Sing, Wild Bird, Sing

A Novel

By: Jacqueline O'Mahony

Narrated by: Aoife McMahon

A courageous woman journeys from nineteenth-century Ireland to the American West in a powerful novel about the indomitable will to survive—and to flourish—against nearly impossible odds.

It’s 1849 on the west coast of Ireland. Resilient Honora O’Donoghue is accustomed to fending for herself and to reading the language of the natural world. It was always said she’d been marked for something different, but it’s not until she suffers devastating losses in a country gripped by the Famine that Honora begins to understand how that difference will save her. With the hope of a better life in America calling, Honora keeps moving toward her freedom.

Across the Atlantic, she’s unfamiliar with the customs, jobs are scarce, and she has no money. She finds only one new friend, and Honora’s desperation is a state to be taken advantage of. Even the prospect of marriage is not without its conditions—and far from the dream she imagines. With so much disappointment and heartbreak in her past, Honora must decide what kind of life she wants, and what she’s prepared to do to get it.

©2023 Jacqueline O'Mahony (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Aoife McMahon's multifaceted narration brings this story of grief, resilience, and the burning desire to survive to life. Her melodious Irish accent tells the story of Honora, whose whole life has been a fight for survival that was foretold by a superstition relating to her birth: A robin flew into the house as she was born and her mother died.… McMahon gives the diverse cast personality through unique voices. Especially compelling is the character Joseph, a Native American kindred spirit whose voice is full of compassion, empathy, and wisdom.”—AudioFile Magazine

“Jacqueline O’Mahony’s work is fiction, though she describes historical events with the unswerving eye of a journalist… [She] conveniently, yet thoughtfully, adds characters and spiritual elements as needed…. Sing, Wild Bird, Sing is a novel about the will to persevere in the face of unspeakable grief.”—Booklist

“The story is breathtaking in its scope. Life in Doolough is horrifying, but Honora’s will to survive is magnificent…I would read more from Jacqueline O’Mahony any time.”—Historical Novels Review

Heartfelt Grim & triumphant

First of all this was a solid and compelling story rooted in dark and sad history. It grabbed and took hold of me quickly, and kept me interested right until the very end. In addition, the narration was top notch. I loved the reader’s voice and a couple accents, and speed and tone were just right. I even learned some new history about connections between the Irish and Native Americans. I highly recommend this read/listen.

Interesting

This book was not what I expected, but it was eye-opening and emotionally moving. I was unaware of the struggle that this book spoke of. The author did a great job with this historical fiction. I enjoyed the narrative at the end explaining how she researched, and what she learned while writing this book. Don’t is it!

History that should not be forgotten

Loved this novel and all I learned about this time in our history. I echo the authors feeling that this story resonates in my bones.

Took a while to get into

I almost quit a few times because it was taking too long for me to get into and follow. But it did turn out good.

Strength in the Struggle!!!

A story of struggle and resilience, of loneliness and independence, of fear and power, of longssuffering thatleads to love and freedom. I could not put it down!

Truth

Anyone who has a closeness to nature and been forced to live by others standards will relate to this story. Some of us has a deep need for Freedom.

Completely Different in a Good Way

Very interesting and well written. Narration was excellent. Enjoyed listening to a story based on history that few people know about.

Historic in a way…

This story was extremely slow and the drug at times to the point I wanted to fast forward. Hanorah was not a sympathetic character and her insights were so confused and childish it was difficult to hear her thoughts. I cannot recommend this book.

Tragic yet beautiful

The pace of the story itself was very slow, but the narration was excellent. The main character's life was one of tragedy, and heartache. I love the historical fiction aspect, but It's definitely not something to lift your spirits as you read. I think the story told was very important with lots of truth that needs to be shared, but It left me feeling sad and generally low spirited. I don't regret reading it, but I won't pick it up again.

The Best

I'm 79 and I have been reading all my life. This is one of the best novels I have ever listened to and it is based on true events. It is a very sad novel mostly but ends just as it should.