The Birdcage

by Marcia Willett

Marcia Willett's fans have fallen in love with the English countryside and the wonderful characters that inhabit its idyllic setting. Written with shining honesty and compassion, The Birdcage has every bit of the wonder that Marcia Willett's fans have come to expect…

THE BIRDCAGE

No one can foresee when life is about to change. For Felix Hamilton, it started with an evening at the theater. There, he first set eyes on the captivating actress Angel Blake, and knew he'd never be the same--an intense, forbidden love was about to turn his world upside down...

The Birdcage, Felix called it. For Angel and her daughter Lizzie, it was home. The funny old house played host to cozy nights and stolen, joy-filled days. Felix and Angel knew those days couldn't last. And little Lizzie couldn't understand how these times would shape her life. Until, years later, a holiday by the sea and a chance encounter reopen the doors to the Birdcage, secrets, and second chances...

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, British Literature, Chick Lit, Literary Fiction, Womens Fiction

400 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Marcia Willett began her career as a novelist when she was fifty years old. Since that first novel Marcia has written twenty more under her own name as well as a number of short stories. She has also written four books under the pseudonym "Willa Marsh", and is published in more than sixteen countries.
Marcia Willett's early life was devoted to the ballet, but her dreams of becoming a ballerina ended when she grew out of the classical proportions required. She had always loved books, and a family crisis made her take up a new career as a novelist - a decision she had never regretted.

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light delicious reading. Ideal to be read after a dense book. Breezy.

[Carolynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felix escapes an apparently loveless marriage with an affair with warm-hearted actress Angel, in her lively Bristol home nicknamed "The Birdcage." Years later after Angel's death, her daughter Lizzie is drawn to seek out Felix, and in the process herself finds love with his son Piers. The characters are believable and well-drawn and the plot has some wistful echoes of lost love, as in Rumer Godden's _Take Three Tenses_ and _China Court_. One of my favorite Willett books, loosely connected with _First Friends_, _The Courtyard_, and others.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audio book was an absolute delight and I really loved how June Barrie read and interpreted Marcia Willett's characters. It exuded such warmth, humour and pathos and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Barrie bring Felix, Angel, Pidge, Piers, Tilda and Marina to life. The more I listen to audio books the more I get how they take you to a different level and experience, particularly when the narrator is so skilled in creating the voices and conveying the emotion of the moment. Willett's writing is quite detailed, especially in describing the interactions between characters, as well as the landscape and setting of the story so it does take a clever narrator to keep the listener engaged but she does it perfectly. I enjoyed sharing my journey each morning as it took me to Exmoor and Dunster and loved how Willett brings in characters from other books and weaves them into to other novels. Loved it.

[Vickie Richens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these books can’t wait to read more

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Five generations of Hamiltons seek peace with their beloved home Michaelgarth near Exmoor England. The gentle understanding Grandfather provides support to his young grandson caught between his gregarious, fun loving father and his jealous, possessive, overly serious mother. When his father seeks warmth elsewhere with an actress, her young daughter and best friend, they form a family meeting each other’s needs. A chance meeting forces him to make a decision between this warm family snd his son. What happens when the Son and daughter meet up as adults? The book explores long term infidelity which meets unmet needs for warmth and acceptance as well as affairs based on a thirst for adventure and lust. It also looks at how jealousy, rigidity and possessiveness harm the spirit and lead to a self fulfilling prophecy.
+ beautiful description of nature + realistic portrayal of young baby puppy & the joy they bring. + theater & drama. + importance of balance and acceptance
Beautiful cover illustration painted by Vitali Komarov

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first story that I have read by Marcia Willett and it will be the first of many. I can only describe it as heartwarming and like having a hug from an old friend. It is beautifully written and a joy to read.
The main characters were very likeable. It's only downfall and the reason that I haven't awarded it 5 stars is because at the start of some chapters I got a bit muddled up thinking who is this character. There are an abundance of characters but they all tie in neatly at the end.
I love the fact that the main theme of the story is primarily about forgiveness and going back in the past to revisit parts of your life that have been left unanswered. It was a beautiful story and not predictable in any way.
I wasn't sure why there were so many affairs throughout, I thought that part of it apart from Felix and Angel's relationship was a little far fetched.

