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The Birder
Since witnessing her brother change into a blackbird at an early age, Merel has never felt quite at home in the world.
She embarks on a journey through science, religion, art and philosophy in her effort to come to terms with her loss. When she discovers a copy of Ovid’s Metamorphoses in her local library, she soon becomes convinced that her world was not meant to be this way, and that this book holds the secret for putting things back on track.
Illustrated with linocut prints of birds around the city of Oxford, The Birder creates a mysterious world that is filled with familiar sorrows and joys.
She embarks on a journey through science, religion, art and philosophy in her effort to come to terms with her loss. When she discovers a copy of Ovid’s Metamorphoses in her local library, she soon becomes convinced that her world was not meant to be this way, and that this book holds the secret for putting things back on track.
Illustrated with linocut prints of birds around the city of Oxford, The Birder creates a mysterious world that is filled with familiar sorrows and joys.
254 pages, Hardcover
Published November 16, 2024
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
July 22, 2025
This book kept getting better throughout, and although it took a wee while to get going it is well worth reading to the end. I loved the author’s writing style which felt relatable and accessible, yet still well-observed, insightful and potent.
I wish people would see me on the street and say: "How are you doing? Do you want a cup of tea?"
Some other great quotes:
‘The air was sharp and bright, and the birds were singing with all their might, as if there would never be another morning.’
‘"I didn't know there were so many different types of dragonfly.
I love all their names. It makes me think of how many different types of human there are. But we don't name them like that. I wish we did! I guess I would be green-coated and trailing-haired.’
‘she had a window seat, and watched the grey sea that seemed to follow them on their way, endlessly moving its waters like a restless mind.’
‘he felt all his hopes crumpling hopelessly.’
I wish people would see me on the street and say: "How are you doing? Do you want a cup of tea?"
Some other great quotes:
‘The air was sharp and bright, and the birds were singing with all their might, as if there would never be another morning.’
‘"I didn't know there were so many different types of dragonfly.
I love all their names. It makes me think of how many different types of human there are. But we don't name them like that. I wish we did! I guess I would be green-coated and trailing-haired.’
‘she had a window seat, and watched the grey sea that seemed to follow them on their way, endlessly moving its waters like a restless mind.’
‘he felt all his hopes crumpling hopelessly.’
Displaying 1 of 1 review