Reviews

Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones

shimmery's review against another edition

5.0

4.5 stars rounded up.

I loved this! The story of two girls and their mothers, all linked by the man who is leading a double life between them.

I read this after reading a couple of shaky debuts and it made me appreciate so much more a writer who so knows what she is doing. The style was fun, with a subtle humour to it and a masterful handling of the story and characters in it. Each one of the characters is so well formed. I love writers who are able to capture the complexity of individuals and don’t force you to side with any one character but instead are generous and realistic in their portrayals so you end up liking all of them. Jones is very good at that here.

It reminded me of Anne Tyler when she is at her best, though I enjoyed this more than any Anne Tyler book I’ve ever read. Highly recommend.

niccinite's review against another edition

3.0

"What right did my father have to the details of my life? He squandered his chance to be the protective father. You can't come rushing to the rescue six months later. I wasn't a person to be saved only when it was a convenient time to swoop in."


"People say, that which doesn't kill you makes you stronger. But they are wrong. What doesn't kill you, doesn't kill you. That's all you get. Sometimes, you just have to hope that's enough."

pepperjl's review against another edition

emotional funny sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

kirstym25's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Toxic relationship, Infidelity, and Death

Moderate: Adult/minor relationship

Minor: Child death

existentialdread's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

reagen_mueller's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

kymberlig's review against another edition

emotional reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I loved the book…it was very engaging. I found myself rooting for different characters at different points in the book. Beautiful complex story of two families that is really one. 

lorealb's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

mattieray22's review against another edition

dark sad slow-paced

3.0

threegoodrats's review against another edition

4.0

My review is here.