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Above Us Only Sky: A Novel
From the author of The Handbook for Lightning Strike Survivors, which Library Journal called, “ripe for Oprah or fans of Elizabeth Berg or Anne Tyler,” comes a magical novel about a family of women separated by oceans, generations, and war, but connected by something much greater—the gift of wings.On March 29, 1973, Prudence Eleanor Vilkas was born with a pair of wings molded to her back. Considered a birth defect, her wings were surgically removed, leaving only the ghost of them behind.At fifteen years old, confused and unmoored, Prudence meets her long-estranged Lithuanian grandfather and discovers a miraculous lineage beating and pulsing with past Lithuanian bird-women, storytellers with wings dragging the dirt, survivors perched on radio towers, lovers lit up like fireworks, and heroes disguised as everyday men and women. Prudence sets forth on a quest to discover her ancestors, to grapple with wings that only one other person can see, and ultimately, to find out where she belongs.Above Us Only Sky spans the 1863 January Uprising against Russian Tsarist rule in Eastern Europe to the fall of the Berlin Wall, and Lithuania gaining its independence in 1991. It is a story of mutual understanding between the old and young; it is a love story; a story of survival, and most importantly a story about where we belong in the world. This “is a raw, beautiful, unforgettable book” (Lydia Netzer, bestselling author of Shine, Shine, Shine).
Hardcover
First published March 3, 2015
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About the author
Michele Young-Stone
3 books164 followersMICHELE YOUNG-STONE is the author of LOST IN THE BEEHIVE, an O Magazine pick, ABOVE US ONLY SKY, and THE HANDBOOK FOR LIGHTNING STRIKE SURVIVORS. She is currently at work on a fourth novel.
Read excerpts from her novel at http://www.micheleyoungstone.com
In addition to being a writer, Michele is a mom, wife, animal lover, Zumba and Hip-Hop addict, crafter, Pinterest junkie, and bird watcher. Learn more about Michele and her books on her webpage or on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/michele.youn...
Read excerpts from her novel at http://www.micheleyoungstone.com
In addition to being a writer, Michele is a mom, wife, animal lover, Zumba and Hip-Hop addict, crafter, Pinterest junkie, and bird watcher. Learn more about Michele and her books on her webpage or on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/michele.youn...
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June 2, 2016I picked up this book as a gift for my Lithuanian friends, and just had to take a peek before handing it off. Long story short: this book isn’t leaving my home! About a young girl in America from a broken home who one day discovers she was born with wings (yes, wings) and is then reconnected with her Lithuanian and German grandparents—omg. First, it’s told from multiple POVs, which works really well in this instance; second, it sneakily plopped me into WWII and I can’t bear ‘war books’ but this one made me BE in the war and experience it and feel ALL THE EMOTIONS; third, it delivers several family-related sucker punches that just left me breathless. I’m tentatively comparing it to Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon, just with Lithuanian rather than African themes. And don’t worry, another copy is on the way to the original intended readers. — Alison Peters
from The Best Books We Read In May: http://bookriot.com/2015/06/02/riot-r...
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History. Heartwarming. Families separated by oceans, wars, and generations. These are words that would typically make me think “Nope! Not for me!” as I much prefer my fiction placed firmly in the present, and filled with numerous psychological horrors. But this story about a girl born with wings, and the generations that came before her, mesmerized me with its mix of magical realism, storytelling, and survival. Love love love.
– Steph Auteri
from The Best Books We Read In May 2016: http://bookriot.com/2016/06/01/riot-r...
from The Best Books We Read In May: http://bookriot.com/2015/06/02/riot-r...
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History. Heartwarming. Families separated by oceans, wars, and generations. These are words that would typically make me think “Nope! Not for me!” as I much prefer my fiction placed firmly in the present, and filled with numerous psychological horrors. But this story about a girl born with wings, and the generations that came before her, mesmerized me with its mix of magical realism, storytelling, and survival. Love love love.
