When We Were Birds

When We Were Birds offers a poignant exploration of life, death, and the ties that bind us to our roots. Set against the lush backdrop of Port Angeles, Trinidad, the narrative weaves together the lives of two compelling characters: Darwin, a gravedigger on a quest to uncover his family's past, and Yejide, a woman confronting her mother's terminal illness.

The Plot

Darwin, newly arrived in the city and estranged from his mother and the Rastafari faith she taught him, is convinced that the father he never met may be waiting for him somewhere in its bustling streets. In parallel, as her mother lies dying, Yejide inherits her family's legacy, the power to talk to the dead, and her poignant struggle with impending loss forces her to reckon with her own sense of belonging and the weight of familial expectations.

As their paths cross, the novel intricately examines themes of love, loss, and legacy. The vibrant setting of Trinidad not only serves as a backdrop but also as a character in its own right, highlighting the beauty and challenges of life in a culturally rich environment.

Themes

• Identity and Belonging
• The Impact of Loss
• Familial Relationships
• Faith and Spirituality

Readers who appreciate emotional depth in fiction may find a kindred spirit in this evocative tale, rich with lyrical prose and vibrant imagery.