Tiny Sunbirds Far Away
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Review
'A must-read. Lyrical and beautifully drawn, a poignant coming of age tale, set in an Africa few readers will have experienced' Lesley Lokko.
'So good I had to lie down after reading it' Trezza Azzopardi.
'An excellent novel. It takes the reader deep into the reality of ordinary life in Nigeria and is also funny, moving and politically alert' Giles Foden, author of The Last King of Scotland.
'Christie Watson's debut novel, set in the troubled Niger Delta, does what fiction does best, it captures place and characters so well that you feel you are there. It is sincere, it is powerfully written, and it deserves to be read' Helon Habila, author of Oil on Water.
'The gripping, triumphant tale of a girl who chooses life over loss, in a sweet but savage world where oil is bled from the earth' Lola Shoneyin, author of The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives.
'An immensely absorbing novel. It is both heart-wrenching and consoling' Chika Unigwe, author of On Black Sisters' Street.
'A fascinating, poignant story that had me laughing in places and deeply moved in others' Ike Anya.
'Watson's nuanced portrayal of daily life in Nigeria is peopled with flawed but tenacious characters who fight not only for survival but for dignity. Blessing is a wonderful narrator whose vivid impressions enliven Watson's sensual prose' Publishers Weekly.
'Through the lens of a young girl's coming of age, this breakthrough novel views the politics of contemporary Nigeria, portraying the clash between traditional and modern as it affects one extended family... Watson tells her story of culture clash without heavy messages, but the issues are sure to spark intense discussion, especially about the damage done to the environment and to the people by the powerful international oil industry in league with the corrupt government' Booklist.
'So good I had to lie down after reading it' Trezza Azzopardi.
'An excellent novel. It takes the reader deep into the reality of ordinary life in Nigeria and is also funny, moving and politically alert' Giles Foden, author of The Last King of Scotland.
'Christie Watson's debut novel, set in the troubled Niger Delta, does what fiction does best, it captures place and characters so well that you feel you are there. It is sincere, it is powerfully written, and it deserves to be read' Helon Habila, author of Oil on Water.
'The gripping, triumphant tale of a girl who chooses life over loss, in a sweet but savage world where oil is bled from the earth' Lola Shoneyin, author of The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives.
'An immensely absorbing novel. It is both heart-wrenching and consoling' Chika Unigwe, author of On Black Sisters' Street.
'A fascinating, poignant story that had me laughing in places and deeply moved in others' Ike Anya.
'Watson's nuanced portrayal of daily life in Nigeria is peopled with flawed but tenacious characters who fight not only for survival but for dignity. Blessing is a wonderful narrator whose vivid impressions enliven Watson's sensual prose' Publishers Weekly.
'Through the lens of a young girl's coming of age, this breakthrough novel views the politics of contemporary Nigeria, portraying the clash between traditional and modern as it affects one extended family... Watson tells her story of culture clash without heavy messages, but the issues are sure to spark intense discussion, especially about the damage done to the environment and to the people by the powerful international oil industry in league with the corrupt government' Booklist.
Review
'A must-read. Lyrical and beautifully drawn, a poignant coming of age tale, set in an Africa few readers will have experienced' Lesley Lokko. 'So good I had to lie down after reading it' Trezza Azzopardi. 'An excellent novel. It takes the reader deep into the reality of ordinary life in Nigeria and is also funny, moving and politically alert' Giles Foden, author of The Last King of Scotland. 'Christie Watson's debut novel, set in the troubled Niger Delta, does what fiction does best, it captures place and characters so well that you feel you are there. It is sincere, it is powerfully written, and it deserves to be read' Helon Habila, author of Oil on Water. 'The gripping, triumphant tale of a girl who chooses life over loss, in a sweet but savage world where oil is bled from the earth' Lola Shoneyin, author of The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives. 'An immensely absorbing novel. It is both heart-wrenching and consoling' Chika Unigwe, author of On Black Sisters' Street. 'A fascinating, poignant story that had me laughing in places and deeply moved in others' Ike Anya. 'Watson's nuanced portrayal of daily life in Nigeria is peopled with flawed but tenacious characters who fight not only for survival but for dignity. Blessing is a wonderful narrator whose vivid impressions enliven Watson's sensual prose' Publishers Weekly. 'Through the lens of a young girl's coming of age, this breakthrough novel views the politics of contemporary Nigeria, portraying the clash between traditional and modern as it affects one extended family... Watson tells her story of culture clash without heavy messages, but the issues are sure to spark intense discussion, especially about the damage done to the environment and to the people by the powerful international oil industry in league with the corrupt government' Booklist.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
23 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This brilliant book is so much more than just a compelling storyline with skilfully developed and believable characters. With a light hand the author touches on a variety of important topics including relationships, growing up, politics, poverty, culture and traditions in Nigeria, midwifery and the cruelty of female circumcision. The book is dark and sad but also filled with strength, hope and joy. From the first word to the last, this book will move you.
