The Marsh Bird

by Anne Brooker James

Woven with murder, mystery, and magic, The Marsh Bird is a compelling story of a young, orphaned, multiracial girl from Louisiana and a white teen abandoned as an infant and raised by a local white fisherman, both embraced by the residents of a rural, Gullah Geechee sea island community. Set among descendants of those once enslaved in the lush marshes of the Lowcountry coast of South Carolina and Georgia, this is an unforgettable love story, and a tale of survival that proves it is the bonds of love and care that create a family.

346 pages, Hardcover

Published July 27, 2021

Reviews

[David Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exquisitely written and endearing story.
I loved everything about this novel. The characters are so richly drawn they get under your skin and don't leave. The setting of the Lowcountry coast of South Carolina and Georgia comes alive so that you can feel the marsh and mud between your toes. My heart went out to Ben, Tilly, Henny and especially Letty as they face the hardships of life in the region and rejoice in their shared existence and accomplishments. It broke my heart and at the same time gave me hope as it put my heart back together. A true masterpiece, and to think this debut novel was published on the author's 90th birthday is just astounding. I cannot recommend this title highly enough, you need to put it at the top of your TBR pile!
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Thank you to the author, Koehler Books and Saichek Publicity for putting this on my radar and my gifted copy to read, review and enjoy.

[Amy Cobb · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at chapter 23. The story was okay but needed better editing & pacing. Hope that is helpful.

[Teresa Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing story of love, life trials and death in a culture that is strong, yet loving and proud. Anne Brooker James is an incredible story teller. She brings the Gullah Geechee people to the fore front and shares not only their struggles but their accomplishments. My book club was lucky to have her share with us via Facebook.

[Krista (Mrs K Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every now and then I come across a book that rips into me emotionally and doesnt leave.

I loved everything about this novel. The writing but mostly the characters.

The characters are so perfectly written that they feel like real people. People I would love to know.

The setting of the coast of South Carolina and Georgia makes you feel that your right there as well

A must read

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a stunning new novel that is filled with surprises and emotional ups and downs. The Gullah Geechee culture is presented in a sensitive way, and readers will sympathize with their struggles and the strength they show to deal with their challenging circumstances.

Their traditions are laced with spirituality, making them people with depth, and the author does well showing this. The relationships are realistic and draw out emotions.

To make the story even more intense, there is mystery and murder within these pages. Family and race are common themes that bring it all together beautifully. A love story spanning the growing years of the young protagonists is tender. Then the young man must go off to war. He does not realize that he becomes a father while he’s gone. Will his true love ever see him again?

If you enjoy reading about other cultures and times, this is a great book to check out. It was well done with memorable characters.

[Marco Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written with much love for the Gullah Geechee in the Carolinas and Georgia marshland. Written with much love for life in general, this tale of two young heroes growing up and circling around their histories, and their challenges as they grow into their bodies, is simply a treat for the soul. Wonderful visions of the magic skies over the marshes, light shifting subtly from the rising sun, and winds ruffling the old trees provide a pallet of real life in the early twentieth century, complete with the struggles of the descendants of former slaves, including the ugly racism wreaking carnage all over the South, and a touch of the mystical as the souls of the Ancients still pervade the woods, hang above the quiet, hidden ponds, always watchful for evil. A highly colourful story, rich with detail, and above all love for life.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have loved to be able to give this book 5 stars. Sadly, it didn't live quite live up to my expectations.
I didn't hate this book. It has some beautiful passages and the storyline has so much potential. It left me wanting more than it could give. Some wonderful characters that needed more development, side plots that had great potential but were left unfinished, making them irrelevant, and a predictable ending. Don't let my review deter you from reading this book. It is definitely worthy of your time.

[Teresa Janssen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved Anne Brooker James’ story of two orphaned children growing up in the Gullah Geechee region of South Carolina and Georgia. It is a nuanced tale of generosity, spirituality, and joie de vivre, but also of loss, hatred, and prejudice; filled with beautiful descriptions of the land and waters and the resilient people who have made their lives there for generations. Ben and Tilley are exceptionally well-developed protagonists, as they are claimed, nurtured, and loved by the people of the Lowcountry. A luminous and tender story. Highly recommended.

[Lee O'connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've just finished reading The Marsh Bird, by Anne Brooker James . What a moving and powerful first novel, published on her 90th birthday! I loved the rich descriptions of the marshes in South Carolina, the harsh but beautiful homeland of the Gullah families. They lived a brutal life of severe hardship and challenges. The miracle of compassion and survival is a rich thread woven into this novel.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first part of the book had good character development and an interesting storyline. The middle of the book dragged with more background information but no real excitement in the plot. The last 20% of the book picked up the pace and was more interesting but it did not improve the rating of the book. The ending was predictable.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our Book Group set up a Zoom session with Anne Brooker James to learn more about her experience as a budding author at the age of 90!!! It was even more special to actually know she lived here on Spring Island, SC for a short time and was very familiar with her subject. There is such rich history in the LowCountry and Anne brought it to life.

[Colleen Lahey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the writing. Loved the story.

[Christine Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read!

Once again, this book makes us aware of so much we know little about! Kudos to Anne Brooker James for educating us!

[Maureen A. Quill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story- a little inconsistent writing

[Anna Kolanowski Kiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but i liked Where the Crawdads Sing more. Both written about the lowland marsh people.

[Jamie Hobson · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at chapter 25. Writing wasn't fantastic. It needed more character building at the beginning. Difficult to follow.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learned lots about Gullah culture.