In The Language of
Sparrows: A Novel by Rachel Phifer, teenaged protagonist Sierra Wright
is blessed—or cursed, with a formidable intelligence. Experiencing little
guidance for or understanding of her gift, she is misunderstood by both her
peers and her teachers.
She has retreated into a world of words and symbols where
she teaches herself a multitude of tongues and devours books in their original
languages. After the death of Sierra’s father, her mom April Wright struggles with
her own grief while trying to reach her increasingly remote daughter. April
hopes that relocating to a new city will offer the hurting pair a new start.
In Sierra’s new setting, she experiences acceptance and
understanding from a prickly and reclusive elderly man who shares Sierra’s
passion for language and books, an insightful teacher of at-risk students, and a
determined classmate who appoints himself a protector and is surprisingly
astute about Sierra’s gifts and fears.
The author deftly weaves the characters together as they
work through their own challenges and act on their concern for Sierra and one
another.
I found The Language
of Sparrows a satisfying tale of hurting individuals who connect with
each other and in doing so breach walls of secrets, estrangement and pain. In the process
they experience healing and transformed lives.
It sounds good. Even the title is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteOne for the kindle I think. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteBlessings from Dalamory