Little Bird: A Novel Kindle Edition

In 1910, fearing escalating violence against the Jews in Russia, Feige’s father arranges for her to marry a wealthy cousin in New York City.She will no longer be her parents' adored “little bird.” As she adapts to life in America, she goes from being an obedient daughter to a dutiful wife, even allowing her new husband to change her name to Fannie. Longing to make her own decisions, her husband’s cruelty finally pushes her to risk leaving him. She parlays her embroidery skills into a job and finds the man she believes is the love of her life. When he betrays her, she refuses to forgive him, disregarding advice to overlook men’s lapses. Finally, she meets a man who both loves and respects her. Can she give up her hard won independence? Little Bird is the story of a girl who finds the courage to forge her own path to womanhood.About the AuthorBarbara Viniar started out in academia, teaching Women’s Studies part time at the graduate and undergraduate levels and writing her doctoral dissertation on women’s moral development in contemporary fiction. After retiring from her second college presidency, she turned to creative writing. A chance discovery about her grandmother compelled her to imagine the story that became Little Bird.Editorial Reviews"From Feigele to Fannie, a journey across an ocean—and into womanhood. A rich, heartfelt portrait of one immigrant’s transformation, Little Bird is a stirring tribute to the dreams—and the costs—of becoming American."—Sonia Pilcer, author of The Holocaust Kid and The Last Hotel"Like the heroine of her timeless novel, Barbara Viniar has meticulously embroidered this story of a talented young woman torn between the tradition she respects and the dreams she can't deny. Within the beautifully rendered flavor of early 20th century immigrant life and haunted by a promise that threatens to undo her resolve, the little bird confronts page-turning obstacles as she dares herself to take flight."—Elyce Wakerman, author of A Tale of Two Citizens and Father Loss"Much like Colm Tóibín's Brooklyn, Barbara Viniar's Little Bird is about the clash of old and new worlds, of culture clashes and breathtaking changes for the immigrant to America. I couldn't put it down."---Julia Park Tracey, author of The Bereaved and Silence"Viniar’s writing is wonderfully visual. I felt as if I was entering a time capsule each time I opened it - and each chapter felt so real. I couldn’t put it down!"—Magda Bogin, author of Natalya, God’s Messenger"Viniar introduces an unforgettable heroine—not because Fanny is extraordinary, but because she feels so real. She’s the kind of character who becomes a friend, someone you’ll root for as she navigates the trials of youth, immigration, and identity as a Jewish woman."—Robyn Rosen, Ph.D. Professor of History, Marist College Read more