I’m not going to kid you, I have no objectivity when it comes to Sarah Addison Allen.
Her Southern-set books depicting strong women with a little bit of magic prevailing over all that ails them are exactly my cup of peppermint tea.
Other Birds is her first book in years, and to say I’ve been eagerly awaiting it is to grossly understate the case.
Following Zoey as she moves to Mallow Island, South Carolina, the story is magical, romantic, whimsical and absolutely charming. You know, the usual blend for SAA.
Both the characters and the settings are intricately drawn, and immediately compelling. Other Birds works as a magical realism romance, and as a meditation on how we navigate grief.
I don’t actually have much more to say, to be honest. As with Sea of Tranquility, this is an experience I highly recommend you gift yourself.