Reviews

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REVIEWS

'The world of life and death, beauty and truth seen through the eyes of a 12 year old girl. A rare and beautiful book of lasting quality – we felt this is a voice that needs to be heard and read.'

'The author as artist evokes people and places with delicacy, humour and truth - a novel of outstanding beauty.'

COSTA AWARD JUDGES

'...a children's book that broods on adult themes'

Hephzibah Anderson & James Pressley, bloomberg.com

' When reviewing her first novel, I said I thought she had struck gold with it and now she has not only done it again but has struck an even richer Iode.'

'Gussie Stevens may be only 12 years old, but she is very much of today and the things she says and does are of interest to readers of all ages.'

'Just as the male bower bird, native to Australia and New Guinea, makes an elaborate bower, or nest during courtship to attract a female bird, so Ann Kelley has constructed an irresistible story around an irrepressible character.'

'As alluring as it is absorbing, and a must for readers of all ages'

THE CORNISHMAN

‘The Bower Bird is Ann Kelley’s second novel to feature vivacious amateur naturalist Gussie Stevens, who also happens to be chronically ill’

THE SCOTSMAN

'... the immediate feeling on finishing the book is of a lovely story, personal courage, and more information on birds and insects than I’ll ever need. I’m glad I got to read it.'

THE BOOKWITCH

‘An inspirational tale of youthful spirit in the face of adversity’

‘The moving and inspiring sequel to The Burying Beetle’

‘What makes this book intriguing and brilliant is Gussie’s vitality and high spirits.’

Maria Chiara Spiezia, CORNWALL TODAY

‘As well as being an author, Ann is a photographer and prize-winning poet.’

‘…it is a story inspired by events in Ann’s own life as well as where she lives.’

‘Ann Kelley has continued her character Gussie Stevens in the sequel to the acclaimed The Burying Beetle.’

THE CORNISHMAN

‘Ann Kelley’s great strength as a writer is that she writes pretty much directly from her own experiences.’

‘Bower Bird carries a powerful sense of authenticity making the story enchanting and thoroughly credible to readers of all ages.’

‘...the tale of a bright inquisitive child, life on a limb, jumping into every familiar aspect of St Ives while waiting for a heart lung transplant...’

ST IVES TIMES AND ECHO