– Steph Auteri
from The Best Books We Read In May 2016: http://bookriot.com/2016/06/01/riot-r...
November 4, 2014
Oh so good. I picked this arc up hoping it would be the sort of magical realism that would fill the reader up and it does. So many emotions between the pages of this beautiful story about a young girl, Prudence Vilkas, who is born with wings just like her paternal great Aunt. Her parents have them removed, but the wings have a way of showing themselves to a certain boy with a special sight. The wings themselves, or scars of them, will bring to life the story of her estranged Lithuanian paternal Grandfather, Frederick. This isn't light and sweet, as the reader is buried in the brutal suffering of her ancestors during the occupation. Having my own father and grandparents escaping Hungary during the Russian occupation there, I could relate to the sorrows. From Soviets to Nazis, where is the lesser of two evils for those deemed inferior? This story is so tender and full of loss, particularly the distance her grandfather feels towards his own son, spoiled in the ways only American freedoms can afford the children of immigrants. But the young can only live their own story, and while tragedy can cling to a family and cause rifts, too it can bring them back together.
Prudence's mother leaves her father, never having felt first in his life as music is his love. Family is no longer the three of them, and now Prudence is adrift longing for the warmth and love, wondering why her mother couldn't just be happy loving. A boy will change her life, the only person who sees the wings that were removed long ago, but he too may drift away from her. Little does she know, fate is going to bring her grandfather into her life, a man she will come to love deeply. The story expresses how with each loss, it is replaced by other love, and some people are never entirely lost to us in the end.
The tragic truths that Frederick has known about his murdered family are about to change when he demands a chance to know his grandchild, in spite of what his own son and the child's mother wants. Family is what matters!
This novel is more than just a sweet story about a unique girl with winged ancestors, it is magical realism with history and makes it much better than so many 'magical' stories out there. This may be one of my favorite reads of the year!
Prudence's mother leaves her father, never having felt first in his life as music is his love. Family is no longer the three of them, and now Prudence is adrift longing for the warmth and love, wondering why her mother couldn't just be happy loving. A boy will change her life, the only person who sees the wings that were removed long ago, but he too may drift away from her. Little does she know, fate is going to bring her grandfather into her life, a man she will come to love deeply. The story expresses how with each loss, it is replaced by other love, and some people are never entirely lost to us in the end.
The tragic truths that Frederick has known about his murdered family are about to change when he demands a chance to know his grandchild, in spite of what his own son and the child's mother wants. Family is what matters!
This novel is more than just a sweet story about a unique girl with winged ancestors, it is magical realism with history and makes it much better than so many 'magical' stories out there. This may be one of my favorite reads of the year!
March 28, 2015
Prudence was born with wings (surgically removed at birth).
This book takes us back to her ancestors on her fathers side and both grandparents histories in Lithuania and Germany (both grandparents had so much tragedy in their lives) and her connection to them...
Many threads and characters that all come together at the end.., with a touch of magic added to the story... I really enjoyed it.
This book takes us back to her ancestors on her fathers side and both grandparents histories in Lithuania and Germany (both grandparents had so much tragedy in their lives) and her connection to them...
Many threads and characters that all come together at the end.., with a touch of magic added to the story... I really enjoyed it.
November 17, 2022
Summary that I used found in Supersummary.com:
Above Us Only Sky, a magical realism book by Michele Young-Stone, follows a young girl born with wings who goes searching for the secrets of her family’s past.
Prudence Vilkas is the main character. The narrative moves in perspective between modern-day Prudence and her teenage self. Present-day Prudence is in her thirties and works as an ornithologist. She was born with a set of wings. The doctor removed them, calling them a birth defect, and she was left with two scars.
Another important character in the book is Prudence’s Lithuanian grandfather, known as the “Old Man.” A World War II survivor and terminally ill, he doesn’t expect to live much longer. Although he doesn’t speak much about the War, he has many stories left in him to share.
