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Goodbye Birdie Greenwing
Great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave and impossible to forget...Birdie, Ada and Jane are all lost. Life has not turned out as they planned, and all three of them are scared to ask for help, to say yes - or to say no. To take a chance on someone else.Birdie Greenwing has been at a loose end ever since her beloved twin sister and husband passed away eight years previously. Too proud and stubborn to admit she is lonely, Birdie's world has shrunk.Jane Brown hoped moving to Brighton would be a new start, away from her overbearing mother. While she finds it hard to stand up for herself, her daughter Frankie has no problem telling people what she does and doesn't want.Ada Kowalski thought training to become an Oncologist in England would be a dream come true. In reality she is isolated, exhausted, the professional detachment she has had to develop now threatens to take over her life.When a series of incidents brings their lives crashing together, these three unlikely allies find that there's always more to a person than meets the eye.Goodbye Birdie Greenwing celebrates female relationships in all their forms. It explores what being a mother means. It is a story about the choices we make and how we justify them. About finding out who we are, not who other people think we should be.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 18, 2024
206 people are currently reading
4553 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
December 7, 2023
The occupants of Shrubland Road in Brighton have no idea that tomorrow is hurtling towards them like a meteor. There’s Birdie Greenwing who wakes with a nagging sense of fear rightly so as after her oncology appointment she learns she only has months to live. Birdie is alone apart from Audrey, who, sorry Audrey, is a mutt. Birdie has been so lonely since her wonderful husband Arthur and her beloved twin sister Rose passed, her world is now a very small place. Next door is Jane Brown who wants a fresh start and moves to Brighton from Bristol with her twelve year old daughter Frankie, leaving behind Min, her tour de force mother. A few doors down is Ada, a doctor originally from Poland who came to the UK to extend her training and specialise in oncology. It only feels like home when she’s in the Polski Sklep with Lech and Aleksey. Ada is the deliverer of the sad news to Birdie. She has just got a new intern at work in Wilbur, an ex Army medic but that’s a whole other story.
I think when an author makes you totally invest in their characters lives and really care about what happens to them, their work is done. I loved the authors previous book ‘Dog Days’ but she’s knocked it out of the park with this one and it’s a very easy five stars to award. To read a book which is chock full of the most wonderful characters, who make you both laugh and cry is nothing short of a joy. It’s beautifully written with meaning, emotion and understanding of her characters and with scenes you can visualise in full technicolour. Birdie, with her memories, the nostalgia, the joy, the sadness, the what would Princess Margaret do, is a wonderful central protagonist. As the storyline develops we have a tale of unlikely friendship and of empathetic understanding. I love Frankie, who is a walking encyclopaedia or to update the statement, she’s a human Google. She’s unique, refreshing and fabulous. Jane is kind, caring and here in Brighton she finds herself as she richly deserves to. As for Min - what can I say? She’s a one off, hilarious with her straight as an arrow talking. What of Ada? She is complex and complicated as she battles so much, not least a job which frequently has bad outcomes. Who is the real Ada?? I guess if you read it, you’ll find out!!! The warmth that exudes Lech and Aleksey’s shop makes me want to seek out pierogi. I love their delightful, affectionate send ups of us Brits.
I’m sure the five stars says it all as it must be obvious I love this book. It’s heartwarming, will deliver many chuckles but have the tissues at the ready. Highly recommended.
