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Tiny Sunbirds Far Away

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Tiny Sunbirds Far Away

By: Christie Watson
Narrated by: Adjoa Andoh
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About this listen

Winner of the Costa first novel award.

'Everything changed after Mama found Father lying on top of another woman.'

Blessing and her brother Ezikiel adore their larger-than-life father, their glamorous mother and their comfortable life in Lagos. But all that changes when their father leaves them for another woman. Their mother is fired from her job at the Royal Imperial Hotel - only married women can work there - and soon they have to quit their air-conditioned apartment to go and live with their grandparents in a compound in the Niger Delta.

Adapting to life with a poor countryside family is a shock beyond measure after their privileged upbringing in Lagos. Told in Blessing's own beguiling voice, Tiny Sunbirds Far Away shows how some families can survive almost anything. At times hilarious, always poignant, occasionally tragic, it is peopled with characters you will never forget.

©2011 Christie Watson (P)2012 Quercus Publishing Plc Coming of Age Fiction Genre Fiction Small Town & Rural Women's Fiction Witty Feel-Good Heartfelt Inspiring Tear-jerking Thought-Provoking

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Critic reviews

"This is not a bleak book: there is humour and love, especially in the growing relationship between Blessing and her grandmother, a traditional midwife. Absorbing and passionate." (The Guardian)
All stars
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I liked everything. Captivating story told beautifully and sensitively narrated. Sorry it’s ended but it will be one I will return to.

Wonderful writing

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Powerful story. At times tough to listen to. The mesmerising narrating brings the story to life in powerful colours and smells.

Adjoa’s narrating is very powerful and mesmerising again

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This was such a different story, demonstrating strong famiky relationships and the Nigerian culture

Cultural...moving story

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This was absolutely fantastically performed by Adjoa Andoh. First class. I felt like I was transported to Nigeria. With all the different voices she could do. Amazing.

Fantastic, best listen in a long while

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This is a moving story full of colourful, interesting characters, and evocative description.It gives an insight into what life can be like for people in a country beset by conflict of culture, religion, wealth and poverty, and exploitation by multinational companies.It is beautifully written, and beautifully told. The narrator is outstanding: she puts just the right expression into every sentence and uses a variety of accents with equal skill, providing just the right voice to suit each character.

A beautiful story, beautifully told

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Would you consider the audio edition of Tiny Sunbirds Far Away to be better than the print version?

I love the Adjoah Andoh, she knows how to breath life into a book, I don't read fiction so I cannot tell if teh audio is better

What was one of the most memorable moments of Tiny Sunbirds Far Away?

The moment ..xxx...died! I don't want to spoil it for people yet to read/listen to the book

What does Adjoa Andoh bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

She attempts some african accents (which she often fails) but it brings a kind of reality to the story...she is however a very good story teller.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes but I had to pace myself, I need something to listen to in my daily commute to work.

Any additional comments?

The story was deep, sad, exciting , hopeful, tormenting, depressing and exhilarating at the same time. I was quite shocked to see that Chrisie Watson is a White English lady..made me wonder how she got the story but then further 'googleing' revealed her partner is a Nigerian paedicatrician...made more sense after that.

Sad but very interesting

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I cried and laughed throughout. Beautifully written story and so well read! Every character had their own voice. Loved Blessing and her wise Grandmother.
I will definitely look out for more of Christie Watson’s books, if there are any and anything narrated by Adjoa.
Highly recommend this book!

Fabulous!

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I loved that the reader discovers their way along with Blessing in unfamiliar territory.

Big questions through the innocence of a child.

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This story is gripping, sensitive and fascinating. Beautifully read. A must from Audible. Top marks

Incredible story, beautifully told

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We follow Blessing, a young Nigerian girl, as she grows into her new extended family in rural Nigeria. There are aspects of the story that are expected but this does not prevent it from being charming, funny, moving and meaningful. Each of the key characters brings important dimensions and depth which is brought to life wonderfully by Adjoa Andoh.

Beautifully crafted, recounted, and meaningful without being preachy. Some novels tell hard stories with a cast that is difficult to like or care about, Tiny Sunbirds Far Away reveals the many flaws and weaknesses of family members but I still found myself empathising and sympathising with each of them, sometimes to my surprise. A great story, with both heart and wisdom.

Balance of character, tragedy and warmth

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