The Old Man hopes that Prudence resembles at least one of his sisters whom he lost during the War. He can still remember them vividly, but it would mean the world to him to see them one last time before he passes. When he first sees Prudence, he realizes that she looks startlingly like his youngest sister, Daina.
*****
This book was a labor of love and discovery for the author. If you read this book be sure to read her story ABOUT the book at the end.
A quote from the author:
"This is a fictitious imagined story, but a story inspired by many things, including family, nature, history, and the human longing—with or without wings—to find Home."
5 stars
This is my 95th book in my Reading the World Challenge. I learned history and geography about Lithuania.
Above Us Only Sky, a magical realism book by Michele Young-Stone, follows a young girl born with wings who goes searching for the secrets of her family’s past.
Prudence Vilkas is the main character. The narrative moves in perspective between modern-day Prudence and her teenage self. Present-day Prudence is in her thirties and works as an ornithologist. She was born with a set of wings. The doctor removed them, calling them a birth defect, and she was left with two scars.
Another important character in the book is Prudence’s Lithuanian grandfather, known as the “Old Man.” A World War II survivor and terminally ill, he doesn’t expect to live much longer. Although he doesn’t speak much about the War, he has many stories left in him to share.
The Old Man hopes that Prudence resembles at least one of his sisters whom he lost during the War. He can still remember them vividly, but it would mean the world to him to see them one last time before he passes. When he first sees Prudence, he realizes that she looks startlingly like his youngest sister, Daina.
*****
This book was a labor of love and discovery for the author. If you read this book be sure to read her story ABOUT the book at the end.
A quote from the author:
"This is a fictitious imagined story, but a story inspired by many things, including family, nature, history, and the human longing—with or without wings—to find Home."
5 stars
This is my 95th book in my Reading the World Challenge. I learned history and geography about Lithuania.
June 2, 2016
Wow! I am just going to say it - I love this book and it may be one of my favorite books in a long while! What an amazing story! I could not put it down!
This is a beautiful book about a girl born with wings (but has them removed) and tells the story of her family, including an aunt who also had wings. This is a novel about family, identity, and loss. It also tells a story about Lithuania that really resonated with me and made the story all the more captivating!
I was so taken with this story and the characters. I truly didn't want to stop reading - it was one of those books I wish was 300 MORE pages because I hated to say goodbye to it. Such a well written novel with a current and historical story to tell. I almost don't want to say anything more beyond - in March 2015, get your hands on this book and fall in love! I highly recommend it to all!
NOTE: I received this ARC galley from the publisher in exchange for a honest review. This book will be released on 3/3/2015!
This is a beautiful book about a girl born with wings (but has them removed) and tells the story of her family, including an aunt who also had wings. This is a novel about family, identity, and loss. It also tells a story about Lithuania that really resonated with me and made the story all the more captivating!
I was so taken with this story and the characters. I truly didn't want to stop reading - it was one of those books I wish was 300 MORE pages because I hated to say goodbye to it. Such a well written novel with a current and historical story to tell. I almost don't want to say anything more beyond - in March 2015, get your hands on this book and fall in love! I highly recommend it to all!
NOTE: I received this ARC galley from the publisher in exchange for a honest review. This book will be released on 3/3/2015!
January 22, 2021
Such a beautiful story and very well written. Loved the magic realism in this. Enjoyed it was about a part of history I know very little about. Would definitely read more from this author
February 23, 2021
What started out a little slow turned into a powerful read about the connection we have to the place where we grew up. Michele Young-Stone is a very talented author and I enjoy her work.
June 28, 2016
An incredibly beautiful and creative story spanning four generations. Lithuania and its difficult history are in part the center of this story. Prudence is another part of the central story. Prudence Vilkas is born with wings!
Her doctor and parents see them as an aberration, and are scheduled for removal at five months. Father Freddie, gives his daughter Prudence a pet name "little bird" and he loves her. But his first love is not his wife or daughter but music.
