This book does not have the most elegant of all topics – domestic helpers overseas. Who wants to read about that? Reading is for escapism. Domestic helpers overseas sounds depressing. And it is! Sadly.
But I grabbed hold of Songbirds book, put it closed to my heart and could not put it down. I shared the joy and sadness of the main character Nishi. I had a roller coaster of emotions. I cried. I chuckled. I felt hope. I felt despair.
I know some of these stories. Some are my country women. As a young child in Manila (Philippines), I observed – they were my neighbours, parishioners; they were my relatives. I know their beauty, their resilience, their spirit and sacrifices for their families. This book made me see them in a different light. These women are also precious and their lives delicate.
What’s apparent is Christy’s eloquent telling of stories. Foremost, depicting and likening these workers to songbirds. I am amazed with the beauty of this parallelism and how effective it is in conveying the message.
Songbirds is very beautiful book. Put it on your list to read now.
R + WEST 