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If Birds Fly Back

"Summer search for lost loved-ones brings unexpected love "

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LoveReading4Kids Says

LoveReading4Kids Says

June 2017 Debut of the Month

Captivating and compassionate debut in which two endearingly quirky teenagers find love - and themselves - through their search for missing family members.

Since the disappearance of her sister, aspiring filmmaker Linny has been “living in black and white”, and become obsessed with disappearances more generally, including that of cult Cuban novelist and filmmaker, Alvaro Herrera. After going missing three years ago, Alvero has resurfaced in a Miami nursing home, and so Linny volunteers there, hoping that figuring out the reason for his disappearance will help her work out if her sister will ever return.

Aspiring astrophysicist Sebastian is searching for someone too, for the father who abandoned him, and he wants answers. But, as he and Linny get to know Alvero, time might be running out.

Linny and Sebastian’s relationship is evoked with heart and humour, in all its wonder and adorable awkwardness, and the motif of feeling trapped, like a tethered bird that’s unable to fly, is nicely interwoven. There are plenty of pulse-quickening twists and turns to keep readers turning the pages, along with a whole lot of uplifting warmth. 

Joanne Owen
Reviewed by Joanne Owen
Joanne Owen is a writer, reviewer and workshop presenter whose lifelong love of books began when she was growing up in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
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About If Birds Fly Back

Linny has been living life in black and white since her sister Grace ran away, and she's scared that Grace might never come back. When Linny witnesses the return to Miami of a cult movie star long presumed dead, she is certain it's a sign. Surely Alvaro Herrera, of all people, can tell her why people come back - and how to bring her sister home?

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