Ps for Ericka Waller - sign me up for the rebellion as I grow old as disgracefully as possible!!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House UK for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
I think when an author makes you totally invest in their characters lives and really care about what happens to them, their work is done. I loved the authors previous book ‘Dog Days’ but she’s knocked it out of the park with this one and it’s a very easy five stars to award. To read a book which is chock full of the most wonderful characters, who make you both laugh and cry is nothing short of a joy. It’s beautifully written with meaning, emotion and understanding of her characters and with scenes you can visualise in full technicolour. Birdie, with her memories, the nostalgia, the joy, the sadness, the what would Princess Margaret do, is a wonderful central protagonist. As the storyline develops we have a tale of unlikely friendship and of empathetic understanding. I love Frankie, who is a walking encyclopaedia or to update the statement, she’s a human Google. She’s unique, refreshing and fabulous. Jane is kind, caring and here in Brighton she finds herself as she richly deserves to. As for Min - what can I say? She’s a one off, hilarious with her straight as an arrow talking. What of Ada? She is complex and complicated as she battles so much, not least a job which frequently has bad outcomes. Who is the real Ada?? I guess if you read it, you’ll find out!!! The warmth that exudes Lech and Aleksey’s shop makes me want to seek out pierogi. I love their delightful, affectionate send ups of us Brits.
I’m sure the five stars says it all as it must be obvious I love this book. It’s heartwarming, will deliver many chuckles but have the tissues at the ready. Highly recommended.
Ps for Ericka Waller - sign me up for the rebellion as I grow old as disgracefully as possible!!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House UK for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
November 14, 2023
Wow, wow, wow! Ericka Waller has done it again and smashed it out of the park with this one. Whilst I loved Dog Days, Goodbye Birdie Greenwing pulled at my heartstrings and had me falling quickly and deeply in love with it.
Ericka's attention to detail and use of description is amazing. I didn't know it was a thing until booksta, but I have aphantasia where I can't actually picture scenes in my head (that sucks right, I'm just a big black hole up there), however, the way Ericka builds up imagery and includes all the senses, I was fully able to think and feel the scene I was in. If you don't have aphantasia, then you're in for a sensory treat!
The novel comprises of 3 POVs: Ada, Birdie, and Jane. Three strangers, all living on the same street, with the same thing I'm common; they're all lonely. That is until all their lives are brought together and they form unlikely, but wholesome, friendships. The character building was perfect, I felt a deep connection to all of the characters, but I will admit that my fave chapters were those with Ada, Lech, and Aleksey!
You'll need your tissues by your side when you read this one. However, the book isn't short of comedy, which I love with Ericka's novels. They're the perfect balance.
Also, on a side note, I really want a collection of Connie's mugs! 😅
Ericka's attention to detail and use of description is amazing. I didn't know it was a thing until booksta, but I have aphantasia where I can't actually picture scenes in my head (that sucks right, I'm just a big black hole up there), however, the way Ericka builds up imagery and includes all the senses, I was fully able to think and feel the scene I was in. If you don't have aphantasia, then you're in for a sensory treat!
The novel comprises of 3 POVs: Ada, Birdie, and Jane. Three strangers, all living on the same street, with the same thing I'm common; they're all lonely. That is until all their lives are brought together and they form unlikely, but wholesome, friendships. The character building was perfect, I felt a deep connection to all of the characters, but I will admit that my fave chapters were those with Ada, Lech, and Aleksey!
You'll need your tissues by your side when you read this one. However, the book isn't short of comedy, which I love with Ericka's novels. They're the perfect balance.
Also, on a side note, I really want a collection of Connie's mugs! 😅
March 27, 2024
Goodbye Birdie Greenwing was always going to be a hit because I loved Dog Days and I just knew Ericka could do it again.
The book tells the stories of Jane, Ada and Birdie - three women with very different lives and with very different stories, but all three of them become interlinked. Jane and her daughter, Frankie, have moved to Brighton and Jane feels guilty for leaving her mother, Min, behind whilst her sister, Suki, lives a life of Riley abroad. Ada left her life in Poland to become an oncologist in England and has never returned home. And Birdie has lost herself and the meaning of her life since losing her beloved Arthur and her twin, Rose.
Ericka Waller has an incredible insight into what it is to be human - our needs, our wants, but also our ability to build walls around ourselves in some attempt at self-preservation. This is a book about giving your life meaning, of living, of loving, and of moving on after loss. It is beautiful, it is full of heart, and it will make you chuckle as well as bring a tear to your eye.
