When We Were Birds

When We Were Birds cover
Good Books rating 3.83

Technical:
  • ID: 1321
  • Added: 2025-10-04
  • Updated: 2025-10-04
  • ISBN: 9780241991640
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2022-02-10
  • Formats: 7
  • Reviews: 3
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When We Were Birds weaves a rich tapestry of magic and realism, following Darwin, a young gravedigger searching for his father in Port Angeles, and Yejide, a woman inheriting the power to communicate with the dead. Their paths converge in a sprawling cemetery, where ancient secrets and personal grief intertwine. The novel explores themes of loss, renewal, and hope, blending the mystical with the deeply human. Ayanna Lloyd Banwo's debut is a symphony of love and wisdom, celebrated for its exquisite prose and unforgettable characters.

Reviews
The Times Literary Supplement · Stephanie Sy-Quia · 2025-10-04
mixed 3.00

While the writing can be seductive, it often falls into clichés, which detracts from the overall impact. The reviewer found the narrative to be engaging but felt it could have been more original.

The reviewer appreciated the seductive writing style of the novel but noted that it often relied on clichés, which somewhat diminished the impact. They found the narrative engaging and well-crafted but felt that the story could have benefited from more originality. The reviewer acknowledged the emotional depth and cultural richness but wished for a fresher approach to the storytelling. Overall, they found the book to be a compelling read with room for improvement.


Quick quotes

    While the writing can be seductive, too often it works in the service of cliché: “She remember it like it was yesterday”; “For one moment they was just girls ...

    The narrative is engaging and well-crafted, but it could have benefited from more originality.

    The emotional depth and cultural richness are commendable, but a fresher approach to the storytelling would have elevated the book.

Brittle Paper · 2024-05-28
captivating 4.00

The novel's vivid descriptions and rhythmic storytelling make it a mesmerizing read. The author's ability to bring the city, its people, and the magic to life is particularly noteworthy.

The reviewer was captivated by the vivid descriptions and rhythmic storytelling in this novel. The author's ability to bring the city, its people, and the magical elements to life is particularly impressive. The reviewer found the narrative to be immersive and engaging, with a unique blend of realism and fantasy that makes the story stand out. The emotional depth and cultural richness add layers to the reading experience, making it a memorable journey.


Quick quotes

    Banwo's descriptions are vivid in bringing to life the city, the people, and the magic whilst the storytelling is rhythmic, taking the reader on a captivating journey.

    The novel's unique blend of realism and fantasy creates an immersive and engaging narrative.

    The emotional depth and cultural richness add layers to the reading experience, making it a memorable journey.

The Guardian · 2022-03-04
satisfying 4.50

The novel is a vivid debut that beautifully captures the essence of romance and loss in the Caribbean. The story is both heartwarming and poignant, making it a deeply satisfying read.

The reviewer found this novel to be a vivid and captivating exploration of love and loss set against the backdrop of the Caribbean. The story's emotional depth and rich descriptions make it a deeply satisfying read. The reviewer appreciates how the author weaves together elements of romance and tragedy, creating a narrative that resonates with readers on multiple levels. The setting is vividly brought to life, adding to the overall immersive experience.


Quick quotes

    A young couple are confronted by life's duties in a vivid debut about romance and loss in the Caribbean.

    A love story, a ghost story, a thriller: Ayanna Lloyd Banwo's novel is a deeply satisfying debut.

    This is a book that effortlessly creates touching moments that resonate with any reader despite being set in a fictional Trinidad nudged into the realm of magic.