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Silhouette of a Sparrow
In the summer of 1926, sixteen-year-old Garnet Richardson is sent to a lake resort to escape the polio epidemic in the city. She dreams of indulging her passion for ornithology and visiting the famous new amusement park--a summer of fun before she returns for her final year of high school, after which she’s expected to marry a nice boy and settle into middle-class homemaking. But in the country, Garnet finds herself under the supervision of equally oppressive guardians--her father’s wealthy cousin and the matron’s stuck-up daughter. Only a liberating job in a hat shop, an intense, secret relationship with a daring and beautiful flapper, and a deep faith in her own fierce heart can save her from the suffocating boredom of traditional femininity.
Silhouette of a Sparrow is a coming-of-age story about a search for wildness in a confining time, and a simultaneous quest for security in an era full of unrest. It is the tale of a young woman’s discovery of the science of risk and the art of rebellion, and of course, the power of unexpected love.
Silhouette of a Sparrow is a coming-of-age story about a search for wildness in a confining time, and a simultaneous quest for security in an era full of unrest. It is the tale of a young woman’s discovery of the science of risk and the art of rebellion, and of course, the power of unexpected love.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published April 10, 2012
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6481 people want to read
About the author
Molly Beth Griffin
22 books31 followersFrom Molly Beth Griffin's Website: "I am a graduate of Hamline University's MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults, and a writing teacher at the Loft Literary Center in the Twin Cities. ... Though my writing reaches across all age groups and genres, it all demonstrates my passion for exploring young people's changing relationship to the natural world."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 274 reviews
September 4, 2014
I think Molly Beth Griffin’s novel Silhouette of a Sparrow might just be the best lesbian young adult novel I’ve ever read. I don’t say that lightly. It has everything I could hope for: effortless yet beautiful writing, an authentic and lovable young heroine, a subtle and moving romance, an environmentalist sub-plot—honestly, what more could you ask for? I think, though, that what I appreciated the most about this book is that, while the romance is cute and sexy and authentic and great, it wasn’t the focal point of the novel. Rather, it’s the character development of the protagonist, Garnet, that Griffin is focused on throughout. I would be the first to admit that the romance was my favourite part, but I am also really pleased to read a book about a young woman whose interests are diverse. I think too often, especially in young adult books, even queer women characters continue to be defined by their romantic relationships...
Check out my full review on the lesbrary:
http://lesbrary.com/2013/06/07/casey-...
Check out my full review on the lesbrary:
http://lesbrary.com/2013/06/07/casey-...
December 17, 2020
Silhouette of a Sparrow is a gently-paced, coming-of-age story set in the 1920s, centred on 16-year-old Garnet. During a Polio outbreak Garnet’s sent to stay with her snobbish aunt and mealy-mouthed cousin in a small hotel in Minnesota. Garnet’s father has never recovered from his wartime experiences, and her mother’s pinning her hopes on Garnet making a good marriage. Garnet’s only real interest is in ornithology and she secretly dreams about going to university to study wildlife. Then she meets Isabella, who works in a local dance hall, and their gradually-developing relationship brings all of her uncertainties about who she is and who she wants to be to the surface.
Molly Beth Griffin’s lesbian YA novel is far from perfect, it raises pertinent issues around PTSD, race and gender but then doesn’t provide the space for those to be fully considered; and the growing bond between Garnet and Isabella - uptight, genteel girl falls for free spirited flapper - borders on cliché. In fact, if I stand back from this and critique it in my head then it shouldn’t have worked at all yet despite all that I really liked this one. There’s something about the tone, a difficult to define atmospheric quality, a sense of ambition to Griffith’s storytelling that I responded to, so much so I read this in one sitting. There was also something seductive about the underlying conceit framing the novel. Each chapter is named after a wild bird that inhabited this region of America in the 1920s, and Griffin builds on this device to tease out issues around conservation and our relationship with the natural world. The different types of bird also play a role within the narrative, an unusual vehicle for her central character to think through their family relationships and their own desire to take flight.
If this reminded me of anything it was the quiet, rites-of-passage stories that Virago used to specialise in: a contemporary re-versioning, of sorts, of the type of questions around women’s future possibilities explored in books like Miles Franklin’s My Brilliant Career, and the understated love story between Garnet and Isabella had a similar feel, as if Griffin had reflected on the kind of ‘intimate’ friendship between young women often barely glimpsed in a number of vintage women’s novels and thought about how to carefully bring one out into the light. As a YA novel, even with its sketchily-drawn themes, I thought this worked well. As a novel in general, with some judicious editing and further development, I thought it had considerable promise.
Rating: 3.5
Molly Beth Griffin’s lesbian YA novel is far from perfect, it raises pertinent issues around PTSD, race and gender but then doesn’t provide the space for those to be fully considered; and the growing bond between Garnet and Isabella - uptight, genteel girl falls for free spirited flapper - borders on cliché. In fact, if I stand back from this and critique it in my head then it shouldn’t have worked at all yet despite all that I really liked this one. There’s something about the tone, a difficult to define atmospheric quality, a sense of ambition to Griffith’s storytelling that I responded to, so much so I read this in one sitting. There was also something seductive about the underlying conceit framing the novel. Each chapter is named after a wild bird that inhabited this region of America in the 1920s, and Griffin builds on this device to tease out issues around conservation and our relationship with the natural world. The different types of bird also play a role within the narrative, an unusual vehicle for her central character to think through their family relationships and their own desire to take flight.
If this reminded me of anything it was the quiet, rites-of-passage stories that Virago used to specialise in: a contemporary re-versioning, of sorts, of the type of questions around women’s future possibilities explored in books like Miles Franklin’s My Brilliant Career, and the understated love story between Garnet and Isabella had a similar feel, as if Griffin had reflected on the kind of ‘intimate’ friendship between young women often barely glimpsed in a number of vintage women’s novels and thought about how to carefully bring one out into the light. As a YA novel, even with its sketchily-drawn themes, I thought this worked well. As a novel in general, with some judicious editing and further development, I thought it had considerable promise.
