Weathered Bird: A Jazz Age Novelette

by Danielle Yvette

Born to a family of Southern sharecroppers, Birdy Whitaker has resiliency in her blood, and as a child quickly learns to adapt to the fast paced streets of 1920s Philadelphia. A young single mother living in the prohibition-era, Birdy has plans to be made into an honest woman -- that is if she can manage to get handsome, charming and professional bootlegger Sidney Allen to cooperate. Part of the House of Black Flowers series.

Genres: Historical Fiction

88 pages, Paperback

First published April 2, 2014

About the author

Danielle Yvette is a writer of historical and contemporary literary and womanist fiction, focusing on the African American experience. She is a graduate of Temple University where she majored in English Literature. While a student, she fell in love with the classic works of Zora Neal Hurston, Nella Larsen and other writers of the Harlem Renaissance era. She currently lives in Philadelphia where she works as an educator. Connect on social media to learn more.

Reviews

[Adrienne Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this short read despite a few editing hiccups. Birdy's emotions floated from the pages and were easily felt. Very relatable read for many women.

Adrienne Thompson
Author of Summertime

[Frieda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartbreaking and strong

I'm glad Bird found what she needed. I guess I won't allow myself the pain she feels and maybe that's bad but it's me.

[Sid Stark · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Weathered Bird" follows Bertha Mae "Birdy" Whitaker, a teenage African-American girl in 1920s Philadelphia. She falls madly in love with Sidney, a "high yellow" bootlegger who lives on the threshold between different societies: black and white, law-abiding and criminal. Birdy's passion for him causes her to disregard common sense and become unhealthily attached to him. As the story progresses, she has to decide what she wants, and how she can grow up to become her own woman.

The atmosphere of the 1920s is beautifully invoked here, so readers who enjoy stories set in that time period are likely to appreciate it for that. It was an exciting, dangerous time, when social constructs and societal constraints were coming into question, and race relations were undergoing a significant shift--with, sometimes, dangerous consequences, especially for those who were most vulnerable.

The real heart of the story, though, is Birdy and her transformation from needy girl to independent woman. Both she and Sidney come across as living, breathing, flawed but sympathetic characters. It's a short work, but it packs plenty of emotional punch in a few pages.

I got this book in a giveaway and my copy of the story had several typos. Although they did not materially damage the overall reading experience, I think this story deserves a bit more editing polish. That, however, is a minor issue, and I'd definitely recommend this story to anyone interested in reading about the Jazz Age or a woman's coming-of-age story.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG

Damn Girl You Can Write!
I'm always looking for African American Writers. Your book was on that list. First, I loved your cover. Secondly, I read the acknowledgement to your mother just her no one else. I'm thinking you're one of these writers, like those moms who be on that singing show (you know what I'm talking about) sayin' my baby can sang not sing, but can really sang her heart out. Unfortunately, she sounds like somebody kicked a cow in the ass. Lastly, I'm thinking please let this young lady's mother be right. AND BOY IS SHE RIGHT!!!

It was like poetry. Sentence after sentence and page after page. I'm a little jealous of your mother she gets to read everything. I don't think I could ever get tired of reading anything you write.

Usually, I never write reviews, hardly ever, this is probably my third out of hundreds of books. "House of Black Flowers Short" when is there going to be a "Long". WOW!

I rate books because it helps the author, I didn't know that at first, too bad for those couple hundred before finding that out. Now you have a fan sayin' that girl can write. You good girl.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has a way with words. Even though this story was short, she gave me everything I needed to love Birdy and hate Birdy's life.

The story is set in the 20s. Its a love - hate story between Birdy and Sidney. What I loved was that Birdy LOVED herself but she still have insecurities that she had to deal with.

Despite it being a short read, I still enjoyed it and would read more from this author. Her descriptive manner and way of describing feelings and emotions captivated me. She has a great future I believe and hope. I didn't give it 5 stars because of the length.

Keep writing and happy reading to all others.

[Barbara Tsipouras · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little novella with 20s flair.

[Jasmine duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weathered bird review

I choose the rating as an all time high it was so good I LOVED it start to finish. Definitely a must read

[Twana George · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read.

[Jan]

Good. Entertaining.