The Gravity of Birds is the debut novel of Tracy Guzeman and it is an intricate novel of jealousy, heartbreak, secrets, and betrayals. I listened to the audiobook version of The Gravity of Birds which is narrated by the wonderful Cassandra Campbell who is a favorite of mine. She has a wonderful voice for storytelling and she drew me into the complexities of this novel in no time making me regret having to stop listening for even a second.
We begin in 1963 when teenage sisters Natalie and Alice are spending part of the summer at their vacation home with their parents. As young girls the sisters had been close but after both girls develop a crush on a brilliant painter Thomas who is living nearby in his parents cottage their relationship becomes forever changed and the secrets and betrayals begin. Shortly thereafter the girls lose their parents and Natalie is forced to be a guardian to Alice who suffers from severe rheumatoid arthritis.
Years pass and we fast forward to 2007 where Thomas is now a very well known and successful artist but for some reason has pretty much gone into seclusion and stopped painting. Out of the blue he contacts Dennis, a professor who is an expert on Thomas’ work and had spent years with Thomas and Stephen, an art authenticator. He stuns them both when he tells them that there is a painting of his still out there. The thing is he not only wants them to find the painting but he also wants them to locate the sisters.
This sets off a chain of events that changes everything. As the men begin to uncover clues as to the whereabouts of the sisters more and more of the plot is revealed. Secrets that have been buried for years surface and betrayals become apparent and shocking. When I began this book I wondered if I would like it because it started a bit slow for me but as the plot unfolded I was fully invested in the story and absolutely riveted to it. I don’t want to say much more as this is one of those books that needs to be experienced by the reader. The plot is complex and it would be much too easy to give away a detail that I’d rather not.
So I will leave my thoughts there although I have to say that I think this would make a wonderful book club selection because I’d love to have someone to talk to about the book. I really enjoyed The Gravity of Birds and would most definitely recommend it especially the audiobook version which I thought was extremely well done!
Buy at: Simon and Schuster, Audible.com, and iTunes
Source: Review copy provided by the Publisher. No compensation was received for this review and all opinions are my own.
I was intrigued by the title – sounds interesting.
I just got a copy from Amazon – hope to read it soon. Glad u enjoyed it.
This sounds wonderful! Cassandra Campbell is one of my favorite narrators, so I would definitely choose the audio version… have just added it to my wish list.
This book sounds very involved and I am definitely intrigued.
I like books like this. Cassandra is one of my favorite narrators too. I am listening to her right now read Burgess Boys.
This does sound interesting, I have this one on my wish list. The cover caught my eye.
This book sounds good to me. It’s going on my list right now!
I should start paying attention to good narrators
Thanks for bringing this one to my attention! I love complex plots and books filled with secrets. Great review!
I’ve been wondering about this one. Glad to hear you enjoyed it. Another sample to download…but, I’ll remember how you said it starts kind of slow, so won’t judge too soon.
I’ve listened to Cassandra Campbell’s narration in the past and loved it. Not sure if the premise of this book appeals to me though.