Rating: 3.5
July 29, 2016
When I saw this book on GR I was excited to read queer YA with some solid female characters, and I wasn't disappointed. Well, the book wasn't great, but I'm glad it's out there. There is interesting historical and conservational stuff in it. There are birds (I like birds). I enjoyed reading the author's end-note about her research and what in the book is based on historical stuff (and how writing the book sparked in her a passion for birding.) The cover is stellar.
I would say there are a few different 3-star-ratings in my 'catalogue of star-ratings.' One is compelling but not terribly readable. One is, stellar during some sections, but not fully coming together. This 3-star rating is enjoyable but far from engrossing. I just wasn't drawn to engage or fully dive into the world. But I do appreciate the setting and the love stories within.
The book tries to address a lot of things but many of the 'topics' it just kind of skims over. It touches upon shell-shock/ptsd after WWI and on class and race dynamics. It brings up issues of conservation in a way that feels a bit forced and not wholly believable, though I really appreciated the locational history she draws on. And then there is the love story across borders -- between a young person who has run away from home in order to take control of her life and push past confining social expectations and one who is trying to navigate the complexities of her sense of familial obligation.
I would say there are a few different 3-star-ratings in my 'catalogue of star-ratings.' One is compelling but not terribly readable. One is, stellar during some sections, but not fully coming together. This 3-star rating is enjoyable but far from engrossing. I just wasn't drawn to engage or fully dive into the world. But I do appreciate the setting and the love stories within.
The book tries to address a lot of things but many of the 'topics' it just kind of skims over. It touches upon shell-shock/ptsd after WWI and on class and race dynamics. It brings up issues of conservation in a way that feels a bit forced and not wholly believable, though I really appreciated the locational history she draws on. And then there is the love story across borders -- between a young person who has run away from home in order to take control of her life and push past confining social expectations and one who is trying to navigate the complexities of her sense of familial obligation.
June 16, 2023
I’d had this book on my tbr for forever but hadn’t been able to find a library copy anywhere but thank you SELCO for making my dreams come true.
Each chapter of this book was loosely based off of a bird that was also featured in the chapter in some way. Because the story takes place along Lake Minnetonka, all the birds were species I was very familiar with, which tied everything together very nicely.
Also, queer historical fiction is my favorite genre so you know I had to give it 5 stars. Feel a little bad after snubbing a classic, but this is based off my personal enjoyment, not whether or not this book will have major lasting cultural impacts.
Each chapter of this book was loosely based off of a bird that was also featured in the chapter in some way. Because the story takes place along Lake Minnetonka, all the birds were species I was very familiar with, which tied everything together very nicely.
Also, queer historical fiction is my favorite genre so you know I had to give it 5 stars. Feel a little bad after snubbing a classic, but this is based off my personal enjoyment, not whether or not this book will have major lasting cultural impacts.
April 23, 2015
A coming of age story set in the 20′s, Silhouette of a Sparrow by Molly Beth Griffin is a little bit Member of the Wedding (evocative of a time and place) and a little bit Fried Green Tomatoes (a budding relationship between two young women looking to assert themselves). It is charming and beautifully written. This book would be a great historical fiction accompaniment to a High School unit on the roaring 20’s or women’s changing roles in American history.
Gigi struggles to balance her family’s traditional values and expectations for her with her desires and dream (to study ornithology). There is enough tension and drama to keep the pacing tight. And the writing is lovely. Really lovely. And how awesome is a protagonist who says, “I held onto this practice of scientific naming as a small rebellion — a secret whispered between me, the silhouettes, and my bedroom wall.”
Gigi goes from being a passive participant in her life to taking risks (going to the carnival and on the boat trip) and even challenging those around her to change (Miss Maple, Hannah). When her life takes a difficult and unexpected turn, she rises to the occasion and finds her strength. “[I]f I had the courage to [SPOILER], I also had the courage to speak the truth.”
While Gigi is clearly the focus of this book, the secondary characters are not given cookie cutter identities. At the beginning most of the characters think they know who they are and what they want. Gigi says, “I could wrap those pretty words around me like a familiar blanket and fall asleep thinking I knew exactly who I was.” As circumstances challenge their lives and beliefs, Hannah, Avery, and Isabella grow and discover their strengths.
As I finished the book, I wanted to know more. [MILD SPOILER] Did Gigi go to college? Was her relationship with Isabella a summer romance? Did they stay friends? [END SPOILER] And that’s the mark of a good book — a book where I care so much about the characters that I wonder about them long after I finish reading the book. I being so caught up in the world of a book that I feel it’s pull in my non-reading life. “Fly, Gigi, fly!”
I cannot recommend it strongly enough. This is a must read if you love beautifully crafted YA literature.
*Thanks to Milkweed for proving the eARC of this book via Edelweiss*
Gigi struggles to balance her family’s traditional values and expectations for her with her desires and dream (to study ornithology). There is enough tension and drama to keep the pacing tight. And the writing is lovely. Really lovely. And how awesome is a protagonist who says, “I held onto this practice of scientific naming as a small rebellion — a secret whispered between me, the silhouettes, and my bedroom wall.”
Gigi goes from being a passive participant in her life to taking risks (going to the carnival and on the boat trip) and even challenging those around her to change (Miss Maple, Hannah). When her life takes a difficult and unexpected turn, she rises to the occasion and finds her strength. “[I]f I had the courage to [SPOILER], I also had the courage to speak the truth.”
While Gigi is clearly the focus of this book, the secondary characters are not given cookie cutter identities. At the beginning most of the characters think they know who they are and what they want. Gigi says, “I could wrap those pretty words around me like a familiar blanket and fall asleep thinking I knew exactly who I was.” As circumstances challenge their lives and beliefs, Hannah, Avery, and Isabella grow and discover their strengths.
As I finished the book, I wanted to know more. [MILD SPOILER] Did Gigi go to college? Was her relationship with Isabella a summer romance? Did they stay friends? [END SPOILER] And that’s the mark of a good book — a book where I care so much about the characters that I wonder about them long after I finish reading the book. I being so caught up in the world of a book that I feel it’s pull in my non-reading life. “Fly, Gigi, fly!”