Steping back in the past... We see Freddie's father, "the old man" constantly telling young Frederick (his only son) the stories. These stories of Lithuania, and his family must be kept alive. His family and the love for his beautiful Lithuania, where they come from is the legacy he needs most to pass on.
Freddie leaves his home, father and mother, and a difficult relationship with his "old man". Walking out, he sets out to become a musician and turns his back on his father and his stories. Freddie doesn't understand his fathers need to remember. His terrible memories of Lithuania being overrun, and the stories of the Russians killing his family.
Freddie, is not so surprised when one day his wife decides to leave him and take his "little bird" with her. After all his music always came first. Prudence is hauled off to Florida where her mother begins a new life, She feels lost and alone as a child, until she meets Wheaton Jones. Wheaton is a strange boy who sees things. And he can see her wings.
The old man feels a need to meet this only granddaughter before he dies. To tell her of Lithuania, and where she comes from. This startling determination brings all three generations together for the first time. And here is where this story becomes a beautiful unraveling of the past. And also a wonderful emotional, and deeply satisfying journey moving forward. I cannot reveal the rest or ruin it for the reader!
This story is not a fantasy. It's deeply grounded in reality. But there is a fine silvery thread of something magical and intangible. It leaves the reader with a sense of wonder. Here is a book that's not getting the attention it deserves. I absolutely loved every moment of it. A deeply rewarding read!
Her doctor and parents see them as an aberration, and are scheduled for removal at five months. Father Freddie, gives his daughter Prudence a pet name "little bird" and he loves her. But his first love is not his wife or daughter but music.
Steping back in the past... We see Freddie's father, "the old man" constantly telling young Frederick (his only son) the stories. These stories of Lithuania, and his family must be kept alive. His family and the love for his beautiful Lithuania, where they come from is the legacy he needs most to pass on.
Freddie leaves his home, father and mother, and a difficult relationship with his "old man". Walking out, he sets out to become a musician and turns his back on his father and his stories. Freddie doesn't understand his fathers need to remember. His terrible memories of Lithuania being overrun, and the stories of the Russians killing his family.
Freddie, is not so surprised when one day his wife decides to leave him and take his "little bird" with her. After all his music always came first. Prudence is hauled off to Florida where her mother begins a new life, She feels lost and alone as a child, until she meets Wheaton Jones. Wheaton is a strange boy who sees things. And he can see her wings.
The old man feels a need to meet this only granddaughter before he dies. To tell her of Lithuania, and where she comes from. This startling determination brings all three generations together for the first time. And here is where this story becomes a beautiful unraveling of the past. And also a wonderful emotional, and deeply satisfying journey moving forward. I cannot reveal the rest or ruin it for the reader!
This story is not a fantasy. It's deeply grounded in reality. But there is a fine silvery thread of something magical and intangible. It leaves the reader with a sense of wonder. Here is a book that's not getting the attention it deserves. I absolutely loved every moment of it. A deeply rewarding read!
May 10, 2015
2.46
I liked it- don't get me wrong. This is a book about a girl who was born with wings and had them cut off, and now she has remaining scars on her back. Her grandfather comes to visit her and tells her about her family's lineage. It goes through a number of perspectives including those of her family members.
Character: There were so many characters in this book it was hard to keep track. I was always going back to the front of the book to see who that person was and who that person was marrying or whatever. Even though it was told through many character's p.o.vs, I will say that the main character, Prudence, was sort of boring. It was interesting to hear about her wings and all, but I feel like we never got too far deep into her life and what she felt about her wings being cut off. I would've liked a little more detail in that category. She was just sort of a dull person to read about. Her grandfather wasn't much more interesting either. Neither were the rest of the people. Characters in this were the hardest thing about this book.
Plot: Let's just say that this book didn't have much plot. This wasn't the problem though. It was sort of a jumble of different situations, misfortunes, joyous happenings, and random occurrences. The characters really affected the plot.
