The yellow bird sings : Book review

Book Review

Title: The Yellow Bird Sings
Author: Jennifer Rosner
Genre: Historical Fiction

Stories set around the time of World war 2 always manage to leave an imprint in your mind. The Yellow Bird Sings is one such story of a mother and her five year old daughter.

When the Jews are attacked by the Nazi soldiers in Poland, Roza and her five year old daughter Shira flee from their home. They take refuge in a neighbor's barn. For months together, Roza urges her daughter to keep still and stay silent. Their only solace is the make believe world that Roza creates for Shira. A world where a little girl lives in an enchanted garden. The girl has to stay silent so that she can hear the yellow bird sing. Roza discovers that Shira has a gift for music.

When the situation worsens, Roza is forced to give up Shira to a convent to ensure the latter’s safety. With a heavy heart, the mother and daughter separate. Rosa vows to come back for Shira.

The Yellow Bird Sings is an extraordinary story of triumph and hope amidst the horrors inflicted upon humanity. The author captures a little girl's longing for her mother in such a heartrending manner.The readers hearts instantly go out to Roza and Shira. Especially in instances when Roza looks longingly at other mothers with their children or when Shira communicates her anguish through the musical notes on her violin.

Poignant and moving, the author has showcased the beautiful mother-daughter bond that withstands the test of time. It’s bound to make you go moist eyed. Its also a strong depiction of how music is a healer during trying times.

The songs of the yellow Bird will continue to reverberate in your ears even as you turn the last page of the book.

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