Book Review: Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones

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All reader everywhere probably are aware of Tayari Jones' name whether or not they might have read her books or not. Her novel American Marriage won the Women's Prize for Fiction in 2019. Silver Sparrow is her first UK publication since American Marriage, being brought out by Oneworld Publishers.

 Silver Sparrow tells the tale of two sisters, rather secret sisters Dana and Chaurisse. Set in Atlanta in the 1980s and 90s, it takes us into the secrets and doings of the two families of Jams Witherspoon junior. The book is told from the point of view of the two girls and begins with perspective of the secret daughter Dana giving us her side of the story and introducing us to the characters involved in her life- her mother, grandfather, teachers, boyfriends. The second half is the story of Chaurisee and characters that shape her. Another central character is their father's friend Raleigh who quietly plays a role in propelling and maintaining the story of all these varied characters.

 The writing is great and the novel flows along admirably well. Though it isn't an action packed book yet you wouldn't want to put it down. The story of these two girls who are contemporaries yet inhabit two different worlds though born to the same man, is at times heartbreaking. The book sheds light on the condition of women in the early 80s in America, more so by taking us into the childhoods of our Afro-Americans characters, it gives us a comprehensive picture of the evolution of lives and living.

 I have to thank the publishers at Oneworld for sending the very beautiful copy that I am going to cherish forever, my way and considering my blog to be part of the blog tour.


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