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There are currently 32 member reviews
for The Yellow Bird Sings
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Julie Z. (Oak Park, IL)
The Yellow Bird Sings
A moving Holocaust story centering on a mother and child in hiding in Poland. The mother makes the decision to let the child go into hiding in an orphanage, while the mother must struggle for survival on her own until the end of the war. I found the ending a bit abrupt, but appreciated both the lyrical writing style and the many allusions to the idea that it was both love and music that kept both mother and daughter fighting for their lives. The book held my attention from beginning to end, and I finished it within 24 hours. Thank you to BookBrowse for the ARC.
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Marie A. (Warner, NH)
THE YELLOW BIRD SINGS
As the atrocities of war and its effects rage on, a mother and her five year old daughter are secreted for safekeeping in a barn in Poland. Silence, stories and song are used by Roza to protect her daughter. The yellow bird is imaginary, and his song plays in Shira's mind as she silently remembers her experiences with music--past and present. This device keeps the child and mother connected even when they are separated.
This story is filled with beautiful imagery and symbolism. the reader is also made aware of the following: love, music, connection, hope, and survival throughout the worst of times.
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Julie M. (Golden Valley, MN)
A Mother's Love
Roza and her daughter Shira escape to the countryside when everyone they love is captured by the Germans. This is a moving story of their survival and the sacrifices a mother makes in the best interest of her child. I liked that the novel gave both Roza and Shira's perspectives. The ending may have seemed a bit contrived,but overall a worthwhile read especially if you like WWII historical fiction.
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Lil C. (Chestertown, NY)
Hope wrapped in Music
Another Holocaust novel. Jennifer Rosner tells the story from a survivor's resilient heart with hope wrapped in a Yellow Bird and music. Play "Dryades et Pan" or "Max Bruch Violin Concerto no. 1 G minor" as your book club discusses Roza's choices. Then be silent for one minute.
In today's world there are lessons to be remembered. I was left sad for us.
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Joane W. (Berlin, MD)
The Yellow Bird Sings
The Yellow Bird Sings is a wonderful book depicting how music can heal broken spirits in the most horrific of times. The yellow bird represents an imagined entity that exudes sanity, comfort and safety during a time of bewildering horror. I truly enjoyed this book.
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Susan S. (Springdale, AR)
The Yellow Bird Sings
She and her mother are hiding from the Germans in a cold, drafty barn. She is 5 years old, Jewish, hungry, scared, and has only her imaginary yellow bird to occupy her days. Not the typical life of a child. A music prodigy whose father has just been killed by the Nazis, she has learned how to silence her mind and body to avoid detection. This ability serves her well throughout her life.
I enjoyed the mixture of minute descriptions to bring scenes to life combined with general references to what could have been very graphic events which are left to the imagination. I appreciated the timeline notations to move the story along through the years. I especially liked the way the reader is able to formulate the ending. I think this could easily be a young adult book.
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Freya H. (Towanda, PA)
The Yellow Bird Sings
While this book is hard to read at times, it is also inspirational. Music plays such an important role throughout the entire story, and it's magical.
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