Writing: The writing didn't blow me away, but it wasn't bad at all. It just was a little slow with pacing. It made everything seem like it was being read through my head in monotone. After awhile, the words started to blend together, and I had just felt heavy when I finished it.
Overall: I picked up this book because I wanted it to be like one of my favorite books that I've ever read. I wanted it to be like The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender. That book is one of my favorites. I read the synopsis and it sounded just like that book. I knew that it wound never be as good as that book, but I wanted it to be really good. None to say that it just definitely was a disappointment. Everything was so dull.
I liked it- don't get me wrong. This is a book about a girl who was born with wings and had them cut off, and now she has remaining scars on her back. Her grandfather comes to visit her and tells her about her family's lineage. It goes through a number of perspectives including those of her family members.
Character: There were so many characters in this book it was hard to keep track. I was always going back to the front of the book to see who that person was and who that person was marrying or whatever. Even though it was told through many character's p.o.vs, I will say that the main character, Prudence, was sort of boring. It was interesting to hear about her wings and all, but I feel like we never got too far deep into her life and what she felt about her wings being cut off. I would've liked a little more detail in that category. She was just sort of a dull person to read about. Her grandfather wasn't much more interesting either. Neither were the rest of the people. Characters in this were the hardest thing about this book.
Plot: Let's just say that this book didn't have much plot. This wasn't the problem though. It was sort of a jumble of different situations, misfortunes, joyous happenings, and random occurrences. The characters really affected the plot.
Writing: The writing didn't blow me away, but it wasn't bad at all. It just was a little slow with pacing. It made everything seem like it was being read through my head in monotone. After awhile, the words started to blend together, and I had just felt heavy when I finished it.
Overall: I picked up this book because I wanted it to be like one of my favorite books that I've ever read. I wanted it to be like The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender. That book is one of my favorites. I read the synopsis and it sounded just like that book. I knew that it wound never be as good as that book, but I wanted it to be really good. None to say that it just definitely was a disappointment. Everything was so dull.
September 1, 2016
So emotional. Every nerve in my body is pulsating.
This author knows how to paint the picture of emotion and beauty. The book is also educational -- I knew little before about the plight of Lithuania, and will seek out more for sure.
The novel is caring and careful and imaginative and fulsome. I loved it. Loved, loved, loved it. I also loved Cassandra Campbell's narration (I listened to audio). She's always absolutely fantastic, but in this book she showed off her very best.
100% exceptional experience. Will be recommending to everyone. I'm sorry to lose these characters!
This author knows how to paint the picture of emotion and beauty. The book is also educational -- I knew little before about the plight of Lithuania, and will seek out more for sure.
The novel is caring and careful and imaginative and fulsome. I loved it. Loved, loved, loved it. I also loved Cassandra Campbell's narration (I listened to audio). She's always absolutely fantastic, but in this book she showed off her very best.
100% exceptional experience. Will be recommending to everyone. I'm sorry to lose these characters!
April 15, 2015
Not only is it a joy to see such a talented author from Richmond (now transplanted to the Outer Banks) become such a success with her first book-The Handbook for Lightning Strike Survivors, seeing her second book take off is a thrill.
The unique characters in this book drew me in immediately--I've never read about a winged girl and the Old Man was endearing--and as a lover of historical fiction, the Lithuanian backdrop was fascinating.
Unique and endearing, I would recommend this to any book lover.
The unique characters in this book drew me in immediately--I've never read about a winged girl and the Old Man was endearing--and as a lover of historical fiction, the Lithuanian backdrop was fascinating.
Unique and endearing, I would recommend this to any book lover.
March 27, 2015
2.5 stars - not quite the book I was expecting, the misinformed blurb makes you feel disappointed. And despite far too many changes in POV, there is an interesting story there about Lithuanian war time history. Full review at:
http://greatreadsandtealeaves.blogspo...
http://greatreadsandtealeaves.blogspo...