A book that makes you think about what really matters. Loved it!
The book tells the stories of Jane, Ada and Birdie - three women with very different lives and with very different stories, but all three of them become interlinked. Jane and her daughter, Frankie, have moved to Brighton and Jane feels guilty for leaving her mother, Min, behind whilst her sister, Suki, lives a life of Riley abroad. Ada left her life in Poland to become an oncologist in England and has never returned home. And Birdie has lost herself and the meaning of her life since losing her beloved Arthur and her twin, Rose.
Ericka Waller has an incredible insight into what it is to be human - our needs, our wants, but also our ability to build walls around ourselves in some attempt at self-preservation. This is a book about giving your life meaning, of living, of loving, and of moving on after loss. It is beautiful, it is full of heart, and it will make you chuckle as well as bring a tear to your eye.
A book that makes you think about what really matters. Loved it!
October 4, 2024
4.5★
I loved and enjoyed every moment of this story. This book will take you on an emotional roller coaster, so I suggest you keep the tissues handy. Highly recommended.
I loved and enjoyed every moment of this story. This book will take you on an emotional roller coaster, so I suggest you keep the tissues handy. Highly recommended.
June 20, 2024
OK, so I’m not gonna lie - when the person whose book you’re reading is also a lovely friend of yours, it can be a bit tricky! What if you hate it? What if you don’t hate it but it’s not a five star read for you?! THE PRESSURE.
Thankfully I can well and truly relax, because just as with @erickawaller1’s debut, Dog Days, I was totally and utterly besotted with this story from the very first page. I laughed and cried my way through this beautiful novel about human connection, family, friendship, and learning to live your life to its fullest whilst you can.
I loved every single character in this story, including our main gals, but it was actually the smaller side characters who took this to a five star read for me - especially the sweet and hilarious Lech and Aleksey, and dear Connie with her mugs (IYKYK 😂). It felt like every single person had their part to play and offered more heart to this already emotional novel.
And it IS emotional, be prepared. There’s a lot of loss and grief, and even the sense of disconnection for some of the characters is very moving - so have the hankies out. But reading this I just felt like Ericka really understands people - their motivations, and hopes, dreams, failures… I know I’m biased, but this really is something special and I can’t wait for you all to read it.
Thankfully I can well and truly relax, because just as with @erickawaller1’s debut, Dog Days, I was totally and utterly besotted with this story from the very first page. I laughed and cried my way through this beautiful novel about human connection, family, friendship, and learning to live your life to its fullest whilst you can.
I loved every single character in this story, including our main gals, but it was actually the smaller side characters who took this to a five star read for me - especially the sweet and hilarious Lech and Aleksey, and dear Connie with her mugs (IYKYK 😂). It felt like every single person had their part to play and offered more heart to this already emotional novel.
And it IS emotional, be prepared. There’s a lot of loss and grief, and even the sense of disconnection for some of the characters is very moving - so have the hankies out. But reading this I just felt like Ericka really understands people - their motivations, and hopes, dreams, failures… I know I’m biased, but this really is something special and I can’t wait for you all to read it.
June 8, 2024
My faith in humanity is restored after reading this fine book! Goodbye Birdie Greenwing is moving, hilarious, joyful, painful, and sad. It's truly a book that will make you feel. I feel that no words could even describe the sensation I'm left with moments after finishing.
Meet the residents of Shrublands Road, Brighton. In number six, Birdie Greenwood is alone and lonely after the deaths of her husband and twin sister. Next door, number 8, is home to mother and daughter Jane and Frankie Brown. They've just moved from Bristol, leaving Min behind. Jane is working non-stop as a nurse, ever feeling that guilt being a mother and daughter brings. Finally, up the road at number 22, oncologist Ada is longing for her home in Poland, realising that England isn't what she thought it would be.
