Silver Sparrow

I just finished Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones. It’s the story of a man with two wives. The first half of the story is told from the perspective of Dana, the daughter whom he told “You are a secret.” She and her mother know about his other family. Her mother says “knowledge is power.” The two of them keep tabs on all that goes on in the lives of the other family. You can sympathize with the feeling of being second best.

The second half of the book is told from Chaurisse’s perspective. She’s the acknowledged daughter. She and her mother know nothing about the other family. Or, perhaps the mother has some idea, but denies it. You learn the beginnings of this family and what binds them together and you like them.

So, what happens when the girls become friends? When the hidden family shows itself? It’s complicated and the author doesn’t try to offer a simple, tied-up ending. I found it to be a very satisfying read.