Other Birds

A Novel

By: Sarah Addison Allen

Narrated by: Siiri Scott

From the acclaimed author of Garden Spells comes a tale of lost souls, secrets that shape us, and how the right flock can guide you home.

Down a narrow alley in the small coastal town of Mallow Island, South Carolina, lies a stunning cobblestone building comprised of five apartments. It's called The Dellawisp and it's named after the tiny turquoise birds who, alongside its human tenants, inhabit an air of magical secrecy.

When Zoey Hennessey comes to claim her deceased mother's apartment at The Dellawisp, she meets her quirky, enigmatic neighbors including a girl on the run, a grieving chef whose comfort food does not comfort him, two estranged middle-aged sisters, and three ghosts. Each with their own story. Each with their own longings. Each whose ending isn't yet written.

When one of her new neighbors dies under odd circumstances the night Zoey arrives, she's thrust into the mystery of The Dellawisp, which involves missing pages from a legendary writer whose work might be hidden there. She soon discovers that many unfinished stories permeate the place, and the people around her are in as much need of healing from wrongs of the past as she is. To find their way they have to learn how to trust each other, confront their deepest fears, and let go of what haunts them.

Delightful and atmospheric, Other Birds is filled with magical realism and moments of pure love that won't let you go. Sarah Addison Allen shows us that between the real and the imaginary, there are stories that take flight in the most extraordinary ways.

©2022 Sarah Addison Allen (P)2022 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“The wistful sweetness in Siiri Scott's narration perfectly complements the small-town South Carolina setting of this audiobook.… Scott movingly depicts each character's hesitant yet hopeful path to friendship and, in some cases, romance. Scott employs light accents and adeptly softens her tone or deepens her pitch to portray every character—male or female, young or old, local resident or transplant.… Scott creates an absorbing, atmospheric listening experience.”—AudioFile Magazine

“Siiri Scott's engaging narration accompanies listeners as the story moves from past to present, revealing the residents' backstories and introducing ghosts, both symbolic and literal.… Scott sensitively takes listeners through the twists and turns in each resident's story, ending on a hopeful note. With ghosts that are comforting rather than frightening, this story, gently laced with magical realism, weaves a charming spell. With its underlying theme of resilience and growth, Allen's (First Frost) latest will have wide appeal. A great match for book clubs.”—Library Journal (starred review)

"The biggest challenge for the reader is to try to not turn the pages so quickly in order to extend the fun. ... An outstanding reading experience. Readers who enjoy a Southern story, a touch of the unexplained, and works by Fannie Flagg and Karen White will all be delighted by this novel."—Booklist (starred review)

oh so wonderful

so excited for another one of Sarah Addison Allen's books. she has a magical way of pulling you in an intriguing you

I loved other birds so much. The story is beautiful and the way it is set up is pure magic

thank you

Other Birds

Sarah Addison Allen is one of my favorite authors. She has such a way of transporting me into a fantasy world that feels so real. Her characters stick with me long after the book is done. I have been excited for this book and it definitely exceeded my expectations.
I loved all the characters in this story. Siiri Scott is the perfect narrator.

Other story

Hard to follow but may have been because of stopping the story and returning days latter.

A Wonderful Story!

My daughter first fell in love with this author’s books, and suggested them for me. She was right! The storyline is captivating, and the narrator was so perfect! I enjoyed every minute of it.

Magical

Enjoyed this book and the narrator,s voice. As lovely and light as the book made me feel.

Interesting, but slow

The narrator had a great voice and accent, and did all that was possible for the narration. However, the story just wasn’t interesting enough for it to take as long as it did. I first increased the speed to 1.1x for half the book, then 1.5 to get to the end.
The characters were interesting, but the story was a bit predictable.

Loved

What a surprise. This is a curious and wonderful story. I will be recommending it to my book club.

Very much enjoyed

Delightfully surprised by the twists in this story.
TW: touches on grief and letting people go but in the gentlest sense of way.

Awesome story

It’s been a long wait for her return, but well worth the wait! I love all her books and this one did not disappoint. Riveting story that unfolds in a way that you can’t miss a second of it . Welcome Back Sarah! Glad you are well!

Meh

The story was okay. The narrator was like listening to someone read a bedtime story to a child. I almost gave up but did finish. Just okay. Very mythical.