Despite being neighbours, they haven't had the pleasure of meeting each other... Yet. Why, when there's no need to, all busy with their own problems and lives? Then, 75 year old Birdie is diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, and suddenly, everything that has been worrisome seems to be put in perspective. Birdie may have been given a death sentence, but this diagnosis will teach her and her new friends to grab all those opportunities, build up self-confidence, and chase every dream so that they can.. live.
Ericka Waller is a new to me author, so I had no expectations going in. What struck me immediately was her vibrant descriptive writing, making it incredibly easy to fall in love with her words. Getting to know these strong female cast was a delight and joy. They felt like friends by the end. There are powerful messages of childhood, sisterhood, and parenthood, newly found friendships, homesickness, grief, love, bravery, forgiveness, and acceptance alongside a subtle LGBTQ and neuro diverse presence. It's just.. remarkable.
5 🌟
Meet the residents of Shrublands Road, Brighton. In number six, Birdie Greenwood is alone and lonely after the deaths of her husband and twin sister. Next door, number 8, is home to mother and daughter Jane and Frankie Brown. They've just moved from Bristol, leaving Min behind. Jane is working non-stop as a nurse, ever feeling that guilt being a mother and daughter brings. Finally, up the road at number 22, oncologist Ada is longing for her home in Poland, realising that England isn't what she thought it would be.
Despite being neighbours, they haven't had the pleasure of meeting each other... Yet. Why, when there's no need to, all busy with their own problems and lives? Then, 75 year old Birdie is diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, and suddenly, everything that has been worrisome seems to be put in perspective. Birdie may have been given a death sentence, but this diagnosis will teach her and her new friends to grab all those opportunities, build up self-confidence, and chase every dream so that they can.. live.
Ericka Waller is a new to me author, so I had no expectations going in. What struck me immediately was her vibrant descriptive writing, making it incredibly easy to fall in love with her words. Getting to know these strong female cast was a delight and joy. They felt like friends by the end. There are powerful messages of childhood, sisterhood, and parenthood, newly found friendships, homesickness, grief, love, bravery, forgiveness, and acceptance alongside a subtle LGBTQ and neuro diverse presence. It's just.. remarkable.
5 🌟
July 3, 2025
I'm not sure why I didn't realise this might be sad from the title, but it hadn't occurred to me at all until I started reading it.
Told in multiple POV, the book follows Birdie as she gets a diagnosis, Ada, who gives the diagnosis, and Jane, who is a nurse at the hospital.
The three characters were fascinating, I loved the storyline and everything about this book. How the connections between the characters were formed. The intergenerational friendships and the neurodivergent representation.
What a fabulous book.
Told in multiple POV, the book follows Birdie as she gets a diagnosis, Ada, who gives the diagnosis, and Jane, who is a nurse at the hospital.
The three characters were fascinating, I loved the storyline and everything about this book. How the connections between the characters were formed. The intergenerational friendships and the neurodivergent representation.
What a fabulous book.
May 23, 2024
5 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed this book about women, friendship, family, loneliness and love.
September 6, 2024
Heartwarming story filled with quirky characters who don't realize they need each other--until they do! Where can I get some of Connie's mugs??
April 6, 2024
Oh Birdie 🥺 what a beautiful book. I got so excited when I saw @erickawaller1 had a new book out in 2024, I thoroughly enjoyed Dog Days so was super excited about this. It didn’t disappoint, stunning read but you’ll definitely need the tissues.
I adored these characters. Reading from the POV of Birdie, Ada and Jane, I became so invested in their lives and felt like I cared about them so much. They all have a wonderful personality, they are caring and do so much for one another. They’re the type of people I’d love to know in real life.
There is also a bundle of other characters throughout and they were all such a joy. Everyone had a heart of gold.
The story is written beautifully with so much emotion and meaning. As the storyline develops, wonderful friendships grow and it felt incredibly heartwarming.
I can’t wait for this to be published and for people to read it. Highly recommend 🫶🏻
I adored these characters. Reading from the POV of Birdie, Ada and Jane, I became so invested in their lives and felt like I cared about them so much. They all have a wonderful personality, they are caring and do so much for one another. They’re the type of people I’d love to know in real life.
