Homeless Bird

Whelan, Gloria

4.02

13,975 ratings by Goodreads

ISBN 10: 0756908426 ISBN 13: 9780756908423

Publisher: Turtleback Books, 2001

Gloria Whelan's National Book Award-winning novel, chronicles the breathtaking story of a remarkable young woman who dares to defy fate.

Like many girls her age in India, thirteen-year-old Koly faces her arranged marriage with hope and courage. But Koly's story takes a terrible turn when in the wake of the ceremony, she discovers she's been horribly misled; her life has been sold for a dowry. In prose both graceful and unflinching, this powerful novel relays the story of a rare young woman, who even when cast out into a brutal current of time-worn tradition, sets out to forge her own remarkable future.Inspired by a newspaper article about the real thirteen-year-old widows in India today, this universally acclaimed best-selling novel, characterized by spare, lyrical language and remarkable detail, transports readers into the heart of a gripping tale of hope.

Ages 10+

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Review:

"What if I don't like him?"
"Of course you will like him."
"But what if I don't?"
Maa impatiently slapped at a fly. "Then you must learn to like him."

But Koly never gets a chance to find out if she does care for her intended groom. Married and promptly widowed at 13, Koly finds herself in the grim position of being cast out by a society that has no place for girls like her. With a seemingly hopeless future in India, this courageous and spirited young woman sets out to forge her own destiny. Through perseverance, resourcefulness, and sheer luck, she manages not only to find a niche for herself, but even to find happiness again.

Gloria Whelan's tale of a remarkable girl in an extraordinary situation will linger with the reader long after the last page is read. The shaping of Koly's life, as anyone's, is in her own hands, as well as the hands of the society in which she lives. Her ability to express herself--and ultimately support herself--with her exceptional skill in embroidery is a symbol of the creative ingenuity that will serve her well throughout her tribulations. (Ages 8 and older) --Emilie Coulter

From the Inside Flap:

Read by Sarita Choudhury
Approx. 3.5 hours
2 cassettes

Like many girls her age in India, thirteen-year-old-Koly is getting married.
Full of hope and courage, she leaves home—forever. But in a grim turn of
events Koly finds herself cast out into a current of cruel tradition. Her
future, it would seem, is lost. Yet this rare young woman, bewildered and
brave, sets out to forge her own exceptional future.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.