64 pages 2 hours read

Helen Oyeyemi

Boy, Snow, Bird

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Boy, Snow, Bird by Helen Oyeyemi follows Boy Novak, a young woman who escapes her abusive father and settles in Flax Hill, Massachusetts. She marries Arturo Whitman and discovers his family has been passing as white. Their daughter, Bird, is born dark-skinned, prompting familial and societal conflicts. Bird narrates the second part, exploring her identity and corresponding with her estranged sister, Snow.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Helen Oyeyemi's Boy, Snow, Bird is praised for its lyrical prose and innovative retelling of classic fairy tales, blending elements of mystery and magical realism. Critics admire Oyeyemi’s handling of themes like race and identity. However, some find the narrative disjointed and the character development uneven. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read with unique stylistic flair.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Boy, Snow, Bird?

Readers who appreciate multigenerational family sagas, fairy tale retellings, and themes of identity and race will be captivated by Helen Oyeyemi's Boy, Snow, Bird. Fans of Toni Morrison's Beloved and Eowyn Ivey's The Snow Child will find similar enchantment and depth in this inventive and lyrical narrative.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Fairy Tale / Folklore

Themes

Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies