Review: The Hummingbird's Cage by Tamara Dietrich

The Hummingbird's Cage

by Tamara Dietrich

Publisher: NAL

Pages: 352

Format: book

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Everyone in Wheeler, New Mexico, thinks Joanna leads the perfect life: the quiet, contented housewife of a dashing deputy sheriff, raising a beautiful young daughter, Laurel. But Joanna’s reality is nothing like her facade. Behind closed doors, she lives in constant fear of her husband. She’s been trapped for so long, escape seems impossible—until a stranger offers her the help she needs to flee....
 
On the run, Joanna and Laurel stumble upon the small town of Morro, a charming and magical village that seems to exist out of time and place. There a farmer and his wife offer her sanctuary, and soon, between the comfort of her new home and blossoming friendships, Joanna’s soul begins to heal, easing the wounds of a decade of abuse.
 
But her past—and her husband—aren’t so easy to escape. Unwilling to live in fear any longer, Joanna must summon a strength she never knew she had to fight back and forge a new life for her daughter and herself....


Kritters Thoughts:  If you have read too many abusive husband books, don't shy away from this one.  It is different.  (Weird beginning to review, but hold tight)

Joanna is an interesting character.  She is putting up with a horrible husband while at the same time trying her hardest to protect her daughter.  A few events unfold and she isn't sure she can keep it up - so she plans an escape and her life takes a major turn.  Of course, I can't share what happens or I will ruin your reading experience, but to send out a warning - magical realism a bit.

Let's talk about magical realism.  Usually I am not a fan because the whole book is magical realism and I like just reality at its finest, but this book was different and it was ok for me.  As Joanna escapes her husband, she ends up in this town and as you read you find out this town is a little different and there are some magical elements, but they are quirky and cute.  I liked how the clues slowly unfolded throughout the second part of the book and then the third book you get a very satisfying conclusion.

If you are like me and don't completely love when magic and reality get together - try this one, I enjoyed the hints of it, but still felt like I was reading a full and true story.


Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Berkley NAL.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.