June 7, 2015
Stunning, spellbinding, gorgeous, enveloping - all that. Also, many many Feelings.
May 29, 2020
I admit I knew very little of the plight of the county of Luthuanians and their treatment at both the hands of Germany and Hitler, and Russia and Stalin. This was a very sad, and fascinating book. I read in quickly, and I highly recommend it. A bit of Alice Hoffman type of magic realism which was an interesting part of the story, but not as interesting as how families survived and continued to live after watching their parents and loved ones gassed in Hitler's crematories. Yet, the will to survive was strong.
This is a fascinating book!
This is a fascinating book!
April 26, 2020
Magical realism, Lithuanian history, Beatles lyrics, art, immigration. Disparate ingredients made a good, not great, story. Sometimes I'd lose engagement.
March 29, 2015
When Prudence is born, she is born with a pair of wings on her back. Her father is relatively okay with this; however, her mother believes her wings to be a birth defect and has them surgically removed. Come to find out, Prudence is actually descended from it a family who has several women who were born with wings. And this is something to be celebrated! Split between 1863 and the late 1980s and early 1990s, this book has a great deal of magical realism and focuses on both Prudence and the winged women in her family.
I think I've expressed to you all my love of magical realism several times. It's one of my favorite elements of a book, especially when the magic feels as real as it does here. When it's mixed with historical fiction like it is in this book, it's definitely something special.
The historical detail in the book is great as well. I loved reading about Prudence's family and how her family coped with the 1863 Russian occupation of Lithuania. This is a time period and an event that I didn't know much about at all and I like the way got the author was able to weave the historical events and with the magical. The story also covers Prudence finding out the secret of her family through her estranged grandfather, who her mother has kept away from her. Her grandfather tells her about the secrets of her family and makes Prudence feel like there might be somewhere where she actually belongs.
This story was a little bit on the short side for my liking and I do wish that the author had gone into a little bit more detail about Prudence and what she was thinking about everything that her grandfather was telling her. I would have liked to get a little bit closer to her in that regard. There is a sort of love story in the book between Prudence and a neighborhood boy who has magic of his own that I would have liked more detail about.
Overall, this is a wholly inventive story and will be perfect for those who like their historical fiction with a heavy dose of magical realism. This is a story about both the ties and secrets that bind families through generations.
I think I've expressed to you all my love of magical realism several times. It's one of my favorite elements of a book, especially when the magic feels as real as it does here. When it's mixed with historical fiction like it is in this book, it's definitely something special.
The historical detail in the book is great as well. I loved reading about Prudence's family and how her family coped with the 1863 Russian occupation of Lithuania. This is a time period and an event that I didn't know much about at all and I like the way got the author was able to weave the historical events and with the magical. The story also covers Prudence finding out the secret of her family through her estranged grandfather, who her mother has kept away from her. Her grandfather tells her about the secrets of her family and makes Prudence feel like there might be somewhere where she actually belongs.
This story was a little bit on the short side for my liking and I do wish that the author had gone into a little bit more detail about Prudence and what she was thinking about everything that her grandfather was telling her. I would have liked to get a little bit closer to her in that regard. There is a sort of love story in the book between Prudence and a neighborhood boy who has magic of his own that I would have liked more detail about.
Overall, this is a wholly inventive story and will be perfect for those who like their historical fiction with a heavy dose of magical realism. This is a story about both the ties and secrets that bind families through generations.
March 27, 2015
My full review can be found on the blog: http://greatreadsandtealeaves.blogspo...
On reading the description of “a family of women connected by the gift of wings” I presumed this to be a rather magical or paranormal tale, but it isn’t particularly. While the wings are certainly a part of the story and there are some hints at magical elements, these aspects almost feel extraneous – tacked on and, for the most part, unnecessary. At its heart, this is a story about family more than anything else, and the familial link between these women seems more than enough to carry the tale across generations without the added detail of wings.
