What do you think?
Rate this book
The Burden of Sparrows
In the tranquil wilderness of Northern Michigan, school custodian Buddy Robertson finds all that he needs — the rhythms of nature, the unpretentious companionship of Mags and their seven cats, solitude from others — and a safe escape from the loss and abuse of his childhood.
During cold months, Buddy fusses with his collections of various treasures. Winter's end brings maple syrup production, and spring elicits the return of migratory birds. Buddy knows their calls. He eagerly anticipates the forest’s awakening in spring, the magic of summer, and the glory of autumn.
His appreciation for these pleasures comes from his grandfather and his first love, Leah. Both are gone, but Buddy can depend on the change of seasons, the golden light of dusk, and the gossip of red-winged blackbirds in April.
Buddy would love to keep his quiet existence. But when he comes face-to-face with Ben, a young boy courageously grappling with his own demons, Buddy is inspired to finally deal with his past.
In The Burden of Sparrows, author Debra Payne crafts an intimate portrait of one man's journey to overcome trauma and shame. In the embrace of nature and newfound connections, Buddy discovers love, courage, and human resilience.
--------------------------------------------
The Burden of Sparrows will pull you in and keep you turning pages. You'll feel a range of emotions and care deeply about the characters. If you loved Where the Crawdads Sing, this book is for you!
— Mandy Remai, Seasons of Life Therapy
--------------------------------------------
As someone who is rooted in the natural world, I really enjoyed reading about Buddy's adventures and quiet observations of the garden and woods. Despite all the distractions and craziness that life can throw at us, nature remains a constant source of comfort and inspiration. This book reminded me to be kind to myself and to stay open to change and healing, no matter how challenging it may be. Finding a community of loved ones and friends to share that journey with will only add to the beauty of life.
— Renee Penny, conservation specialist, Kalkaska Conservation District
--------------------------------------------
The Burden of Sparrows is simultaneously literary and homespun. Buddy’s humble journey is that of the classic hero; how he confronts his past and his own fears gives readers an opportunity to realize that growth is possible at any stage of life. Healing comes in unexpected ways and forms; lovers can be young or old; a man can be good despite a broken childhood. This is a book about love, both its presence and the effects of its absence. I encourage you to open up your heart when you open these pages.
— Scott J. Couturier, author of The Box, and I Awaken in Poems of Folk Horror and Halloween
During cold months, Buddy fusses with his collections of various treasures. Winter's end brings maple syrup production, and spring elicits the return of migratory birds. Buddy knows their calls. He eagerly anticipates the forest’s awakening in spring, the magic of summer, and the glory of autumn.
His appreciation for these pleasures comes from his grandfather and his first love, Leah. Both are gone, but Buddy can depend on the change of seasons, the golden light of dusk, and the gossip of red-winged blackbirds in April.
Buddy would love to keep his quiet existence. But when he comes face-to-face with Ben, a young boy courageously grappling with his own demons, Buddy is inspired to finally deal with his past.
In The Burden of Sparrows, author Debra Payne crafts an intimate portrait of one man's journey to overcome trauma and shame. In the embrace of nature and newfound connections, Buddy discovers love, courage, and human resilience.
--------------------------------------------
The Burden of Sparrows will pull you in and keep you turning pages. You'll feel a range of emotions and care deeply about the characters. If you loved Where the Crawdads Sing, this book is for you!
— Mandy Remai, Seasons of Life Therapy
--------------------------------------------
As someone who is rooted in the natural world, I really enjoyed reading about Buddy's adventures and quiet observations of the garden and woods. Despite all the distractions and craziness that life can throw at us, nature remains a constant source of comfort and inspiration. This book reminded me to be kind to myself and to stay open to change and healing, no matter how challenging it may be. Finding a community of loved ones and friends to share that journey with will only add to the beauty of life.
— Renee Penny, conservation specialist, Kalkaska Conservation District
--------------------------------------------
The Burden of Sparrows is simultaneously literary and homespun. Buddy’s humble journey is that of the classic hero; how he confronts his past and his own fears gives readers an opportunity to realize that growth is possible at any stage of life. Healing comes in unexpected ways and forms; lovers can be young or old; a man can be good despite a broken childhood. This is a book about love, both its presence and the effects of its absence. I encourage you to open up your heart when you open these pages.