I cannot recommend it strongly enough. This is a must read if you love beautifully crafted YA literature.
*Thanks to Milkweed for proving the eARC of this book via Edelweiss*
October 23, 2012
Tipping the Velvet PG! In Minnesota! Written by a Grinnellian!
The story of a bird-lover and the flapper she befriends/loves while in the resort town of Excelsior, Minnesota.
Also it's kind of weird to read after reading so much contemporarily-eraed Betsy-Tacy, which, obviously, has no lesbians.
Basically, I loved this. It read really quickly, and really gently. Griffin is a lyricist, and I found myself teary-eyed a bunch of times without quite knowing how I got that way. Which, to me, says the writing crept up on me and moved me unawares. So that is awesome. There was a lot of Girl Power going on -- I don't need a man! I'm going to college! I know the Latin names of birds! And 13 year old me would have loved it!
As for the lesbian stuff, it, too, was gentle -- I feel like I might be a little scandalized as a kid by it, but it was really more of a case of a couple of girls finding a great and empowering companionship and that being, hey, basically what love is. So I thought that was really nice too.
The one thing I might have changed (gulp!) was the conservation element -- I totally believe there was conservation stuff going on in the 1920s, but I think it would have been observed in a different and possibly slightly less strident way? But, I quibble with greatness.
I really liked this, and I really recommend it, and I should probably go buy myself a copy, but kudos to my library for carrying a copy!
The story of a bird-lover and the flapper she befriends/loves while in the resort town of Excelsior, Minnesota.
Also it's kind of weird to read after reading so much contemporarily-eraed Betsy-Tacy, which, obviously, has no lesbians.
Basically, I loved this. It read really quickly, and really gently. Griffin is a lyricist, and I found myself teary-eyed a bunch of times without quite knowing how I got that way. Which, to me, says the writing crept up on me and moved me unawares. So that is awesome. There was a lot of Girl Power going on -- I don't need a man! I'm going to college! I know the Latin names of birds! And 13 year old me would have loved it!
As for the lesbian stuff, it, too, was gentle -- I feel like I might be a little scandalized as a kid by it, but it was really more of a case of a couple of girls finding a great and empowering companionship and that being, hey, basically what love is. So I thought that was really nice too.
The one thing I might have changed (gulp!) was the conservation element -- I totally believe there was conservation stuff going on in the 1920s, but I think it would have been observed in a different and possibly slightly less strident way? But, I quibble with greatness.
I really liked this, and I really recommend it, and I should probably go buy myself a copy, but kudos to my library for carrying a copy!
January 16, 2014
Silhouette of a Sparrow is a quiet little LGBT coming of age story, set in... the 1920s or so? Garnet, the main character, has a passion for birds, a vague hope of going to college, and a summer to spend away from her family. She falls in love with a flapper, decides not to marry the boy who's waiting for her back home, and sets her sights on going to college.
While there is drama in the story -- Hannah's outburst at her mother, thunder and hail storms, even a fire in the hotel where Garnet is staying -- none of it really did much for me. It's an introspective story, and that kind of thing didn't seem to fit; I was much more interested in the quiet parts, Garnet cutting out bird silhouettes and thinking of her father, trips out on the lake, the quiet triumphs in Garnet's life like getting a summer job and convincing her employer not to sell feathered hats anymore, etc.
The relationship between Garnet and Isabella is almost unnecessary, when you view it that way: a friendship between them would be enough. But then of course you remember how little there is in the way of LGBT fiction and especially teen LGBT fiction -- I at least felt much less inclined to go bleh at the inclusion of an "unnecessary" romance when I thought about that.
The ending fits the story well -- a mixture of the bitter and the sweet, some hope and some disappointment, maybe even some fear. It leaves a lot open, but that's alright, at least for this story.
While there is drama in the story -- Hannah's outburst at her mother, thunder and hail storms, even a fire in the hotel where Garnet is staying -- none of it really did much for me. It's an introspective story, and that kind of thing didn't seem to fit; I was much more interested in the quiet parts, Garnet cutting out bird silhouettes and thinking of her father, trips out on the lake, the quiet triumphs in Garnet's life like getting a summer job and convincing her employer not to sell feathered hats anymore, etc.
The relationship between Garnet and Isabella is almost unnecessary, when you view it that way: a friendship between them would be enough. But then of course you remember how little there is in the way of LGBT fiction and especially teen LGBT fiction -- I at least felt much less inclined to go bleh at the inclusion of an "unnecessary" romance when I thought about that.
The ending fits the story well -- a mixture of the bitter and the sweet, some hope and some disappointment, maybe even some fear. It leaves a lot open, but that's alright, at least for this story.
January 4, 2013
This gets a little extra goodwill for being historical fiction with a lesbian protagonist--something I absolutely think we need to see more of. And it isn't a terrible book at all. But it is disappointing: dull where it should sparkle, matter-of-fact where it should be delicately devastating. As a result I felt increasingly detached from the narrative, watching conflicts and resolutions drift by (and too quickly) without much emotional investment. Even when I wanted to weep or cheer for the characters, the best I could muster was mild sympathy or satisfaction as they confronted their lives and made their choices. I'm a little harsh, perhaps, because the story has the bones of a much better book, one I wanted badly to read instead.
What a cover, though! My ARC is beautiful, and I'm sure it's even more stunning in finished form. Rarely do I see a cover that represents its book as well as this one does, and it's fit for the book I wish this had been.
What a cover, though! My ARC is beautiful, and I'm sure it's even more stunning in finished form. Rarely do I see a cover that represents its book as well as this one does, and it's fit for the book I wish this had been.
October 27, 2018
There's nothing technically wrong with Silhouette of a Sparrow, but there's nothing technically right about it either. Griffin can turn a fine sentence, and some of the passages in the book are truly lovely, but any edge granted by her prose style is undone by her frankly horrific character work. Silhouette knows all the beats that make a character arc, but fails to actually write character in a remotely convincing way.