There are some appealing themes explored here – family ties, love of country, the search for belonging, love and loss, regret and resilience – and the history of Lithuania, particularly the wartime perspective, is interesting and well-conveyed. I found the sections chronicling the history of the Old Man, Ingeburg, and Daina the most compelling but was engaged enough overall to keep reading to the end. The novel as a whole felt jumbled, however, and was not as cohesive as I would have liked, leaving me disappointed. I do love the cover though - I only wish I would have loved the book just as much!
2.5 Stars
On reading the description of “a family of women connected by the gift of wings” I presumed this to be a rather magical or paranormal tale, but it isn’t particularly. While the wings are certainly a part of the story and there are some hints at magical elements, these aspects almost feel extraneous – tacked on and, for the most part, unnecessary. At its heart, this is a story about family more than anything else, and the familial link between these women seems more than enough to carry the tale across generations without the added detail of wings.
There are some appealing themes explored here – family ties, love of country, the search for belonging, love and loss, regret and resilience – and the history of Lithuania, particularly the wartime perspective, is interesting and well-conveyed. I found the sections chronicling the history of the Old Man, Ingeburg, and Daina the most compelling but was engaged enough overall to keep reading to the end. The novel as a whole felt jumbled, however, and was not as cohesive as I would have liked, leaving me disappointed. I do love the cover though - I only wish I would have loved the book just as much!
2.5 Stars
July 23, 2016
"It is not easy to feel things, not pain or joy, because pain sits with you, and joy is fleeting, easily swatted like a bee."
This book took my heart out of my chest, broke it into a million pieces, and then put it all back together. I would describe it as historical magical realism. It tells a beautiful, sorrowful, epic, multi-generational story from many different points of view. The framework is the story of two women born with wings, Prudence and her paternal aunt Daina. Most of the story is set in Lithuania during the 30s and 40s, during a time of occupancy by Russia, Germany, and Russia again. So many atrocities are revealed, so much horror and ugliness. Yet in the midst of extreme darkness and tragedy, there are small kindnesses and beautiful moments to be found. I absolutely loved this book.
This book took my heart out of my chest, broke it into a million pieces, and then put it all back together. I would describe it as historical magical realism. It tells a beautiful, sorrowful, epic, multi-generational story from many different points of view. The framework is the story of two women born with wings, Prudence and her paternal aunt Daina. Most of the story is set in Lithuania during the 30s and 40s, during a time of occupancy by Russia, Germany, and Russia again. So many atrocities are revealed, so much horror and ugliness. Yet in the midst of extreme darkness and tragedy, there are small kindnesses and beautiful moments to be found. I absolutely loved this book.
March 8, 2015
This is a truly amazing book. So what makes a truly amazing book, you ask? Good writing, for one. Young-Stone evidences a command of language paralleled by few. Her writing is beautiful, unique and engaging. Her descriptions bring the book alive, both visually and emotionally. This book was definitely a page-turner, and I felt emotionally invested in multiple characters. For me, a book from which I learn something new is also a must for it to make my "amazing" list. This novel brings a new perspective to the horrors of Stalin's reign, as well as those of WWII, in how they affected the people of Lithuania. This book just leapt to the top of my all-time favorites list and, if you excuse me, I'm going to sign off now so I can start it again.
November 11, 2014
As a lover of historical fiction, I was super excited when hearing that I won an ARC of this book in a contest here on Goodreads. However, I was unable to make it through the first ten pages. There is no striking detail or hook to draw the reader in. The novel jumps into the protagonist's life without giving much detail, character introduction, or valuable diction whatsoever. I had to put it down; there was no way I was getting through it.
June 16, 2015
One of the most beautifully written stories I've read this year. One of the most beautifully narrated stories I've listened to this year. Absolutely stunning - the characters, their stories - amazing storytelling.
October 28, 2015
What an unusual, beautiful book. Can't wait till book club tomorrow because the author is coming! Should be very interesting. I've never read about Lithuania before or known what happened there in the last century. Highly recommend this book.