[Carinya Kappler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second time I have read this family saga by Marcia Willett. I cannot locate my first review or remember if I wrote one. However the book retained its magic and interest for me as I became, once again, involved with the characters in this manifesto of relationships.
It’s begins with Felix whose generous outgoing personality becomes a severe stumbling block in his marriage. His wife Marina steers a straight and narrow course through life and expects full cooperation and total commitment from her husband. She does not enjoy social interaction and suffers from the pangs of bitterness and jealousy as Felix wooes both men and women alike.
The author moulds her characters, dwelling on their effect on each other and the ongoing ripples into the next generations.
I found this saga fascinating.
Carinya

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Lizzie Blake was a child, her mother had an affair with Felix Hamilton. Felix was a much-wanted father figure for Lizzie during those years. When Felix’s wife issued an ultimatum, Felix broke off the relationship. Years later as an adult, Lizzie comes across a postcard her mother had written during a vacation and it prompts Lizzie to try to seek out Felix. She finds him, and finds a family in need of healing. Will Lizzie’s presence be a help or a hindrance?
This is now the 5th of her books that I've read and it was my least favorite mostly because there are so many characters in this one that it was difficult to keep everyone straight. But to be the least favorite and still rank three stars says that it was enjoyable. A feel-good read in the end.

[R. C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first half of this book. The story of the birdcage group and their love for a charming man struggling with his own needs for warmth and family touched me. I was still engaged as the book progressed to his son's generation and yet another actress longing for love and a true home. But suddenly there were numerous other characters, all acting out in minor ways their own stories of infidelity and jealousy. I truly could not keep them straight and didn't care to. So my score is really a 4 + 2, averaged to a three.

[Allen Witt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be my favorite Marcia Willett book do far. The characters grabbed me and would not let go. I began reading Willett as a substitute for Rosamunde Pilcher. Now I read them for their own depth of character and quirky plots. Of course both of these ladies take me back to Devon and Cornwall,-places in my heart.

[Niamh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing incredibly bad about it but nothing great either. Did a whole load of telling rather than showing, particularly in the first part. The affair goes on for about 4 years, but we don't get a proper sense of what that time period was actually like. And given that the rest of the book is based on that time spent, I did wish I was given something to care about. Nice, gentle read though.

[Bigbear Woolliscroft · Rating 3 out of 5]

A woman, well actually severa women put the world to rights after a 50 years long misunderstanding...in less than a week....
If you like escapism from a complicated family life, this will be the book for you, I was less impressed.

[Jillian Errington · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of her best

The bird cage does a good job of describing the frailties of the human condition. Sexual attractions drive so many of the relationships in this book . The ramifications echo through generations .

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite the emotional roller coaster with lots of misunderstandings, explanations, and forgiveness. The sadly horrible characters were a good reminder to always be kind and to live in a state of kindness and generosity of character. Life is too short to be bitter and to hold grudges!

[Pearson, · Rating 4 out of 5]

believeable characters, good storyline,and a positive ending!

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little slow in parts but all in all an enjoyable read

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book.

[Jenny Wiley]

Very good book. I enjoyed it.

[Katie Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some to be hooked on reading Marcia Willett at the minute - or good for nothing else. Enjoying this particular era of hers much more this time around.

[Sheryl]

Marcia Willett's books are always an enjoyable read. Her characters are engaging. If you enjoy Rosamund Pilcher, Maeve Binchy.. you will love.

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book but it skipped about too much and left some characters unresolved at the end. Dragged a bit the first 50-70 pages
Will not recommend it to friends

[Roxie Gallinger · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not bad, just so-so

[Mrs Suzanne Wheatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Another delightful story from Marcia Willett, I’m totally hooked on her, I like how she brings characters from other stories.

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really did not like how this book romanticizes adultery.

[Nancy]

2.5 stars

[Kathy Spann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A trio of females live in a house they call the birdcage. One is a single mother with a daughter. She is an actress with a flamboyant lifestyle . Lizzie is the daughter.

