The Yellow Bird Sings

More about the book

In wartime German-occupied Poland, a mother and her five-year-old daughter, a musical prodigy, live in constant fear of discovery. The girl is forbidden to make a sound, so a yellow bird sings the melodies she composes in her mind, from high-pitched trills to low growls. Music becomes their lifeline, helping flowers bloom and bringing a semblance of beauty to their hidden existence. The bird weaves a garland of daisies for the girl, a secret crown for a princess unseen. They must remain hidden from soldiers and neighbors alike, as danger lurks in every corner. After the Jewish community is rounded up, they take refuge in a farmer's barn, where Shira struggles to contain the music within her. To distract her, Róza spins a tale of a girl and her yellow bird tending an enchanted garden that must remain silent, with only the bird's song to protect them from threats. Róza's stories provide comfort amid chaos, but their sanctuary is threatened. Ultimately, Róza faces an impossible choice: keep Shira close or allow her a chance at survival apart. This poignant narrative explores the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter and the enduring power of hope in the darkest times.