The plot is simple enough, and there's nothing particularly wrong with it, but issues are resolved with easy conversations, and the way the side characters are written borders on comical. I feel like you can see where Griffin is following Best Writing Practices and unfortunately it leads to the book feeling formulaic as well as poorly observed. Garnet's personality is mostly her, admittedly cool, hobby and the way the conflict between Hannah and her mother resolved was particularly badly done, though the constant whiplash of emotion we experienced from Garnet, no more sensical than the weather itself, doomed the book from the start.
I do want to be clear, though: I liked the idea of this story, and I definitely appreciate the rep. Griffin knows the rules of writing, but Silhouette shows a lack of understanding in how to write living characters. This book, surprisingly, felt like a slog, though it's not even 200 pages. I'm glad I read it, but I'm more glad to be quit of it.
The plot is simple enough, and there's nothing particularly wrong with it, but issues are resolved with easy conversations, and the way the side characters are written borders on comical. I feel like you can see where Griffin is following Best Writing Practices and unfortunately it leads to the book feeling formulaic as well as poorly observed. Garnet's personality is mostly her, admittedly cool, hobby and the way the conflict between Hannah and her mother resolved was particularly badly done, though the constant whiplash of emotion we experienced from Garnet, no more sensical than the weather itself, doomed the book from the start.
I do want to be clear, though: I liked the idea of this story, and I definitely appreciate the rep. Griffin knows the rules of writing, but Silhouette shows a lack of understanding in how to write living characters. This book, surprisingly, felt like a slog, though it's not even 200 pages. I'm glad I read it, but I'm more glad to be quit of it.
February 11, 2013
I'm adding an extra star for this being a great addition to queer literature for teens in the form of a well written historical lesbian romance. It is set in Minnesota, which made me squee with joy at least once.
I didn't dislike anything about the book but there is some intensity missing, some spark that would turn my like for this well crafted little book into love.
I didn't dislike anything about the book but there is some intensity missing, some spark that would turn my like for this well crafted little book into love.
October 8, 2018
Where was this incredible story when I was a confused teenager discovering my strange and beautiful self? Either way, I’m so incredibly glad I’ve experienced it now. Absolutely heartwarming and desperately honest. A gift to all young queer women learning about the power of the love they can give as well as the gift of love received.
October 19, 2024
Good writing, not difficult but not plain either. A nice story - got me to smile a couple of times, but also moving.
December 22, 2020
Lovely 😌
February 7, 2013
Silhouette of a Sparrow was an interesting book for young adults published by Milkweed Editions, a small independent publisher. I received a review copy from them. Set in the 1920s, sixteen year old Garnet wants nothing more than to become a scientist and study birds, but her mother has her life all planned: after high school, she'll marry and be a housewife. Garnet is sent away for the summer to stay with relatives at a lakeside resort, and she finds a chance to bloom. There is an amusement park, and a dance hall, and she becomes very intimate with a beautiful, daring flapper named Isabella. It will become the most important summer of Garnet's life. Will she follow her family's expectations or her passions? "Can she seize the freedom she so admires in birds?"
I loved many, many things about this book. The overall design of the book was beautiful: the covers, the flaps, and the hardcover itself. It was simple and understated, but perfect. I also loved that Garnet's main hobby is cutting out silhouettes of different birds that she sees. I'd never heard of doing that before, and it fit her well. It's both ladylike enough for her mother, and what she loves. Each chapter is named after a different bird, either one that Garnet sees or a person that reminds her of a certain bird. I wish the author would have included a crow though. The silhouettes are included with the chapter title.
The story itself was great too. It was interesting, and very important, the basic follow your family or your dreams line. The flapper era is one that I'm somewhat interested in, though I suppose I'm interested in most historical periods. Silhouette of a Sparrow was more subdued than The Diviners (obviously, they're very different genres), and I liked it better because of that. It used less tacky 1920's lingo; in The Diviners, it was just over-done a bit. You won't find any "pos-i-tute-ly"s or "jake"s or "you bet-ski"s here. The absence of those phrases makes the book seem more realistic, and it makes it more relatable. I could actually imagine Garnet, and I could also imagine being friends with her. Her character wasn't as developed as it could have been, but I still enjoyed the relationship between her and Isabella, though I did think the author's choice of them having a romance was really odd, considering the circumstances.
I suppose I should get past my stereotypes. One doesn't think of Minnesota as an exciting place to stay during the summer. But for Garnet, it ends up being so, and it ends up (probably) being one of the most important parts of her life, where she really finds herself, and makes a choice.
I'm not sure what rating to give this book. I certainly liked it, but did I love it? One might say the book was a bit too subdued; the 1920's are known for jazz and speakeasies, and parties. Not much of that goes on in Silhouette of a Sparrow. The book is kind of mellow, drifting along in a gentle sort of way. If The Diviners is over-dramatized, then Silhouette of a Sparrow is under-dramatized. All I'm saying is more could have been done with this plot. I still really enjoyed the book.
3.5 stars on Goodreads.
www.novareviews.blogspot.com
I loved many, many things about this book. The overall design of the book was beautiful: the covers, the flaps, and the hardcover itself. It was simple and understated, but perfect. I also loved that Garnet's main hobby is cutting out silhouettes of different birds that she sees. I'd never heard of doing that before, and it fit her well. It's both ladylike enough for her mother, and what she loves. Each chapter is named after a different bird, either one that Garnet sees or a person that reminds her of a certain bird. I wish the author would have included a crow though. The silhouettes are included with the chapter title.
The story itself was great too. It was interesting, and very important, the basic follow your family or your dreams line. The flapper era is one that I'm somewhat interested in, though I suppose I'm interested in most historical periods. Silhouette of a Sparrow was more subdued than The Diviners (obviously, they're very different genres), and I liked it better because of that. It used less tacky 1920's lingo; in The Diviners, it was just over-done a bit. You won't find any "pos-i-tute-ly"s or "jake"s or "you bet-ski"s here. The absence of those phrases makes the book seem more realistic, and it makes it more relatable. I could actually imagine Garnet, and I could also imagine being friends with her. Her character wasn't as developed as it could have been, but I still enjoyed the relationship between her and Isabella, though I did think the author's choice of them having a romance was really odd, considering the circumstances.
