Book Review: Silver Sparrow

Author: Tayari Jones

Title: Silver Sparrow

Description: Dana and Chaurisse are sisters; Dana knows this, but Chaurisse doesn’t. They share a father, who is “married” to each of their mothers, but as the first wife, Chaurisse’s mother has all of the respectability and most of the material goods. Narrated by both of the girls (each gets half of the book), the story follows Dana as she spends her life comparing her family to her father’s “real” family and Chaurisse, who knows something isn’t quite right, but can’t put her finger on it.

Review source: ALA

Plot: The book is primarily character-driven; given the situation, and the fact that the girls live in the same school district, what might happen?

Characters: Both of the girls are sympathetic characters, though scarred by their circumstances. Everyone in the book comes across as having a good reason for their actions, except for perhaps the father, who commits bigamy without second thoughts…

Writing style: This is one of those books that sounds interesting enough but nothing special. What makes it special is the writing.

Audience: I was never sure if this book was marketed as YA or not. It could be, but it also reads just fine as an adult novel. Most of the story does take place before the girls graduate from high school.

Wrap-up: A talented author takes on an unusual topic with a worthwhile and engaging result. 4/5*