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Where the Sabiá Bird Sings

By: TG Hardy
Publisher: Housatonic Press
Publication Date: November 2023
ISBN: 979-8218210533
Reviewed by: Lily Andrews
Review Date: July 31, 2023

Where the Sabiá Bird Sings is an atmospheric and beautiful coming-of-age tale that manages to tear into the longings of the human soul and is a shining example of what a page-turner can accomplish.

In this bustling novel, TG Hardy introduces readers to Jean-Pierre Sinclair, who is an American-educated Bendavid Brazilian working as a talent agent. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Jean and his father later moved from the city to the cocoa coast of Bahia in North Eastern Brazil, in February 1963, just as he was turning fourteen. The move was because of his father's new job as the superintendent of three cocoa plantations belonging to the Bendavid family of chocolatiers. His mother remained behind in Rio, leaving Dercy, their maid, to oversee Jean's upbringing and manage the household.

Just like most children living in upcountry homes, Jean had a fairly normal upbringing as he lived with his father, worked on the plantation, and surfed with his childhood friend, Chico. Now a young man and a Yale graduate, the protagonist is a successful talent and events agent. He returns to his native country in 1976 as a talent manager for musicians, footballers, and racers. At the height of his career, with a stable relationship, and money at his disposal, Jean quickly adopts an indulgent lifestyle in this fascinating town famous for samba and its carnivals.

However, Jean-Pierre's American grandfather, Papa, warns him against his way of living which could jeopardize his future desire of having a family of his own. He agrees to this half-heartedly as he does not share his Papa's views on the priorities of life. But when he suffers a tragic accident that flips his life in and out of a coma, he finds himself evaluating his life decisions. With Papa's voice at his bedside during his recovery and the sight of Maria Luisa, a nurse who his Papa had befriended during his hospital visits, JP experiences the fresh breath of a budding love and a possible start to a new life.

TG Hardy presents us with a sensible, thoughtful, and instinctive protagonist that properly moves the story forward at an even pace. His writing is clear and direct, devoid of flourishes, that carries a delicate and introspective depth to it. Although character-driven, the text provides a gallery of characters within the pages whose lives are shaped by the past and present such as Papa, whose marriage to Jean's grandmother was marred by struggles that they both managed to overcome. The author maintains the right balance of action, dialogue, and descriptions, resulting in fluency, and is a sagacious way of tying together all the story elements.

Brazil has a special resonance for the author and as such, his entire literary collection springs from his sharp observation of city life and its characters, creating shifting byways of food, art, and popular culture. The events are narrated in concise chapters, in a language that is as succinct as the environment in which it takes place, leaving no room for unanswered questions from the readers.

Quill says: Where the Sabiá Bird Sings is unequivocally a tour de force that judiciously evinces TG Hardy's virtuosic skill.

For more information on Where the Sabiá Bird Sings, please visit the author's website at: tghardy.net/

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