There is also a bundle of other characters throughout and they were all such a joy. Everyone had a heart of gold.
The story is written beautifully with so much emotion and meaning. As the storyline develops, wonderful friendships grow and it felt incredibly heartwarming.
I can’t wait for this to be published and for people to read it. Highly recommend 🫶🏻
October 5, 2024
I loved Erika Waller’s previous novel Dog Days and had high hopes for this one. I was not disappointed. Following Ada, Jane & Birdie (and others) negotiating love, loneliness, illness and how to move on from these things, Waller brings together gorgeous characters. The story is uplifting and hopeful. Big shout out to the epic writing of Frankie and Min!
Highly recommend
Highly recommend
August 4, 2025
9/10 stars
Lovely, heart-warming read with life-like characters that you warm to quickly, despite their quirks and faults. Pieces of their back story are slowly revealed, and despite some sadness, it was a positive and satisfying ending.
Lovely, heart-warming read with life-like characters that you warm to quickly, despite their quirks and faults. Pieces of their back story are slowly revealed, and despite some sadness, it was a positive and satisfying ending.
February 2, 2025
I loved everything about this book and it will stay with me for a long time 👌💓
November 10, 2023
What an absolutely amazing book! I loved all the characters and it’s so well written you feel completely immersed in it all. My favourite book of 2023.
April 29, 2024
Goodbye Birdie Greenwing is set around a group of neighbours on Shrublands Road in Brighton. Birdie lives with her dog Audrey at number 6, having lost her beloved husband Arthur and sister Rose some years before. As the book begins, she has just been diagnosed with terminal cancer. She is shocked but thinks it is possibly for the best and goes home to wait to die.
Ada is the oncology doctor who delivers the bad news. She is living alone in Brighton, away from her family in Poland. The only people she speaks to are her colleagues, her patients and Lech and Aleksey who own the local Polish shop. As the book begins, her secretary has arranged a very attractive intern, Wilbur to come and work with her.
Jane and her daughter Frankie live at number 8. They have recently moved from Bristol away from Min, Jane’s mum. Jane has decided she needs to break away from her mum and live her own life, hence the move to Brighton. Jane is a nurse and is a single mum to autistic daughter Frankie. She feels guilty about leaving her mum alone and is resentful of her sister Suki who is living her life with no responsibility.
When Birdie has a fall in her garden, her neighbours come to her rescue and from that moment on, all their lives start to open up.
I absolutely loved Goodbye Birdie Greenwing. My ideal book is one with fabulous characters and every character in this book is wonderful. As well as the main characters who I loved, I also adored Aleksy from the Polish shop – he fancies Ada and never wastes an opportunity to make an inappropriate (and funny) comment. I also loved Connie who works in the hospital café – she knows all the staff and remembers Birdie from the time she used to visit the hospital with her sister Rose. She is caring and has a huge collection of mugs with funny slogans.
I really enjoy a book told from multiple viewpoints and I loved each of these characters. With a strong sense of community Goodbye Birdie Greenwing made me laugh out loud and also cry – it was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster! It snuck in as one of my favourite reads of 2023 and I can’t wait for more people to discover this gem of a book.
Ada is the oncology doctor who delivers the bad news. She is living alone in Brighton, away from her family in Poland. The only people she speaks to are her colleagues, her patients and Lech and Aleksey who own the local Polish shop. As the book begins, her secretary has arranged a very attractive intern, Wilbur to come and work with her.
Jane and her daughter Frankie live at number 8. They have recently moved from Bristol away from Min, Jane’s mum. Jane has decided she needs to break away from her mum and live her own life, hence the move to Brighton. Jane is a nurse and is a single mum to autistic daughter Frankie. She feels guilty about leaving her mum alone and is resentful of her sister Suki who is living her life with no responsibility.
When Birdie has a fall in her garden, her neighbours come to her rescue and from that moment on, all their lives start to open up.
