Birds of Paradise
Birds of Paradise
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2011
Book Brief
384
Novel • Fiction
Miami, Florida • 2000s
2011
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Diana Abu-Jaber's Birds of Paradise follows the Muir family in Miami, unraveling as a hurricane looms and mirrors their internal turmoil. Five years after their teenage daughter Felice runs away, her parents, Avis and Brian, and brother Stanley are drawn into chaotic events, each grappling with past traumas and attempting to find peace amidst the chaos. The book contains depictions of substance use, homelessness, and risky behaviors.
Emotional
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
1,832 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Diana Abu-Jaber's Birds of Paradise impresses with its lyrical prose and complex characters, drawing readers into a vivid portrayal of family dynamics and personal struggles. However, some find the pacing slow and the plot meandering. Overall, it is a compelling narrative with deep emotional resonance and rich, evocative descriptions.
Who Should Read Birds of Paradise?
A reader who enjoys complex family dynamics, lush prose, and themes of identity and belonging, similar to those in Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake or Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things, would find Birds of Paradise by Diana Abu-Jaber captivating. This novel also appeals to fans of vibrant, multicultural narratives.
1,832 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
384
Novel • Fiction
Miami, Florida • 2000s
2011
Adult
18+ years
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