All the Little Bird Hearts
All the Little Bird Hearts
EGP880.00
Book Summary
| Glorious. Unforgettable’ Melissa Harrison ‘Funny, lyrical, deft and devastating’ Amy Sackville ‘A distinct and poetic new voice’ Clare Pollard I lived for and loved a bird-heart that summer; I only knew it afterwards. Sunday Forrester lives with her sixteen-year-old daughter, Dolly, in the house she grew up in. She does things more carefully than most people. On quiet days, she must eat only white foods. Her etiquette handbook guides her through confusing social situations, and to escape, she turns to her treasury of Sicilian folklore. The one thing very much out of her control is Dolly – her clever, headstrong daughter, now on the cusp of leaving home. Into this carefully ordered world step Vita and Rollo, a couple who move in next door, disarm Sunday with their charm, and proceed to deliciously break just about every rule in Sunday’s book. Soon they are in and out of each others’ homes, and Sunday feels loved and accepted like never before. But beneath Vita and Rollo’s polish lies something else, something darker. For Sunday has precisely what Vita has always wanted for herself: a daughter of her own. What a glorious, unforgettable character Vita is. And I loved Sunday’s voice too, so unique, right from the off. It showed me things about autism that will stay with me. A genuinely valuable book, but more importantly I enjoyed being inside its world — Melissa Harrison, author of All Among the Barley Viktoria Lloyd-Barlow’s is a distinct and poetic new voice. This novel about the complex desires behind our closest relationships is undercut with the darkness of Sicilian folklore: the fisherman who promises away his child; the lover who is a wolf; a caged magpie; burning fields — Clare Pollard, poet and author of Delphi Funny, lyrical, deft and devastating. Full of longing and love — Amy Sackville, author of Painter to the King For readers of SORROW AND BLISS or ALL MY PUNY SORROWS: an unforgettable literary debut exploring motherhood, vulnerability, and the way the world closes ranks against those it considers to be different Viktoria Lloyd-Barlow has a PhD in Creative Writing from the University of Kent, and has extensive personal, professional, and academic experience relating to autism. Like her protagonist Sunday in ALL THE LITTLE BIRD-HEARTS, Viktoria is autistic. She has presented her doctoral research internationally, most recently speaking at Harvard University on autism and literary narrative. Viktoria lives with her husband and children on the coast of north-east Kent. |
Language: English
Paperback:
ISBN-10: 1472288041
ISBN-13: 9781472288042
Genre: Popular Fiction
Condition: New
All the Little Bird Hearts
All the Little Bird Hearts Book Description
Sunday Forrester lives with her sixteen‑year‑old daughter, Dolly, in the house where she grew up. She follows a strict routine, eats only white foods on quiet days, and relies on an etiquette handbook to navigate social moments. To escape, she retreats into a treasury of Sicilian folklore that whispers ancient warnings and comforts. When the charismatic couple Vita and Rollo move next door, they gently shake Sunday’s carefully ordered world.
Vita and Rollo’s charm invites Sunday into their lives, and suddenly she feels loved and accepted like never before. Their visits become a dance of broken rules and shared meals, and Sunday discovers a side of herself she had hidden for years. However, beneath their polished exterior lies a darker current that threatens to unravel the fragile peace she has built.
At the heart of the novel is a yearning for connection. Sunday’s voice—poetic, autistic, and unmistakably unique—shows readers the subtle ways love can both heal and expose vulnerabilities. The story weaves themes of motherhood, autonomy, and the lingering shadows of folklore, offering a fresh perspective on family dynamics.
Key Features of All the Little Bird Hearts
Readers will enjoy a narrative that blends contemporary life with haunting Sicilian myths. Meanwhile, the book explores autism through Sunday’s authentic perspective, providing insight without ever feeling didactic. Additionally, the prose is lyrical yet accessible, making each chapter feel like a gentle conversation.
Furthermore, the novel offers vivid characters: a fiercely independent daughter, a mysterious couple with hidden motives, and a heroine whose careful rituals reveal deep inner strength. The interplay of folklore—such as the fisherman who trades his child—adds a rich, symbolic layer to the modern story.
Why Read This Book?
Fans of literary fiction that balances emotional depth with subtle suspense will find this debut unforgettable. Moreover, the book tackles the complexities of motherhood and the yearning for belonging, resonating with readers who appreciate nuanced, character‑driven plots. Also, Viktoria Lloyd‑Barlow’s academic background in autism research brings authenticity and respect to Sunday’s experience.
Because the story is both heartfelt and haunting, readers can expect to finish the novel feeling both soothed and provoked. The combination of lyrical language, cultural folklore, and contemporary challenges creates a reading experience that stays with you long after the last page.
About This Book
Published in English, this new paperback edition carries ISBN‑10 1472288041 and ISBN‑13 9781472288042. It falls under the Popular Fiction genre and is offered in brand‑new condition. Viktoria Lloyd‑Barlow holds a PhD in Creative Writing from the University of Kent and has spoken internationally, including at Harvard University, on autism and literary narrative. She lives with her family on the north‑east Kent coast, drawing on personal experience to shape Sunday’s journey.
For more details, visit the Goodreads page or explore our English books collection.
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