Official Review: How Dare The Birds Sing by Marina Osipova

[Julie Petitbon]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "How Dare The Birds Sing" by Marina Osipova.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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How Dare the Birds Sing by Marina Osipova is a powerful story of love and loss. It is divided into four sections, starting before World War II and concluding fifteen years after the war ends. This piece of historical fiction, set in Russia and Germany, chronicles the life of Lyuba Zaleskaya, a young Russian woman who falls in love with a German pilot. After a brief but significant courtship, Lyuba is devastated at the unexpected departure of her beau. In fear of being named a traitor to her country for affiliating with a German pilot, Lyuba is pushed into an unwanted and unsuccessful marriage to a Hero of the Soviet Union, and, while traveling to meet him, loses all that is dear to her. Lyuba’s journey leads her to work with the Russian resistance for a time, but misfortune follows her, and she is captured during one of her missions. Imprisoned in a German concentration camp, Lyuba endures more humiliation, brutality, and loss. Even upon her release, her torment is not over, and she travels home to pick up the pieces of her shattered life.

“To all the women burned by war. Any war,” is the dedication for this novel and a perfect depiction of the piece. At the heart of the story is the protagonist, Lyuba, but the underlying tales of the women in Lyuba’s life are equally heartbreaking, powerful, and grim. These women, like Lyuba, suffer immensely throughout the book. Lyuba’s losses are incomprehensible, and her sadness is consuming. However, her strength is even more evident. She is a fighter, a person whose resilience in the face of atrocities is immense. This is also evident in the other strong women who influence Lyuba’s life, from her single mother who raises and supports her to other resistance fighters and prisoners at the concentration camp who often meet with a horrendous demise. Each woman shows strength. They suffer the ugly and violent realities of life during war, yet they still fight to survive.

I really like the author’s use of birds throughout the book, as they serve several purposes. They symbolize the protagonist’s desire for freedom even though she is physically and emotionally trapped. They are also used to reflect the mood of the story and the feelings of the characters. For example, during her budding romance, Lyuba equates birds with positivity. However, as the story unfolds, the birds are often depicted negatively or are non-existent. Additionally, the use of birds juxtaposes the setting of the story, highlighting the beauty and reliability of nature among the ugliness and unpredictability of war.

I also appreciate the skillful use of various types of communication to progress the plot, fill in the blanks of the story, and give insight into the thoughts and feelings of a variety of characters. Letters, diaries, radio broadcasts, and informational pamphlets were all indispensable methods of communication during the war, and by integrating them into the novel, the author further solidifies the realism of the story.

One aspect of the book that I don’t like is the unrealistic naiveté of Lyuba, especially at the start of the novel. She seems rather ill-informed and ill-equipped to handle certain situations, particularly considering the setting of the story. She has a youthful ignorance of the dangers of loving a German soldier. I expected her to be more aware of what was happening in the world and in her country.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. Not only is it well written and steeped in historical accuracy, it is also gripping. Once I started the book, I didn’t want to put it down. Further, it is professionally edited, and I did not notice any grammatical errors. I think this story will appeal to people who like historical fiction, especially in relation to World War II and Russia. Readers who enjoy stories about strength and resilience after suffering insurmountable obstacles and loss will also love this novel.

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How Dare The Birds Sing
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Like Julie Petitbon's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Brendan Donaghy]

This sounds like a great novel. Also glad to hear that it's professionally produced - I think even the best books can be brought down by poor editing or poor presentation. Thanks for a fantastic review!

[Bluebird03]

I can certainly see why you rated this book as you did. It sounds like a tribute to strong women and to fighting against all odds. Also, the theme of the birds is intriguing. Thank you for an excellent review!

[Julie Petitbon]

This sounds like a great novel. Also glad to hear that it's professionally produced - I think even the best books can be brought down by poor editing or poor presentation. Thanks for a fantastic review!

It is a wonderful novel! Very well written and hard to put down. Thanks for commenting!

[Julie Petitbon]

I can certainly see why you rated this book as you did. It sounds like a tribute to strong women and to fighting against all odds. Also, the theme of the birds is intriguing. Thank you for an excellent review!

It's a great book, one I very much enjoyed! A story of strength and survival against all odds. Thanks for your comments.

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

I love reading books that highlight the resilience human-beings are capable of. Sounds like a book to remember.
Great review!

[Creator22]

''How Dare the Birds Sing'', Interesting title. I like books that portray women for who they are, passionate and strong especially during hard times. This sounds like a great read. Brilliant review. Thanks for sharing.

[Mas7mula]

I like the courage that lyuba had though she pass through unexpected conpare to what she was expected to be in future life and its a nice book that gives passion toward love and impossible thing that happen unexpected.BRAVO

[kdstrack]

The cover of the book evokes quite an interesting emotional reaction. The story sounds just as compelling. I would like to read this book to learn more about the author and the historical information included with the story. Thanks for the great review!

[Julie Petitbon]

The cover of the book evokes quite an interesting emotional reaction. The story sounds just as compelling. I would like to read this book to learn more about the author and the historical information included with the story. Thanks for the great review!

I was drawn to the cover as well, and the story doesn't disappoint. It is fascinating. I hope you enjoy it!

[Julie Petitbon]

I like the courage that lyuba had though she pass through unexpected conpare to what she was expected to be in future life and its a nice book that gives passion toward love and impossible thing that happen unexpected.BRAVO

Lyuba is a very brave and strong woman. She is a fascinating character. Thanks for the response!

[Julie Petitbon]

''How Dare the Birds Sing'', Interesting title. I like books that portray women for who they are, passionate and strong especially during hard times. This sounds like a great read. Brilliant review. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you so much! I was intrigued by the title as well, and I loved how strong Lyuba remained throughout the story. It is definitely worth a read!

[Julie Petitbon]

I love reading books that highlight the resilience human-beings are capable of. Sounds like a book to remember.
Great review!

Thanks so much! It is a fascinating read. I hope others enjoy it as much as I did!

[janelwhite]

I have seen the cover of this book and was interested in what the plot was. It is sad what can and has happened during war. The book seems very well written and the character of Lyuba real and tangible. Thank you for that great review!