I suppose I should get past my stereotypes. One doesn't think of Minnesota as an exciting place to stay during the summer. But for Garnet, it ends up being so, and it ends up (probably) being one of the most important parts of her life, where she really finds herself, and makes a choice.
I'm not sure what rating to give this book. I certainly liked it, but did I love it? One might say the book was a bit too subdued; the 1920's are known for jazz and speakeasies, and parties. Not much of that goes on in Silhouette of a Sparrow. The book is kind of mellow, drifting along in a gentle sort of way. If The Diviners is over-dramatized, then Silhouette of a Sparrow is under-dramatized. All I'm saying is more could have been done with this plot. I still really enjoyed the book.
3.5 stars on Goodreads.
www.novareviews.blogspot.com
August 24, 2019
This book makes you visualize an entire town and feel as though you've lived there for all your life.
This book makes you meet new characters, even unpleasant ones, and be able to familiarize yourself with them.
This book makes you squeal and press it against your face to conceal your blushing because, god damn it, Isabella is in love with Garnet.
The entire town of Excelsior, Minnesota becomes a warm vacation home that you come to every summer. Griffin's writing has a way of throwing you into the book, until you can practically feel the sun rays on Garnet's face.
The relationship between the birds and each chapter was brilliant, I especially liked how Garnet could relate the people she met into different species. On top of gorgeous dialogue, setting, and imagery, I loved realizing the link between the birds and the events for each chapter.
The book wasn't a typical problem-climax-solution. The reader is very much immersed in a journey of realization and discovery, and you grow up with Garnet over the summer. I preferred this set up, because one almost feels like one has been entrusted to hear first hand how Garnet is feeling.
The ending had me feeling a bit left out, only because I wanted to know if Isabella and Garnet ever meet up again. The ending is rather mellow, and while I'm glad Garnet's future is laid out and she is happy, I want the two girls to see each other again. It's the kind of ending where everything is neatly cleaned up, but you don't get a dramatic adieu, or a proclamation of sorts. It's a oh-look-everything-has-fixed-itself sort of ending, which is why I'm leaving out the last star.
The writing style is definitely geared toward the Y/A audience, so it can feel slightly simple at points, but imagery and dialogue makes up for it. Oh, and those kissing scenes.
You are forgiven, Molly Beth Griffin.
If that isn't enough to convince you to read this book, HISTORICAL FICTION WITH A LESBIAN PROTAGONIST, WHERE SEXUALITY IS ACTUALLY NOT THE HUGE CONFLICT IN THE NOVEL.
Need I say more?
This book makes you meet new characters, even unpleasant ones, and be able to familiarize yourself with them.
This book makes you squeal and press it against your face to conceal your blushing because, god damn it, Isabella is in love with Garnet.
The entire town of Excelsior, Minnesota becomes a warm vacation home that you come to every summer. Griffin's writing has a way of throwing you into the book, until you can practically feel the sun rays on Garnet's face.
The relationship between the birds and each chapter was brilliant, I especially liked how Garnet could relate the people she met into different species. On top of gorgeous dialogue, setting, and imagery, I loved realizing the link between the birds and the events for each chapter.
The book wasn't a typical problem-climax-solution. The reader is very much immersed in a journey of realization and discovery, and you grow up with Garnet over the summer. I preferred this set up, because one almost feels like one has been entrusted to hear first hand how Garnet is feeling.
The ending had me feeling a bit left out, only because I wanted to know if Isabella and Garnet ever meet up again. The ending is rather mellow, and while I'm glad Garnet's future is laid out and she is happy, I want the two girls to see each other again. It's the kind of ending where everything is neatly cleaned up, but you don't get a dramatic adieu, or a proclamation of sorts. It's a oh-look-everything-has-fixed-itself sort of ending, which is why I'm leaving out the last star.
The writing style is definitely geared toward the Y/A audience, so it can feel slightly simple at points, but imagery and dialogue makes up for it. Oh, and those kissing scenes.
You are forgiven, Molly Beth Griffin.
If that isn't enough to convince you to read this book, HISTORICAL FICTION WITH A LESBIAN PROTAGONIST, WHERE SEXUALITY IS ACTUALLY NOT THE HUGE CONFLICT IN THE NOVEL.
Need I say more?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2013
This was a charming little book. In 1920s America, a high school aged girl named Garnet is sent to spend the summer out in the country with relatives, ostensibly to prevent her from catching polio in the city. (Really, it's to get her away from her father, who has Never Been The Same After The War, in the hopes that some time alone with his wife will perk him up. Hey, it's a thought.) Lesbianism happens - to everyone's delight.
This book is organized into chapters based on different birds, and each bird shows up at some point in its respective chapter. This felt really gimmicky to me at first, but after the first few chapters I got invested in the characters and stopped caring. Garnet is REALLY invested in birds and bird species and bird welfare, but it's not more annoying than any other weird character quirk. I enjoyed the supporting characters, and was surprised at how much I liked them. The romance worked well, although I wish it could have had more time to develop.
Which is really my only problem with the story. It was very short, and even though it took place over only one summer, I wish that it had had more substance. This is a coming of age novel with a lesbian subplot, not a novel focused on the romance, but I wish the romance had more time (possibly, admittedly, because I was enjoying that part). And I think Garnet's realizations about herself and growing up, her plans, and her ~beautiful climactic moment would have been better served if the narrative had gone into her issues in a little more depth. It was a sweet novel, and I would recommend it, but gosh, I wish it had been meatier. This was such a brilliant idea and I would have loved to see it play out with more depth and complexity. (But then, I'm not going to criticize the book too much for not being what I would have written.)
This book is organized into chapters based on different birds, and each bird shows up at some point in its respective chapter. This felt really gimmicky to me at first, but after the first few chapters I got invested in the characters and stopped caring. Garnet is REALLY invested in birds and bird species and bird welfare, but it's not more annoying than any other weird character quirk. I enjoyed the supporting characters, and was surprised at how much I liked them. The romance worked well, although I wish it could have had more time to develop.
