The Warbler by Sarah Beth Durst
Synopsis:
Ten months. That’s the longest Elisa has stayed anyplace, constantly propelled by her fear that if she puts down roots, a family curse will turn her into a tree.
But she’s grown tired of flitting from town to town and in and out of relationships. When she discovers a small town in Massachusetts where mysterious forces make it impossible for the residents to leave, she hopes she can change her fate.
As Elisa learns about the town’s history, she understands more about the women in her family, who seem doomed to never get what they want. Now she believes she’s stuck, too―is that a patch of bark on her arm? But her neighbor’s collection of pet birds sings secrets that Elisa can almost understand―secrets she must unravel in order to be truly alive.
Review:
Elisa has never known a home. She has never spent more than 10 months in one place for fear she’ll turn into a literal tree like her mother did. But she’s been looking for answers to end her curse. And she might have finally found a lead in this latest small town, full of mystery and bizarre residents.
Sarah Beth Durst has been a must-read author for years. This latest novel is unique and dramatic. Readers learn more about the mystery of Elisa’s history as she does, with backstories that build to a thrilling revelation. This heartbreaking story follows the women in Elisa’s family and their choices that have led to this point. It’s thought-provoking and stirring. This story will be with me for a while.