Acclaimed author of 2 A.M. at the Cat's Pajamas Marie-Helene Bertino's Parakeet is a darkly funny and warm-hearted novel about a young woman whose dead grandmother (in the form of a parakeet) warns her not to marry and sends her out to find an estranged loved one.
"Parakeet" by Marie-Helene Bertino is a unique and surreal novel that blends elements of magical realism, humor, and poignant introspection. The story follows an unnamed bride who, a week before her wedding, is visited by a parakeet who she believes is the reincarnation of her late grandmother. The parakeet instructs her to find her estranged brother, leading her on a journey of self-discovery and reconciliation.
The novel explores themes of identity, trauma, family, and the complexity of human relationships. As the bride confronts her past and navigates her present, she grapples with her sense of self and the expectations placed upon her by society and her family. The narrative is interwoven with flashbacks and dream-like sequences, adding to the book's whimsical and otherworldly atmosphere.
Bertino's writing is characterized by its lyrical prose, sharp wit, and deep emotional resonance. "Parakeet" challenges conventional storytelling and invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and the ways in which they define themselves.
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