Which is really my only problem with the story. It was very short, and even though it took place over only one summer, I wish that it had had more substance. This is a coming of age novel with a lesbian subplot, not a novel focused on the romance, but I wish the romance had more time (possibly, admittedly, because I was enjoying that part). And I think Garnet's realizations about herself and growing up, her plans, and her ~beautiful climactic moment would have been better served if the narrative had gone into her issues in a little more depth. It was a sweet novel, and I would recommend it, but gosh, I wish it had been meatier. This was such a brilliant idea and I would have loved to see it play out with more depth and complexity. (But then, I'm not going to criticize the book too much for not being what I would have written.)
December 2, 2013
Silhouette of a Sparrow by Molly Beth Griffin, published 2012.
Historical fiction.
Novel.
Grades 9-12.
Found via Publishers Weekly, reviewer not credited.
In 1926, 16-year-old Garnet goes to spend the summer with her aunt and cousin while her mother tries to help her father overcome his issues post-WWI. Though Garnet's aunt insists she act proper, Garnet manages to acquire a job at a hat shop, and she spends her free time cutting out silhouettes of birds—her one concession to her childhood love of ornithology. While working at the hat shop, Garnet meets the enigmatic flapper Isabella, who instantly captures Garnet's attention. Slowly the two girls come to know each other better, culminating in a romance that asks both of them to take a closer look at who they are and what they want from life. The anonymous reviewer for Publishers Weekly states the novel's appeal well: "Garnet's sexual awakening is suffused with lightness and joy, and her familial and identity struggles will resonate with contemporary teens, although the ending is perhaps too neat." Many teens should find elements of this novel that resonate with their lives, and it's a great look at historical LGBTQ lifestyles. Readers should be wary of some underage alcohol use, racism, and teen sex, but these all work appropriately within the novel to enhance the narrative.
Historical fiction.
Novel.
Grades 9-12.
Found via Publishers Weekly, reviewer not credited.
In 1926, 16-year-old Garnet goes to spend the summer with her aunt and cousin while her mother tries to help her father overcome his issues post-WWI. Though Garnet's aunt insists she act proper, Garnet manages to acquire a job at a hat shop, and she spends her free time cutting out silhouettes of birds—her one concession to her childhood love of ornithology. While working at the hat shop, Garnet meets the enigmatic flapper Isabella, who instantly captures Garnet's attention. Slowly the two girls come to know each other better, culminating in a romance that asks both of them to take a closer look at who they are and what they want from life. The anonymous reviewer for Publishers Weekly states the novel's appeal well: "Garnet's sexual awakening is suffused with lightness and joy, and her familial and identity struggles will resonate with contemporary teens, although the ending is perhaps too neat." Many teens should find elements of this novel that resonate with their lives, and it's a great look at historical LGBTQ lifestyles. Readers should be wary of some underage alcohol use, racism, and teen sex, but these all work appropriately within the novel to enhance the narrative.
February 14, 2014
I didn't have high hopes for this book when I checked it out on a whim. Historical LGBT lit has a tendency to be breathtakingly depressing, given the times its set in, but this manages to skirt that while still maintaining an honesty to the period. I enjoyed Garnet's point of view. She had a nice blend of Interesting Heroine personality quirks and typical ladylike things of the day - like being good at sewing, or being shocked by pants. It made her feel more realistic and also made her character's journey more interesting. Its a short read but well-worth it. I would gladly read it again.
October 18, 2021
So in this book's defense, I'm not a historical romance fan and knew that going in. I'm just in denial about that and keep trying to tell myself that I'm just not a straight historical romance fan so really, really, wanted to love this one.
Maybe my expectations were just too high because I didn't not enjoy it, but it was slow yet short and I don't see myself remembering anything about it a few weeks from now.
Maybe my expectations were just too high because I didn't not enjoy it, but it was slow yet short and I don't see myself remembering anything about it a few weeks from now.
December 30, 2012
A beautifully-written, sweet YA novel about an ornithology-loving girl who feels trapped by the sexist conventions of her time, until she meets an alluring flapper named Isabella. I had trouble believing in the book's 1920s setting, but I can't pinpoint why.
Also, wow, the lovely cover!
Also, wow, the lovely cover!
December 28, 2017
It's the 1920s, and the world is changing, but Garnet's family wishes otherwise. Their expectations are clear: she'll marry, with or without finishing high school, and settle into domestic life. Ideally, she'll marry well enough to support her family, if need be.
Garnet knows this, and she wants to do right by her family. But it's summer, and she's away from home, and she's learning what she really wants: she wants to finish high school and go on to college. She wants to work before or as well as or instead of raising a family. She doesn't want to marry a man. And she doesn't know how to make any of this work with her family's—her mother's—plans.
In many ways this is a quiet story: secrets come out, dramatic things happen, but they aren't treated as big explosions. It's nice—leaves more room for insights, I think, and for Garnet to develop over the course of the book. I also like how open her future is at the end of the book: she knows what she wants, and she has a rough plan, but there are still a lot of questions. The same is true for Isabella's future—it's so nice to see characters who manage to make it to the end without every single bow being tied perfectly. It's pretty satisfying! I doubt it's in the offing, but I'd be super happy to see a follow-up book with Garnet (or, for that matter, Isabella) some years later.
Garnet knows this, and she wants to do right by her family. But it's summer, and she's away from home, and she's learning what she really wants: she wants to finish high school and go on to college. She wants to work before or as well as or instead of raising a family. She doesn't want to marry a man. And she doesn't know how to make any of this work with her family's—her mother's—plans.
In many ways this is a quiet story: secrets come out, dramatic things happen, but they aren't treated as big explosions. It's nice—leaves more room for insights, I think, and for Garnet to develop over the course of the book. I also like how open her future is at the end of the book: she knows what she wants, and she has a rough plan, but there are still a lot of questions. The same is true for Isabella's future—it's so nice to see characters who manage to make it to the end without every single bow being tied perfectly. It's pretty satisfying! I doubt it's in the offing, but I'd be super happy to see a follow-up book with Garnet (or, for that matter, Isabella) some years later.
