Homeless Bird

I read this period piece on traditional Indian culture in small villages in the 70’s surrounding arranged marriage in seventh grade and still 12 years later it is still one of my favorite middle grade books of all time. Exploring themes of rising above your circumstances and choosing a new path for yourself despite what society says your fate will be. Koly’s journey inspires me every time. Gloria Whelan’s writing pulls you in to this culture that is so different than my own and shows that we are more alike than different. The twists in this story keep the reader guessing as to what will happen next and the fact that this complex story does not feel rushed is beautifully done. This multicultural book that straddles the line between show more realistic fiction and historical fiction is something I would recommend to reader from 10 years old to 100 years old. show less

Supposedly a quick little read, I found myself taking my time in understanding a culture where females are only as good as their dowry. Once the in-laws are poor again, it may become necessary to lose the daughter in law for a new dowry. If she becomes a widow, the widow's check is not seen by the widow but the in-laws. She is stuck.Author paints a poignant and rather depressing picture of the women/girls of India, even in the highest class.On a personal note, I understand better why my Asian Indian sister-in-law, orphaned young, was still single when my brother found her and married her.He required no dowry.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I am a sucker for love stories and happy endings, so it was nice to go through the tough journey with Koly and have her story end with so many positives. However, this also gives a bit of a dangerous perception in regards to the fact that this type of ending does not happen for most girls and women who truly live through similar situations in the real world.

I enjoyed this book and found the elements of the Indian culture to be fascinating. However, it did make me glad that I was never in a situation where I could be married at age thirteen. This book had a strong, interesting plot centering around problems that a young person from India and possibly some other traditional cultures might really have. The characters in this story came alive through the use of figurative language and depictions of their actions, but I will admit that the balance of good and bad qualities in characters was sometimes lacking. Koly was the only thoroughly developed character with balanced qualities, the other characters were mostly all good or all bad. The book's overall style did flow steadily and easily and it show more dealt with Koly's problems in a way that left me with insight into both Koly's life and into some aspects of one of India's cultures. The relatively happy ending at the end of the book may not have been typical of the same type of situation that some of the girls in India face, but it was presented in a believable fashion. show less

"I stitched the marketplace stalls heaped with turmeric and cinnamon and cumin and mustard. I embroidered vegetable stalls with purple eggplants and green melons."

Gloria Whelan-Homeless Bird

Gloria Whelan-Homeless Bird

My review:

This book won the National Book award. I can see why.

Koly’s story will Resonate with anyone of any age so though this may be classified as young adults or children, I would urge anybody of any age to read the book especially people who loves Historical fiction and in particular Indian fiction.

This is one of those books that I’m reluctant to talk about. You can read the description but this book is really all about the writing which is a tapestry of words and reads like one long poem. More then just vivid, the show more writing brings to life the Indian Culture, customs, birds and scenery in an utterly resplendent way that is rare to see. The prose glows.

Koly's journey is a fascinating one and she is easy to care about. I loved to see how her talent for embroidery was woven into the story.

It is an incredibly moving story and one that I feel Will Uplift the reader. I do love historical fiction but this book in particular made an impression on me. It is short and and it’s pretty easy to read. I think this is a definite five star read and was utterly enamoring.

And I look forward to reading more from the author.
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This YA book provides a snapshot of Indian culture, rich in beauty, conversely with a stark dark side of some traditions that are abhorrent.

When young 13 year old Koly's poverty stricken parents arrange a marriage with a young man whom they have never met, Koly's fate seems sealed to a life of cruelty and abuse.

Married to a sickly, spindly, nasty younger boy who has TB, Koly soon learns the deceit of her new family and in addition is gravely mistreated by her mother in law.

When, shortly after the arranged marriage, the young boy dies, Koly is blatantly reminded that there is no responsibility by the boy's parents to take care of her.

Using her dowry for a last desperate effort, the trip taken by his parents to the Ganges river for show more healing of the young man merely hastens his death.

After her mother in law arranges a widow's pension for Koly, the money is stolen each month. Koly is unable to support herself when shortly after the death of their son, she is deserted in a Holy city filled with widows who are young girls and older women are also deserted and cast aside by the families who stole their assets.

Unable to bring shame on her family, Koly cannot return to her biological parents.

Penniless, hungry and destitute, Koly sleeps on the streets and begs for food.

When she meets a young man who assists her, she is taken to a home supported by a rich woman who helps widows. There she learns a trade and gains independence.

After reading this book, I realize I need to learn more of the Indian culture to discern if the author carefully researched her facts. show less

I think that this book is a great way to expose students to the customs and traditions of South Asian culture. It is also a nice way to ease students into the use of metaphors, as Koly refers to a homeless bird, and other literary terms. Koly's struggle throughout this story and the exhibition of her passion and the way she uses that passion to push through these struggles is an inspiring story for students, who may also be struggling themselves in some way. Overall, I definitely recommend using this book in the classroom. Even to this day, it is one of my favorite stories to read.