— Scott J. Couturier, author of The Box, and I Awaken in Poems of Folk Horror and Halloween
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2024
127 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Debra Payne
2 books5 followersI always lived in small towns. I was born in Bolivar, New York, but have lived in Kalkaska County, Michigan, most of my life. I was once a reporter and editor of the weekly newspaper and spent most of my work life at the local school district. Since retirement, I have worked part-time at the public library. I find joy and inspiration in nature, reading, writing, painting, birding, and spending time with loved ones. The Burden of Sparrows is my first novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 2, 2024
Heartwarming read! The novel, "The Burden of Sparrows," develops relatable characters. The novel provides the backstory into how traumatic events of childhood have impacted the main characters' adult lives.
I recommend the book to anyone, but especially to anyone who experienced any form of abuse in childhood that continues to affect their adult lives.
I recommend the book to anyone, but especially to anyone who experienced any form of abuse in childhood that continues to affect their adult lives.
April 10, 2024
Great Read!
This book will tug at your heat strings. It has some sadness but it’s a great book. I loved it.
This book will tug at your heat strings. It has some sadness but it’s a great book. I loved it.
August 25, 2024
Excellent writing. Unusual characters. Sensitive subject.
"In the tranquil wilderness of Northern Michigan, school custodian Buddy Robertson finds all that he needs: the rhythms of nature, the unpretentious companionship of Mags and their seven cats, solitude from others — and a safe escape from the loss and abuse of his childhood.
During cold months, Buddy fusses with his collections of various treasures. Winter's end brings maple syrup production, and spring elicits the return of migratory birds. Buddy knows their calls. He eagerly anticipates the forest’s awakening in spring, the magic of summer, and the glory of autumn.
His appreciation for these pleasures comes from his grandfather and his first love, Leah. Both are gone, but Buddy can depend on the change of seasons, the golden light of dusk, and the gossip of red-winged blackbirds in April.
Buddy would love to keep his quiet existence. But when he comes face-to-face with Ben, a young boy courageously grappling with his own demons, Buddy is inspired to finally deal with his past." synopsis copied
"In the tranquil wilderness of Northern Michigan, school custodian Buddy Robertson finds all that he needs: the rhythms of nature, the unpretentious companionship of Mags and their seven cats, solitude from others — and a safe escape from the loss and abuse of his childhood.
During cold months, Buddy fusses with his collections of various treasures. Winter's end brings maple syrup production, and spring elicits the return of migratory birds. Buddy knows their calls. He eagerly anticipates the forest’s awakening in spring, the magic of summer, and the glory of autumn.
His appreciation for these pleasures comes from his grandfather and his first love, Leah. Both are gone, but Buddy can depend on the change of seasons, the golden light of dusk, and the gossip of red-winged blackbirds in April.
Buddy would love to keep his quiet existence. But when he comes face-to-face with Ben, a young boy courageously grappling with his own demons, Buddy is inspired to finally deal with his past." synopsis copied
December 2, 2024
Such a wonderful book!
So many people walk around every single day with horrible past experiences hiding inside of them, some of them unshared with another living soul. These experiences eat away at them, telling them things about themselves, make them believe they are or are not something or someone they aren’t. They carry these things around for years and years, their lives shaped and shaded by these experiences. People who encounter them may never know about it. Even those who know them better than anyone else.
This is the type of person Buddy is. Buddy has had some truly heartbreaking things happen to him in his life.
And he has held them in for a very, very long time. But Buddy is working his job as a school janitor one day and comes across something in the boys’ bathroom that will change all of that. Soon.
So many people walk around every single day with horrible past experiences hiding inside of them, some of them unshared with another living soul. These experiences eat away at them, telling them things about themselves, make them believe they are or are not something or someone they aren’t. They carry these things around for years and years, their lives shaped and shaded by these experiences. People who encounter them may never know about it. Even those who know them better than anyone else.
This is the type of person Buddy is. Buddy has had some truly heartbreaking things happen to him in his life.
And he has held them in for a very, very long time. But Buddy is working his job as a school janitor one day and comes across something in the boys’ bathroom that will change all of that. Soon.
December 3, 2024
"The Burden of Sparrows" is a human-interest page turner! I really enjoyed how Debra Payne tackles tough topics and relationship issues in this paperback novel. "We can only be responsible for how we react to the trials and tribulations," she writes (234). The character development is great, and the content is beautifully conveyed. Payne does an excellent job of portraying "ordinary" people (both their strengths and limitations). The story inspires me to take a closer look at nature, too. The Midwestern setting is familiar and inviting. Enjoy.
January 4, 2025
A Memorable Gem of A Story!
This book is extraordinary! We are privileged to travel through the lifetimes of the most ordinary people, living through their loves, pain and losses as they navigate the world. And despite their sorrows, or perhaps in spite of them, we witness these very real people finding beauty in nature, showing compassion to those unable to help themselves, and leaning on one another to heal and move forward.
It’s quite amazing that this is Debra Payne’s first novel, and I look forward to reading more by this talented author!
This book is extraordinary! We are privileged to travel through the lifetimes of the most ordinary people, living through their loves, pain and losses as they navigate the world. And despite their sorrows, or perhaps in spite of them, we witness these very real people finding beauty in nature, showing compassion to those unable to help themselves, and leaning on one another to heal and move forward.
It’s quite amazing that this is Debra Payne’s first novel, and I look forward to reading more by this talented author!
May 7, 2024
This book was incredible! I highly recommend it. As a retired teacher, I recognized every character in the story. The development of each was remarkable. I love that the author was able to write about the differences in social class, proving that judgements we form about people based on their looks is maddening. She also reiterates the fact that we never know what dark secrets people are carrying and consistently learning to cope with.
May 26, 2024
A beautiful tale…
A small town tale of the burdens we carry through life and the impact they have on those around us. I loved the main characters and the way they live. Living a simple life and trying to find the gratitude in what we have.
A small town tale of the burdens we carry through life and the impact they have on those around us. I loved the main characters and the way they live. Living a simple life and trying to find the gratitude in what we have.
June 18, 2025
Loved it!
This book is about the sexual abuse of a minor. I truly recommend it just be sure to keep tissues close by.
This book is about the sexual abuse of a minor. I truly recommend it just be sure to keep tissues close by.
November 11, 2024
“Were there actually homes where kids were loved and terrible things didn’t happen?” 4.5/5 ⭐️
I had the honor of meeting Payne in person at a book/vendor event. She was incredibly down to earth and kind; genuine. We bought each other’s books and I am so glad to have met her.
I enjoyed her novel very much: a fellow Northern Michigan story, following the lives of several characters who have come face to face with childhood cruelty, both in the past and present. Buddy was a very interesting character to dive into. This story made me really ponder over the question of what makes a a family “good” and a home “safe.” The story was raw and mostly realistic to me. I appreciated the reasoning behind the title, and the cover itself is very eye-catching.
A fair warning to others that this book does contain unfiltered sexual abuse/abuse to children, mentions of foster care/CPS involvement, as well as clashing opinions on reproductive rights.
I had the honor of meeting Payne in person at a book/vendor event. She was incredibly down to earth and kind; genuine. We bought each other’s books and I am so glad to have met her.
I enjoyed her novel very much: a fellow Northern Michigan story, following the lives of several characters who have come face to face with childhood cruelty, both in the past and present. Buddy was a very interesting character to dive into. This story made me really ponder over the question of what makes a a family “good” and a home “safe.” The story was raw and mostly realistic to me. I appreciated the reasoning behind the title, and the cover itself is very eye-catching.
A fair warning to others that this book does contain unfiltered sexual abuse/abuse to children, mentions of foster care/CPS involvement, as well as clashing opinions on reproductive rights.
June 25, 2025
I feel like fate lead me to this remarkable novel. I share an account on my Kindle with my best friend. I saw the book in our library so I decided I would start reading it. I mentioned the book to her and she said she didn’t remember purchasing it. Maybe I did and forgot. However, it got in our library, I’m thankful I discovered it. The character development in this book was excellent. The story was so engaging that I had trouble putting the book down. I had to research the author and it appears that this is her debut novel. I hope she has another great story to write in the future. The Burden of Sparrows should make everyone reevaluate the way they treat others.
July 3, 2025
GREAT FIRST NOVEL !
I've been looking for a novel like this one!
It tells the story of an "an invisible man".
He was a school janitor - defined by society
by his job, face, and manner. He grew up
with terrible abuse and hid great pain.
Through it all he persevered, though, and
his character stayed so steady and bright.
I loved the flawed people in the book, and
I hope there are more books to come from
this author. She's a breath of fresh air in
a room full of stale plotlines.
I've been looking for a novel like this one!