August 31, 2024
This novel offers a lighthearted and sweet exploration of a hidden relationship, beautifully tied together with recurring motifs of birds and flight. Something I never thought would tug at the heartstrings but it definitely did!
The symbolism of birds is woven throughout, adding depth and a sense of freedom to the narrative. The connection between the characters and their journey toward self discovery is handled gently and with care from the author, which makes for just a really heartwarming read.
While the ending might have been even more satisfying with Isabella and Garnet "flying" together, there's something empowering about Garnet's ability to soar on her own. The conclusion leaves readers with a sense of independence and growth, which resonates long after the final page. Overall, it's a charming and thoughtful story that balances romance with themes of personal freedom.
The symbolism of birds is woven throughout, adding depth and a sense of freedom to the narrative. The connection between the characters and their journey toward self discovery is handled gently and with care from the author, which makes for just a really heartwarming read.
While the ending might have been even more satisfying with Isabella and Garnet "flying" together, there's something empowering about Garnet's ability to soar on her own. The conclusion leaves readers with a sense of independence and growth, which resonates long after the final page. Overall, it's a charming and thoughtful story that balances romance with themes of personal freedom.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2017
Beautiful depiction of a 1920s Minnesota summer resort town, even if I did spend most of it feeling entirely lukewarm about the romance, with a side of "...why are you getting naked with someone you literally met a month ago."
June 28, 2017
This was cute. Nothing to write home about, but it's a quick read about two queer girls in the 1920s, with the protagonist going through a lot of personal growth and trying to find herself in a changing society. I like queer historical fiction and need more of it.
March 23, 2018
This was a sweet, simple historical YA lesbian romance. What's not to love? I'm just sad it was so short.
April 1, 2020
Completely adorable. This book was quite short and the plot skipped along very quickly, but there was some great characterisation and a really beautiful romance. Just lovely.
October 21, 2012
Another YA book by a Grinnellian! Take over the teen publishing industry please Grinnell, you do it right. I probably would not have picked this book up except out of Grinnell pride, but I really enjoyed it. It's a historical (1920s) novel that's well-researched without reading like it's just regurgitating facts. And I'm so happy to see a queer historical romance! I took history of women at Grinnell, I know there were lesbians before the 1970s. And here are some in a book! It's weirdly both fast-paced (I read it all in one night) and reflective. Kind of like if Marilynne Robinson were forced to write a book where something had to happen in 150 pages. (PS I love Marilynne Robinson.)
I also loved the conservation angle. The one thing I thought was weird is that the protagonist, Garnet, likes to birdwatch and cut out bird silhouettes as her hobby. And she cuts out these silhouettes like, all the time. On the streetcar, on boats, wherever. The narrative said she had a fancy small pair of scissors for just this purpose (a gift from her mother to keep her sewing scissors from being dulled on paper... or a gift from her mother to encourage her art?) But like. What is she doing with the paper scraps? I wondered that literally every time she started cutting out bird shapes in public. I'm aware that this is probably a personal flaw and not a narrative flaw.
Library-wise it might be kind of a hard sell. The cover makes it look like it might be about bird monsters and, to me, the book jacket summary sounded kind of boring. I really do think historical fiction readers & realistic romance readers would love it though so I hope it gets picked up by them.
I also loved the conservation angle. The one thing I thought was weird is that the protagonist, Garnet, likes to birdwatch and cut out bird silhouettes as her hobby. And she cuts out these silhouettes like, all the time. On the streetcar, on boats, wherever. The narrative said she had a fancy small pair of scissors for just this purpose (a gift from her mother to keep her sewing scissors from being dulled on paper... or a gift from her mother to encourage her art?) But like. What is she doing with the paper scraps? I wondered that literally every time she started cutting out bird shapes in public. I'm aware that this is probably a personal flaw and not a narrative flaw.
Library-wise it might be kind of a hard sell. The cover makes it look like it might be about bird monsters and, to me, the book jacket summary sounded kind of boring. I really do think historical fiction readers & realistic romance readers would love it though so I hope it gets picked up by them.
September 30, 2024
i loved it! i love how easy it was to follow along. it's children's literature with a slice of adult themes of reflectiveness and romance! i looooove how there were all kinds of birds, for every chapter we are introduced to a unique bird. i'd always take a break and look them up on TikTok and yes these birds are beautiful!!
i'm gonna write about my takeaways from the book now.
it's a girl, Garnet, that spends her summer at a rich aunt's. what got me smitten with this character was the time when she just wakes up at night and wanders to the ball or dancing hall where her aunt was like do no go to that godforsaken hall. and she just does and she actually realized that it was for real when she was there already. like this girl is just courageous.
then she meets Isabella. where she's like look at the moon it's so beautiful. makes me wanna howl. isabella's like "then howl!!""oh you can't? here, try some of this gin." and Garnet was like really? am i really gonna? okay here goes my first drink. like that was- that's a memorable cornerstone of a moment ngl as i'd view it with my christian craving rebellious-ish eyes. another thing i love about this character is her love for science, girl!! she devotes her time in the library to studying every natural history and environmental science book. inspirational. as a science major, yes.
let's talk a little bit about Isabella. i love this character very much as well as we learn more about her backstory with her family in the countryside, and her brothers and her sweet little brother Mitch!! that was very sweet albeit heartbreaking knowing that she had left her little brother. well. we make decisions like that and live with it.
yeah, our little Garnet seems to be influenced too by this rebellious risk-taking nature.
garnet's career girl nature <33
the character realization
i loved this quote
this was not only garnet and isabelle's coming of age story, but also the ghastly snobby nose-in-air Harringtons. That really, they are just a pair of people armoring themselves with their own defense mechanisms facing the world together.
this really was a beautiful coming-of-age-story that dwelt on acting on the moment, savoring the limit of time-or in this case-summer. it's reflective, it's character-driven, and it's pretty educational too. thanks for this wonderful book, author!
i'm gonna write about my takeaways from the book now.
it's a girl, Garnet, that spends her summer at a rich aunt's. what got me smitten with this character was the time when she just wakes up at night and wanders to the ball or dancing hall where her aunt was like do no go to that godforsaken hall. and she just does and she actually realized that it was for real when she was there already. like this girl is just courageous.
then she meets Isabella. where she's like look at the moon it's so beautiful. makes me wanna howl. isabella's like "then howl!!""oh you can't? here, try some of this gin." and Garnet was like really? am i really gonna? okay here goes my first drink. like that was- that's a memorable cornerstone of a moment ngl as i'd view it with my christian craving rebellious-ish eyes. another thing i love about this character is her love for science, girl!! she devotes her time in the library to studying every natural history and environmental science book. inspirational. as a science major, yes.