[Jane Gregg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much love for Marcia W

[pauline robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book

I couldn't put this book down. I'm only sorry I've finished it. Don't think my next read will be as good.

[Paula Dembeck · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author who writes in a vein similar to Maeve Binchey. I didn’t realize until I was about ¾ of the way through the book that it is part of a series of books Willett has written with recurring characters, but no matter, you can read this as a “stand alone” quite easily.

The title refers to a small home that Lizzie shares with her mother Angel an actress and Angel’s friend Pidge in Bristol. Felix is the man Angel met and had an affair with over a number of years.

Felix and Marina lived in a small town where he was a chartered land surveyor and had a land agent’s business. Felix was attractive, liked to laugh and naturally drew people to him. He was a charming and easy going man who made friends easily and enjoyed the company of others. Marina, his wife was a jealous and controlling woman, who believed that every time Felix spoke or laughed or has an easy conversation with another woman, that he was having an affair. At first Felix felt this behavior was all due to Marina’s lack of self confidence, but the behavior continued over the years and Felix lived with suspicion and distrust almost all of his married life. Felix and Marina had one son, Piers who Felix adored.

Eventually Felix, craving a normal loving companionship, was driven emotionally from his marriage and when he met Angel on a business trip, he immediately loved her easy charm, affectionate behavior and her lovely daughter Lizzie and friend Pidge. Angel, Pidge and Lizzie lived in “The Birdhouse” a quirky little flat tucked into one of the streets in the small town where Angel was acting as part of a theater group. The three of them, Pidge, Angel and Lizzie spent many wonderful times in this small flat where Lizzie had a great little space up the stairs in the attic.

When Marina discovers the affair, she forces Felix to end it, threatening him not only divorce, but with ensuring that Felix will never again see his beloved son. Felix despairing of the end of his relationship with Piers, lets Marina have her way and ends the affair with Angel. Piers their son is pulled between loyalty to his hurt and betrayed mother to his adored father who he blames for hurting her.

Several years later, Lizzie is now grown and an actress herself. She always loved Felix and when she was young she really wished he could be her father. She never understood why the relationship with Angel ended and she missed Felix terribly after he left. Lizzie has recently gone through a rough time. Both Pidge and her mother Angel have died and her relationship with her husband is also over. Lizzie comes upon a postcard that Angel had sent to Pidge many years ago, and Lizzie decides to see if she can relocate Felix. At this point she doesn’t even know if he is alive. The story covers that personal physical and mental journey she embarks on, as she strives to understand what happened in the past.

A story about relationships; well written.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was Felix who named it The Birdcage, the tall house in Bristol where Miss Pidgeon lived with her tenant, the beautiful and talented actress Angel, and Angel's daughter, Lizzie. It was Felix whom they all adored and who was so in love with Angel, but while Lizzie longed for a father, Felix had other commitments: to his insecure, possessive wife Marina and to their son Piers, both living at beautiful, mellow Michaelgarth, the family home on the edge of Exmoor. Many years later, when Lizzie comes at last to Michaelgarth and meets Piers for the first time, she finds a family in trouble.

**

### From Booklist

Trapped in a loveless marriage, Felix begins a passionate affair with Angel, a beguiling young actress and single mother with a similarly enchanting daughter named Lizzie, who comes to think of Felix as the father she never knew. As Felix's attachment for his second family deepens, he dreads the day he may be forced to choose between Angel and Lizzie and his own son, Piers. That day comes when his wife discovers his infidelity, her ultimatum forcing Felix to abruptly walk out of Angel's life forever. Some 40 years later, after Angel's death, Lizzie is tormented by a need to find Felix, and get answers to questions that have plagued her for years. When they reunite, Lizzie finally meets Piers, and these children of former lovers realize they have more in common than their unorthodox background would suggest. Deservedly compared to her countrywomen, Binchy and Pilcher, Willett is an equally gifted storyteller, developing characters that evoke strong feelings as she weaves lusciously intriguing plots. *Carol Haggas*
*Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved*

### Review

"Deservedly compared to her countrywomen, Binchy and Pilcher, Willett is an equally gifted storyteller."
--*Booklist*