It tells the story of an "an invisible man".
He was a school janitor - defined by society
by his job, face, and manner. He grew up
with terrible abuse and hid great pain.
Through it all he persevered, though, and
his character stayed so steady and bright.
I loved the flawed people in the book, and
I hope there are more books to come from
this author. She's a breath of fresh air in
a room full of stale plotlines.
August 25, 2025
Resilience, integrity, shame, and redemption drives this story
It was hard to read many parts of this book, and sometimes you didn’t know where the story was going to go, and if everyone would be able to stand based on their experiences and their trauma. Buddy and the experiences that he had allowed him to see something that nobody else would. And because of that, he was able to ensure the safety of some other children.
Many lessons in the story and certainly worth the read.A
It was hard to read many parts of this book, and sometimes you didn’t know where the story was going to go, and if everyone would be able to stand based on their experiences and their trauma. Buddy and the experiences that he had allowed him to see something that nobody else would. And because of that, he was able to ensure the safety of some other children.
Many lessons in the story and certainly worth the read.A
August 27, 2025
wow
I want our two main characters as my friends! Yes….we definitely perceive people in the here and now. This novel made me think on so many levels about perception, and about how many times in our lives we see just people but never think that they all have a story with hopes loss and hopefully loves. I hope Ms. Payne writes more. But how do you top this? A beautiful book.
I want our two main characters as my friends! Yes….we definitely perceive people in the here and now. This novel made me think on so many levels about perception, and about how many times in our lives we see just people but never think that they all have a story with hopes loss and hopefully loves. I hope Ms. Payne writes more. But how do you top this? A beautiful book.
September 9, 2025
The Burden of Sparrows
This book started off with promise for an interesting , relatable story. It didn't disappoint!! I just kept reading every chance I had. Now I'm sorry its over, which I find other books I read and enjoy, I always want it to keep going. Now Ill see if the author has any more books she's written. Read it, you won't be waiting your time!!
This book started off with promise for an interesting , relatable story. It didn't disappoint!! I just kept reading every chance I had. Now I'm sorry its over, which I find other books I read and enjoy, I always want it to keep going. Now Ill see if the author has any more books she's written. Read it, you won't be waiting your time!!
September 13, 2025
Real!
Wonderful book-best I have read in a long time.
Someone in another review compared this to “When the Crawdads Sing”. Not even close -the people in “The Burden of Sparrows” are real. Real just like all of us. We each have a story-this one is mean, sad, painful and beautiful. I can see Buddy, I pray I could see the goodness of this man despite his uncared for appearance.
Wonderful book-best I have read in a long time.
Someone in another review compared this to “When the Crawdads Sing”. Not even close -the people in “The Burden of Sparrows” are real. Real just like all of us. We each have a story-this one is mean, sad, painful and beautiful. I can see Buddy, I pray I could see the goodness of this man despite his uncared for appearance.
March 26, 2025
Trauma is held in our hearts forever
The warmth and resilience and love of humans is displayed in this book. Kindness in ordinary human beings is often overlooked but this book makes you realize how important daily acts of kindness are.
The warmth and resilience and love of humans is displayed in this book. Kindness in ordinary human beings is often overlooked but this book makes you realize how important daily acts of kindness are.
April 23, 2024
The characters are brought to life and the writing makes you feel as if you are close by experiencing their world. Although very sad and disturbing at times, this story is a great read and quite thought provoking.
August 3, 2024
Beautiful, tragic story. So well done!
August 29, 2024
The Burden of Sparrows
Wonderful book! Was pulled into the story on the first page! Could hardly put it down. The ending did not disappoint!
Wonderful book! Was pulled into the story on the first page! Could hardly put it down. The ending did not disappoint!
February 24, 2025
absolutely no notes. absolutely no comments. so many feelings. zero words.
October 3, 2025
Loved this story!!!!!
I so hope that Debra Payne has another book coming. I enjoyed this book so much. Hard to put down.
I so hope that Debra Payne has another book coming. I enjoyed this book so much. Hard to put down.
November 19, 2025
Beautiful book. Well written. It is a story about a seemingly simple man and his integrity
April 4, 2024
The book is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.
The characters are very relatable as are the beautiful nature references. Debra's writing style is easy to follow and down to earth.
The characters are very relatable as are the beautiful nature references. Debra's writing style is easy to follow and down to earth.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews