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Sing, Wild Bird, Sing
- A Novel
- Narrated by: Aoife McMahon
- Length: 9 hrs and 53 mins
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Sing, Wild Bird, Sing
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Summary
A courageous woman journeys from nineteenth-century Ireland to the American West in a powerful novel about the indomitable will to survive—and to flourish—against nearly impossible odds.
It’s 1849 on the west coast of Ireland. Resilient Honora O’Donoghue is accustomed to fending for herself and to reading the language of the natural world. It was always said she’d been marked for something different, but it’s not until she suffers devastating losses in a country gripped by the Famine that Honora begins to understand how that difference will save her. With the hope of a better life in America calling, Honora keeps moving toward her freedom.
Across the Atlantic, she’s unfamiliar with the customs, jobs are scarce, and she has no money. She finds only one new friend, and Honora’s desperation is a state to be taken advantage of. Even the prospect of marriage is not without its conditions—and far from the dream she imagines. With so much disappointment and heartbreak in her past, Honora must decide what kind of life she wants, and what she’s prepared to do to get it.
Critic reviews
“Aoife McMahon's multifaceted narration brings this story of grief, resilience, and the burning desire to survive to life. Her melodious Irish accent tells the story of Honora, whose whole life has been a fight for survival that was foretold by a superstition relating to her birth: A robin flew into the house as she was born and her mother died.… McMahon gives the diverse cast personality through unique voices. Especially compelling is the character Joseph, a Native American kindred spirit whose voice is full of compassion, empathy, and wisdom.”—AudioFile Magazine
“Jacqueline O’Mahony’s work is fiction, though she describes historical events with the unswerving eye of a journalist… [She] conveniently, yet thoughtfully, adds characters and spiritual elements as needed…. Sing, Wild Bird, Sing is a novel about the will to persevere in the face of unspeakable grief.”—Booklist
“The story is breathtaking in its scope. Life in Doolough is horrifying, but Honora’s will to survive is magnificent…I would read more from Jacqueline O’Mahony any time.”—Historical Novels Review
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What listeners say about Sing, Wild Bird, Sing
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Claire
- 20-08-23
Wonderful sweeping story
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, great storytelling, good narration. Wasn't ready for it to end!
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- Nancy C.
- 13-10-23
Hauntingly beautiful story.
This is a very beautiful poignant story which stays with you long after it has finished.
The narrator, Aoife McMahon, who always does a perfect job, excelled beyond anything she has narrated before. The combination of story and narration is totally absorbing, thank you both.
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- niXonproXenos
- 25-09-23
Interesting, factual novel
Some very absorbing stuff here, Irish historical references and facts, got me looking things up and expanding my knowledge - always a good sign!
Well read by Aoife as usual. I was hoping there’d be more, when it suddenly came to The End! Perhaps there’s a sequel?
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- Anonymous User
- 28-09-23
Sing, Wild Bird, Sing - superb!
This was an excellent read. I was totally absorbed and moved to tears by the close. My ancestors hail from County Mayo and I knew that some had left for America and some for England after the hunger. Only very recently, the Irish descendants met with the English descendants after some 170+ years, a very exciting and moving occasion. I knew of the walk from Doolough, what had happened and how the people died. This book, beautifully read by Aoife McMahon, brought all that knowledge powerfully to life. I shall be recommending this book to my Irish American family and their book group, to my own family here in the UK and Europe, and my local book group. Thank you to Jacqueline O’Mahony for this gift of a story, not only historical but absolutely of now. But, importantly, also for the story of what women can achieve when faced with terrible situations and their strength and resolve despite all odds. Sing, Wild Bird[s], Sing!
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- Dahlia B.
- 19-08-23
Touching and powerful
I finished this audio book too soon, and would have liked it to continue for at least another hour. The story was both touching and powerful and the authors note added to the power of the tale as so much of this story was grounded in the very real and tragic happenings of the 1849 famine in Ireland and the ejection of the indigenous Americans from their homelands
The narration was excellent and I will certainly be seeking other audiobooks by this narrator.
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- patsy
- 04-10-23
Powerful story
I loved this book! It is beautifully written, brilliantly narrated and captures a period in history which should never be forgotten. All this woven into an unforgettable novel.
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