Title: All the Birds, Singing (Goodreads)
Author: Evie Wyld
Published: Random House, 2013
Pages: 240
Genres: Contemporary
My Copy: Library Book
Buy: Amazon, Book Depository, Kindle (or visit your local Indie bookstore)
Jake Whyte lives on an old farm on a small British island, tucked away from the world with her disobedient collie named Dog. However when her flock of sheep start dying from mysterious and horrific circumstances, Jake has to engage with the rest of the island in order to find out what is happening. All the Birds, Singing is about running and hiding from the past and dealing with isolation and loneliness.
The novel is told in alternating perspectives from the protagonist. One follows everything that happens after finding one of her sheep dead from mysterious circumstances. The other works backwards from that point and explores Jake’s past and why she is running away from it. It is a unique way to tell the story but it also serves as a metaphor for the way Jack is trying to distance herself from her past. However, while reading the novel, she also realise how much the past effects and stays with her, no matter how hard she tries to escape it.
It feels like Evie Wyld has an interest in the outsider and exploring a disconnection from a place/society. There is a struggle between Jake’s need to make a connection with her need to isolate herself from the world; this is what really captivated me about this book. Wyld was born in Australia and now lives in England and I am curious if this theme is something she has struggled with herself. I have heard her first novel After the Fire, A Still Small Voice deals with similar themes but I don’t think I will know for sure until her planned graphic memoir is released later this year.
All the Birds, Singing is a beautifully lyrical and atmospheric novel that deals with some pretty heavy themes. I put this novel off for so long, mainly because it won the Miles Franklin literary award and it was getting far too much attention. However it was picked for my book club in the middle of 2014 but because I was in America while this was happening I missed the chance to read and discuss the novel. I finally decided to pick up the book and I was blown away, so much so that I am giving it away (open internationally) as part of the Australia Day Book Giveaway Blog Hop.
I have not read the books not sure why I haven’t as it sounds like an amazing read.
I haven’t read this book yet, interesting use of Jake as a girls name. Will have to look for this one!
Thanks for the giveaway. All the Birds Singing has had some great reviews
To me, it sounds like an interesting book and I’d also love to read it because of the beautiful cover!
Haven’t read this book but it sounds intriguing. Great cover!
Sounds like a gorgeous book! Thanks for offering this giveaway!
I haven’t read this one but it sounds really interesting. Thanks for the chance to win.
I haven’t had a chance to read this one yet, but I’ve seen it everywhere. A lot of people are saying good things about it
I have not read it, but from what I saw from your review, te story seems fascinating! I so want to win. Anyway, already added to my wishlist 😉
Thanks so much for the giveaway and the chance to win xD
haven’t read it, but sounds interesting
I’ve always wanted to read this book!
I have not read it but from what I read here I very much would love to read it.
i like stories that show you different views of the one situation.
I haven’t read it. Clearly I need to.
I would love to give this book a try, it sounds well recommended. Love the striking cover too 🙂
Sounds fantastic – thanks for the offer!
I haven’t read the book yet but it sounds great!
I’d love to read this one.
This looks and sounds like a book I’d really enjoy
I haven’t read it but it sounds really good! Thank you for the giveaway 🙂
I haven’t read it but it sounds really good!
Thank you for the giveaway
The book is in my TBR list, have heard great reviews about it!
I haven’t read this book yet but I really really want too it sounds awesome!!