Birds Without Wings
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4.2 • 21 Ratings
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- £3.99
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- £3.99
Publisher Description
Set against the backdrop of the collapsing Ottoman Empire, Birds Without Wings traces the fortunes of one small community in south-west Anatolia - a town in which Christian and Muslim lives and traditions have co-existed peacefully for centuries.
When war is declared and the outside world intrudes, the twin scourges of religion and nationalism lead to forced marches and massacres, and the peaceful fabric of life is destroyed. Birds Without Wings is a novel about the personal and political costs of war, and about love: between men and women; between friends; between those who are driven to be enemies; and between Philothei, a Christian girl of legendary beauty, and Ibrahim the Goatherd, who has courted her since infancy. Epic in sweep, intoxicating in its sensual detail, it is an enchanting masterpiece.
'A mesmerising patchwork of horror, humour and humanity' Independent
Customer Reviews
Truly wonderful.
A beautiful tale written by a magnificent story teller. The characters are completely varied and believable. This is my third reading of it and I remain delighted. The one negative point is that when de Bernier needs to relate an historical fact he abandons his enormous story telling skills and becomes a dry historian. The book remains however, one of my all time favorites
Phenomenal
This book is amazing. The characters are so varied, unique and enchanting. The whole book is thoroughly written in deep, rich language - and it really feels well-researched. The author manages to evoke a near-perfect balance of humour, ingenuity and sadness. Absolutely loved it!!!
Dr
A moving story that reflects the futility of ethnic and religious conflict