I absolutely loved Goodbye Birdie Greenwing. My ideal book is one with fabulous characters and every character in this book is wonderful. As well as the main characters who I loved, I also adored Aleksy from the Polish shop – he fancies Ada and never wastes an opportunity to make an inappropriate (and funny) comment. I also loved Connie who works in the hospital café – she knows all the staff and remembers Birdie from the time she used to visit the hospital with her sister Rose. She is caring and has a huge collection of mugs with funny slogans.
I really enjoy a book told from multiple viewpoints and I loved each of these characters. With a strong sense of community Goodbye Birdie Greenwing made me laugh out loud and also cry – it was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster! It snuck in as one of my favourite reads of 2023 and I can’t wait for more people to discover this gem of a book.
July 8, 2024
This is the first book I have read by Erika Waller and I loved this one so much that I will most definitely be picking up her debut novel Dog Days very soon.
This is such a heartwarming and life affirming story of an eclectic cast of wondrous characters whose lives and relationships are seamlessly woven together by this most lovely of writers.
There’s Birdie - left bereft, lonely and static by the deaths of her beloved husband and sister until somewhat reluctantly galvanised by her own diagnosis of terminal cancer. Rejecting all offers of help and determined to face what remains of her future alone until a twist of fate forces her hand and she meets neighbours Jane and Frankie, and Jane’s cantankerous, over bearing, overprotective but rather splendid mother Min. In turn these characters bring Birdie back to life at the same time as she’s dying.
All the characters are immensely likeable and each brings their own story of family, friendship and love to this fantastic story.
It’s simply wonderful, as well as poignant and moving - Birdie (and Min) will stay with me for a long time to come.
This is such a heartwarming and life affirming story of an eclectic cast of wondrous characters whose lives and relationships are seamlessly woven together by this most lovely of writers.
There’s Birdie - left bereft, lonely and static by the deaths of her beloved husband and sister until somewhat reluctantly galvanised by her own diagnosis of terminal cancer. Rejecting all offers of help and determined to face what remains of her future alone until a twist of fate forces her hand and she meets neighbours Jane and Frankie, and Jane’s cantankerous, over bearing, overprotective but rather splendid mother Min. In turn these characters bring Birdie back to life at the same time as she’s dying.
All the characters are immensely likeable and each brings their own story of family, friendship and love to this fantastic story.
It’s simply wonderful, as well as poignant and moving - Birdie (and Min) will stay with me for a long time to come.
May 20, 2025
There were nice quotes and sweet moments. A bunch of women who are dealing with guilt and fear and grief, whose lives all intersect and who help each other… it was heartfelt and I enjoyed that part of it!
I think I’d give this 3.5 stars maybe? As a natural problem solver I find books/movies where people’s lives can be made immediately better by one choice or one conversation to be frustrating. I know we humans are like that sometimes but to have multiple characters who I’m frustrated with in one book was annoying 🤣
Also the ending felt abrupt to me. The book was like frustrating then annoying then depressing then oh look they’re all fine ok bye!
So idk it was fine?
August 22, 2024
3.5. A really nice story - loneliness cured by unsuspecting friendships, always a goodie.
August 19, 2024
A solid 4 stars for this sensitive & poignant story created by Erika with made me both laugh and cry.
Whilst I might not have been the intended demographic, I still took away the celebrations of womanhood from all walks of life with so many observations.
Erika beautifully delves deeply into the diverse relationships women have with the world around them & with themselves. She has written a story which paints a rich tapestry of female experiences, exploring motherhood in various forms - both the traditional sense of raising children and a metaphoric mothering others through other characters. The contrast in stories between those ladies who embraced motherhood (Jane) & those who remained child-free (Birdie), gives us an insightful look at the different paths women take & the pressures they each navigate down both paths.