31 of 34 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Tiny Sunbirds Far Away is a wonderful story that is in equal measures both hilarious and heartbreaking. Tiny Sunbirds doesn't read like a debut at all, rather it is the assured voice of an author who knows the environment as intimately as she knows her characters. The way that the simmering political situation literally and figuratively explodes two-thirds of the way into the novel is handled deftly and lightly. My favourite character is definitely Celestine (I would happily supply her with more lycra from London) - and her character's progression was believable and entirely moving - but all the characters are very sensitively drawn and the dialogue moves the novel along at quite a pace. A brilliant book with a brilliant story: perfect to read in one or two sittings. Completely gripping.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I started reading this book on a flight and I did not want to put it down going through Passport control!
Having never been to Nigeria and knowing little about the cultures or politics, I thought that I could understand more from reading Tiny Sunbirds.
What I did not expect was to be drawn in to every character ( a real person to me), place and situation. I feel like I have lived among the family that the book portrays, so acutely and intimately.
It is such a cliche to say "I could not put it down" but I couldn't. I read it fairly slowly, concentrating to learn the new words and descriptions that I was learning. Smelling the oil, river and streets and tasting the new foods that I have never actually experienced.
Gasping, laughing and dismaying out loud, it was an emotional ride.
I cannot recommend this book enough, whether you want to be more informed, stimulated, inspired, gratified or simply to experience a brilliantly written, beautiful story.
Amazing that this is the authors first novel, I certainly look forward to her next.
Enjoy!
Having never been to Nigeria and knowing little about the cultures or politics, I thought that I could understand more from reading Tiny Sunbirds.
What I did not expect was to be drawn in to every character ( a real person to me), place and situation. I feel like I have lived among the family that the book portrays, so acutely and intimately.
It is such a cliche to say "I could not put it down" but I couldn't. I read it fairly slowly, concentrating to learn the new words and descriptions that I was learning. Smelling the oil, river and streets and tasting the new foods that I have never actually experienced.
Gasping, laughing and dismaying out loud, it was an emotional ride.
I cannot recommend this book enough, whether you want to be more informed, stimulated, inspired, gratified or simply to experience a brilliantly written, beautiful story.
Amazing that this is the authors first novel, I certainly look forward to her next.
Enjoy!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Tiny sunbirds far away
Good book which keeps your interest and keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens to the various characters as the story develops. Would recommend it to a friend.
Published 20 hours ago by Maggiemay
Fabulous
Would recommend this book with no hesitation. Good quality writing had me hooked from the start, really sorry when this book came to an end. Read more
Published 4 days ago by Alice Tomlinson
Beautiful, really draws you in
Starting slowly, with the affair of Blessings father, the story grows as time goes on, drawing you in to really caring about Blessings and her family. Read more
Published 10 days ago by ClaireSH
A Nigerian story
Brilliant Storytelling. Unusual storyline that kept my interest all the way through. The book follows a young girl growing up in Nigeria, having started out in life in a... Read more
Published 14 days ago by PMLONDON
Fantastic Book
Absolutely fantastic book. I read it in one sitting and could not put it down. It was chosen for our book group book and on the day I received it from Amazon and started to read it... Read more
Published 15 days ago by hiyahen
Fantastic read
This book is a must! I couldn't put it down from start to finish. Loved it and would recommend to anyone.
Published 18 days ago by Gill Trott
Amazing book
There are lots of rags to riches books, but this is the complete opposite. It gives a wonderful insight into life in Nigeria. Read more
Published 22 days ago by CC
A new perspective on the "coming of age" story
When I was 14, Alan Paton's Cry, The Beloved Country became my favourite novel. Nothing's changed. A South Africa set novel, I have always wanted to go to the continent of Africa... Read more
Published 1 month ago by R. A. Davison
A remarkable novel
I don't read books on the strength of reviews alone. I always go by instinct. Eight out of ten times I am very well rewarded. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Seneca
Beautiful
To be honest, I don't know why I haven't seen this on any of the book award lists this year. Beautifully written, with a good understanding of the political context, this book... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Nikki Manc
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