March 26, 2019
sometimes when you start something, you end up following through no matter what your intentions and the repercussions. p7
Its a bird! It's an angel! It's an elaborate metaphor that can't quite sustain the weight!
Certainly for me the whole wing thing was an unnecessary plot device and took away from my complete appreciation of this curious book that attempts to bring together a feel good story about overcoming obstacles and the history of Lithuania. The writing often soars, and MYS has a lovely eye for detail so we do get a good overview as well as an atmospheric sense of place quite hidden from history. My problem perhaps was that it all felt quite contrived, and the tangents that consistently popped up were mostly distracting rather than enriching. I prefer to forget about the author whilst enclosed in the created world. In this case, I couldn't escape the image of the author getting lost in revisions, delineating a fascinating story but not quite connecting the dots.
It is not easy to feel things, not pain or joy, because pain sits with you, and joy is fleeting, easily swatted like a bee. p171
Its a bird! It's an angel! It's an elaborate metaphor that can't quite sustain the weight!
Certainly for me the whole wing thing was an unnecessary plot device and took away from my complete appreciation of this curious book that attempts to bring together a feel good story about overcoming obstacles and the history of Lithuania. The writing often soars, and MYS has a lovely eye for detail so we do get a good overview as well as an atmospheric sense of place quite hidden from history. My problem perhaps was that it all felt quite contrived, and the tangents that consistently popped up were mostly distracting rather than enriching. I prefer to forget about the author whilst enclosed in the created world. In this case, I couldn't escape the image of the author getting lost in revisions, delineating a fascinating story but not quite connecting the dots.
It is not easy to feel things, not pain or joy, because pain sits with you, and joy is fleeting, easily swatted like a bee. p171
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2020
This book was beautiful and raw.
A story about a girl that was born with a wing but later it was removed as it was considered as birth defect. However, she always felt the existence of her wings and carried her ghost wings with her until she meets her grandfather at the age of 16. She learns her family’s history and his stories and struggles of war. She learns to discover herself and have hopes.
This story as someone has mentioned before, would break your heart into pieces and would place it right back. A beautifully written story about family and hope, about resilience and strength to accept death and loss and still be able to see the light at the end of the day.
A story about a girl that was born with a wing but later it was removed as it was considered as birth defect. However, she always felt the existence of her wings and carried her ghost wings with her until she meets her grandfather at the age of 16. She learns her family’s history and his stories and struggles of war. She learns to discover herself and have hopes.
This story as someone has mentioned before, would break your heart into pieces and would place it right back. A beautifully written story about family and hope, about resilience and strength to accept death and loss and still be able to see the light at the end of the day.
June 10, 2017
This is a book about the mysterious, the things you know but can't name out loud, and living into those mysteries. It's about stories, about sorrow and how these parts shape us. It's about finding your true self, about knowing when that true self shows itself to you and then grabbing it. I loved it.
February 27, 2023
This book attempts to cross several lanes — historical fiction, magic realism, and contemporary fiction — and weave together four story lines. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. The threads are all interesting on their own, but the overlaps are too neat, too clean. I appreciate that the author focuses on Lithuania, which has a difficult history that is not often told in American fiction.
September 9, 2017
The topic is a heavy one. That speaks for itself. But this story... This is feeling in words. Brilliant and helixed layers of metaphor. Both truth and ambiguity sharing the same sentences. There is so much in these pages.
December 24, 2018
Can't get into it. Bird people? I dunno.
August 8, 2019
I still don't really understand the wings, but the magical realism didn't distract from the good historical fiction story.
July 1, 2025
Books of love and loss just hit so differently now than they used to. A passage, and sentiment, that I love:
“Of course they were good years. You love him, he loves you. So what is wrong with you? Are you greedy? Is twelve good years not enough for you? What number will make you happy?”
“Of course they were good years. You love him, he loves you. So what is wrong with you? Are you greedy? Is twelve good years not enough for you? What number will make you happy?”
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