What stuck me most during this book was the bonds built in these different female relationships. There are complexities between sisters, twins, mothers & daughters, as well as the connections women form with neighbours, colleagues, different nationalities & across different generations. Through these relationships, Erika has brilliantly captured the solidarity, love & also conflict that often occurs. It’s such an authentic portrayal of women like Min, Birdie, Jane & Co.
Whilst I might not have been the intended demographic, I still took away the celebrations of womanhood from all walks of life with so many observations.
Erika beautifully delves deeply into the diverse relationships women have with the world around them & with themselves. She has written a story which paints a rich tapestry of female experiences, exploring motherhood in various forms - both the traditional sense of raising children and a metaphoric mothering others through other characters. The contrast in stories between those ladies who embraced motherhood (Jane) & those who remained child-free (Birdie), gives us an insightful look at the different paths women take & the pressures they each navigate down both paths.
What stuck me most during this book was the bonds built in these different female relationships. There are complexities between sisters, twins, mothers & daughters, as well as the connections women form with neighbours, colleagues, different nationalities & across different generations. Through these relationships, Erika has brilliantly captured the solidarity, love & also conflict that often occurs. It’s such an authentic portrayal of women like Min, Birdie, Jane & Co.
February 25, 2024
A beautifully written book. Anyone who has lost a loved one to cancer will feel deep sadness following the life of Birdie. Her new found neighbours Ada (the oncologist), Jane, (Nurse) Young Frankie (her autistic daughter) and Min (Jane’s forceful but needy mother)who all live in the same street in Brighton are ready to help to make her last few months as painless as possible and pull together thereby coming to terms with their own limited lives. Nice satisfying ending, but it made me wish fervently that life could be as simple and straightforward as the ending of this book. I was left with the overriding feeling that life is never as simple as this. I’m glad I read it but I know things never go as straightforwardly as this story arc in real life. Sad sad sad.
April 21, 2024
I knew that this was going to make me cry. Despite this, I almost rushed towards the finish, learning about a group of strong, incredible women along the way.
Each one had a lesson to teach, a story to tell and growth in character to develop.
As I wipe the tears from my cheeks (before they dry in salty stinging tracks) I am going to ponder these characters and smile as I remember the moments that made me laugh.
Each one had a lesson to teach, a story to tell and growth in character to develop.
As I wipe the tears from my cheeks (before they dry in salty stinging tracks) I am going to ponder these characters and smile as I remember the moments that made me laugh.
September 1, 2025
I really enjoyed this one. All three perspectives had elements that were relatable and you couldn’t help but root for Birdie, Jane and Ada. I also think Min is one of my favourite characters of all time 😂 there is a lot of discussions on grief and cancer so maybe avoid if that’s too heavy for you but ultimately you are left hopeful.
June 3, 2024
Touching and adorable. Full review to come.
I was given a review copy by the publisher.
I was given a review copy by the publisher.
August 12, 2024
I liked the characters and the story was thought-provoking, but I found the writing to be tangential and boring.
December 29, 2024
A beautiful book.
Heartbreaking topics (cancer and loneliness to name a couple) are sensitively covered although truthful and real.
Heartbreaking topics (cancer and loneliness to name a couple) are sensitively covered although truthful and real.
November 17, 2023
Absolutely adored #goodbyebirdiegreenwing from the supremely talented @erickawaller1 and have already preordered a copy to keep forever!
I was lucky enough to go to the @doubledayukbooks showcase a couple of weeks ago & hear about Birdie Greenwing’s story and pick up a crocheted lavender heart ❤️
Everything about the story appealed to me- I was a huge fan of Ericka’s first book #dogdays and her second novel has a similarly heartfelt sense. I felt all of the emotions whilst I was reading it, from joy to tears in the same breath 😊.
It’s the story of a small group of neighbours living in Brighton. At first they don’t know one another other than by sight, but as the story develops, their lives interact in more and more meaningful ways.
There’s Birdie herself, a widow in her 70s who has just been told she has terminal cancer and can’t see the point of anything ; nurse Jane &her neurodiverse daughter Frankie who have just moved next door; and Polish oncologist Ada who is running away from her own emotional baggage.
