She writes in a little bit of magic along with her story. This one was probably not my favorite if hers but I did enjoyed. I thought the narrator was very good

Beautifully Written

Although this is not my usual genre, found this to be a very charming book. It was full of life lessons and transformative characters. Excellent narration.

One of the best

This book is one of the best. This book for me is rank right up there with the Sugar Queen, Garden Spell First Frost. I could read this book over and over again. I loved the way this book showed how we we need to let go of the past and move forward in love.

loved it!

another winner from SAA! hated to reach the end. Will reread for sure! I particularly love Zoey, for the way she draws everyone together. includes everyone.