Scientists used to kill birds in order to study them, you know. They shot them down and stuffed them, and then they made their drawings and took their measurements. Modern scientists have been trying to study birds from life, like we are. It was Audobon who changed all that.
If I fancied myself a concerned scientist, and not just a hobby bird-watcher, there was no time like the present to take some responsibility and begin to act for change.
let's talk a little bit about Isabella. i love this character very much as well as we learn more about her backstory with her family in the countryside, and her brothers and her sweet little brother Mitch!! that was very sweet albeit heartbreaking knowing that she had left her little brother. well. we make decisions like that and live with it.
yeah, our little Garnet seems to be influenced too by this rebellious risk-taking nature.
But if I snuck out every day and constantly risked being seen by other hotel guests and confused my own mind with constant lying, Hannah would be sure to find out what I was doing and whom I was doing it with. So I need to be more careful. I would need to wait awhile before seeing Isabella again.
garnet's career girl nature <33
My hands were kept busy unpacking boxes and arranging displays and handling money, my mind was always occupied helping customers and making change and tallying receipts, my quiet nature was stretched by the constant interactions with strangers and as I learned to navigate the unique relationship between employee and boss.
the character realization
"There's so much waiting for me at home, Isabella. Eventually this summer will end and I'll have to go back. August twenty-sixth is branded in my memory like judgment day. There are decisions to be made, big decisions. See, the thing is I... I can't end up like my mother," I said, surprising myself with the sudden clarity of my desires. "I can't marry Teddy and have children and call that a life. The woodpeckers are happy with that, but I don't think I could be. I want to learn. And work. And see things, and do things, and be somebody."
I looked closely at my edges, my boundaries, the lightly elongated lines that set me apart from lake and sky and island and bird and boat. I looked closely, pretending that I knew nothing about the girl I saw, pretending that she was some beautiful creature whose borders contained something worth holding in—something unique and extraordinary, something worth saving. I looked closely, the way I’d taught myself to look at birds, the way I’d learned to look at Isabella, and I saw myself. Then those scissors were cutting after all, as I snipped out my own image, I ignored the small ripples of the water and traced the lines that separated me from the world, and the lines that fit me into that world like the piece of a puzzle.
Yes, my father was falling apart at home and my mother was trying to put him back together. Yes, the girl I loved was rehearsing with a band for an evening show in a dance hall that some people loved and many people loathed. Yes, the boy I was supposed to marry was eagerly awaiting my return home with a question on his lips. Yes, Mrs. Harrington and her daughter were back at the hotel wasting their lives tatting lace and lying about money. And yes, I was a part of it all. But I was also separate. I had my own life to live, and no one but me could live it
This is who you are, the lake said to me, speaking through my skin. Just like a dark bird against a clear sky, just like a sleek black loon against glimmering waves, I had a silhouette.
In that moment I knew that wanting was not the same as selfishness. Wanting was pure and right and beautiful. And the real me could not change shape to suit the needs of others--not even loved ones, not even family. I knew who I was. The rest could be worked out. I could find a way. If Miss Maple had done it, so could I.
i loved this quote
Do we all change when we try to attract a lover? Do we all try to be more beautiful, or more bold, or more intelligent, or just more brilliantly ourselves?
"With you," she said, "I know who I am. Or at least, I know who I want to be."
this was not only garnet and isabelle's coming of age story, but also the ghastly snobby nose-in-air Harringtons. That really, they are just a pair of people armoring themselves with their own defense mechanisms facing the world together.
this really was a beautiful coming-of-age-story that dwelt on acting on the moment, savoring the limit of time-or in this case-summer. it's reflective, it's character-driven, and it's pretty educational too. thanks for this wonderful book, author!
September 18, 2012
Set in the flapper era, when "proper" young girls pursued gentle activities and filled hope chests, got married early and deferred to their husbands for all major decisions, this story about a girl who doesn't quite fit in was trying to do a little too much.
It's entirely plausible that Garnet was really good at science, that she didn't fit her mother's expectations for what her life should become. It's also plausible that she fell in love with Isabelle. But both? That felt a little much. Her confusion about her role, her desire to do something more than marriage and family were all very real, as was her love of ornithology and her obvious talent at the paper silhouettes of the various birds. You could easily imagine how a smart girl in that era might chafe at societal expectations and yearn for adventure and freedom. Had Isabelle merely provided that outlet: a flapper, a runaway, a girl who fishes and lives alone and has that freedom, I would have been much happier. The love aspect just ruined the book for me - it wasn't necessary and read almost as though the author was trying to say "if you don't fit in, if you're smart, etc., you're possibly a lesbian."
ARC provided by publisher.
It's entirely plausible that Garnet was really good at science, that she didn't fit her mother's expectations for what her life should become. It's also plausible that she fell in love with Isabelle. But both? That felt a little much. Her confusion about her role, her desire to do something more than marriage and family were all very real, as was her love of ornithology and her obvious talent at the paper silhouettes of the various birds. You could easily imagine how a smart girl in that era might chafe at societal expectations and yearn for adventure and freedom. Had Isabelle merely provided that outlet: a flapper, a runaway, a girl who fishes and lives alone and has that freedom, I would have been much happier. The love aspect just ruined the book for me - it wasn't necessary and read almost as though the author was trying to say "if you don't fit in, if you're smart, etc., you're possibly a lesbian."
ARC provided by publisher.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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