We meet all of our main characters in the prologue, with an insight into each of their lives, beautifully setting the scene for what’s to come.
The author understands human emotions and motivations and writes about them in a way that makes it look so easy. Her imagery is sharp and fresh but instantly relatable and real - ‘lampposts of her life’, ‘cobweb dry’ ‘death Rsvp-ing’
The story tackles family, loneliness, loss, the power of community and connection, grabbing the most out of every moment . It’s also a love story to past generations and what makes us who we are, and who we can be.
Loved loved loved. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was lucky enough to go to the @doubledayukbooks showcase a couple of weeks ago & hear about Birdie Greenwing’s story and pick up a crocheted lavender heart ❤️
Everything about the story appealed to me- I was a huge fan of Ericka’s first book #dogdays and her second novel has a similarly heartfelt sense. I felt all of the emotions whilst I was reading it, from joy to tears in the same breath 😊.
It’s the story of a small group of neighbours living in Brighton. At first they don’t know one another other than by sight, but as the story develops, their lives interact in more and more meaningful ways.
There’s Birdie herself, a widow in her 70s who has just been told she has terminal cancer and can’t see the point of anything ; nurse Jane &her neurodiverse daughter Frankie who have just moved next door; and Polish oncologist Ada who is running away from her own emotional baggage.
We meet all of our main characters in the prologue, with an insight into each of their lives, beautifully setting the scene for what’s to come.
The author understands human emotions and motivations and writes about them in a way that makes it look so easy. Her imagery is sharp and fresh but instantly relatable and real - ‘lampposts of her life’, ‘cobweb dry’ ‘death Rsvp-ing’
The story tackles family, loneliness, loss, the power of community and connection, grabbing the most out of every moment . It’s also a love story to past generations and what makes us who we are, and who we can be.
Loved loved loved. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 28, 2024
I cried at the end. I cried for the story, the characters, the setting in Brighton I once knew so well and the desire that I could fly back to a home country where my mother would be waiting for me.
May 1, 2025
I adored Ericka’s first book Dog Days so I was so excited to be able to read this one.
As always the characters were a mixing pot of different human beings with lives that crossed paths in various ways.
I loved how the lonely souls crossed paths with a no nonsense often prickly character who showed that they had kindness beneath their tough exterior.
I loved the Polish theme running through Ada’s storyline and wish I could have visited the Polish store where her friends Alecksey and Lech worked as I endeared to their mosaic characters and it sounded so warm and comforting.
The main protagonist Birdie has a heartbreaking diagnosis but after years of loneliness she finds her support blanket in some of Ericka’s other characters.
This book broke my heart then put it back together with human kindness.A wonderful read.
As always the characters were a mixing pot of different human beings with lives that crossed paths in various ways.
I loved how the lonely souls crossed paths with a no nonsense often prickly character who showed that they had kindness beneath their tough exterior.
I loved the Polish theme running through Ada’s storyline and wish I could have visited the Polish store where her friends Alecksey and Lech worked as I endeared to their mosaic characters and it sounded so warm and comforting.
The main protagonist Birdie has a heartbreaking diagnosis but after years of loneliness she finds her support blanket in some of Ericka’s other characters.
This book broke my heart then put it back together with human kindness.A wonderful read.
July 28, 2025
My favorite genre is fantasy so I was a bit hesitant to start this book as I was not sure what to expect. Well…..I have not felt THIS deeply reading a book in sometime. I was a mess of fluctuating giggles and tears. The author skillfully turned grief, loss, love, and the mundane into something powerful, lovely, and poetic. One of my favorite quotes: “We honor the dead by living, we grieve by getting up and walking wounded as we maybe, we love by letting go”💛
March 25, 2025
I actually don’t know how to rate this one.. It took me almost a month, which is rare and usually not a good sign, but the story affected me alot. The nostalgia, raw emotion, loneliness etc sounded so real and reflected real people and real problems so well.
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