Customer Reviews

Rare Birds

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have given this book as a gift to many fellow restuarant/foodies and everyone has loved it. It's a short read...FIND THE TIME, you will LAUGH! If you enjoy Tim Sandlin, Tom Robbins, John Irving, then give Edward Riche a read.

I was born and raised in Newfoundland, but moved away a few years ago. This book brought back the punch of Newfoundland humor in such a way that it left me laughing out loud like a lunatic til tears were running down my cheeks. I always thought that the Newfoundland sense of humor was something that couldn't be put into words...something you had to experience first hand, and even then sometimes people don't get it. Somehow this author has pulled it off. I haven't seen the movie yet, but I'm greatly looking forward to it. Bravo Edward Riche!!!

Excellent book, even better than the movie, though the movie is excellent too. If you want to read a laugh out loud book this summer, this is the one!

This book is delightful! Well written, with marvelous characters and a colorful background, it's like literary chocolate. Anyone who has had the priviledge of visiting Newfoundland, and meeting its friendly--but different--people will especially find this a treat. If you're tired of the daily grind, curl up with this one and prepare to enjoy your read.

No problems with the transaction, got what I wanted, in good time and its a great read. Happy to buy Amazon.

received very quickly-was not too thrilled with the book-did not keep my attention as I would have liked.

Just finished "rare birds"....absolutely beautiful dialog and characters.....better than the movie which was also great.

I had to scour a bit to locate the source novel that the amazing film was based on - but it was worth every penny. Just an astounding conversion of the book into the film's screenplay - incredible.

Having recently reviewed the fantasy film "City Of Ember", and discovering the frothing rabid mob of fans who decry and crucify the film version due primarily to their adolescent view that movies 'must' be exactly like the novel it's based on; I was pleasantly surprised at how much content was included into the 'Rare Birds' adaptation with WIlliam Hurt, Molly Parker and Andy Jones.

Riche's words (nearly verbatim), inflection, moods, mannerisms, and overall character depth can all be found in the film.

Apologies for going on about the celluloid - since this review is supposed to be about the novel. But you'll find that one is nearly the same as the other = hilarious and richly fantastic.

I will say that as much as the filmmakers were able to put into the movie adaptation - the novel gives you so much more. In order to pare down the number of characters and sharpen the story, many of the motivations and interwoven history is not delved into or discussed. Missing most prominently is Dave's so-called 'best friend' and their relationship as it revolves around the swinging fortunes of The Auk, the wheelchair-bound 'world's leading ornithologist' - Dr. Hans Speidel, and the ever-fragmenting marriage to his rising-star-cable-show-talking-head of a wife.

The novel also ends somewhat differently than the film - as Dave is seen as triumphant and reborn in the movie. No spoilers - but he's infinitely more somber and reflective about the year within which the events Rare Birds takes place. (in the film it's compressed into a month or so)

If you're a fan of the film, as I was introduced to Dave & Co, you'll be so much more satisfied with the novel. My soul ached for "more" when the movie ends and the novel helped fill the void. Conversely, if you read the novel, please check out the film - it adds a visual richness that the novel, no matter how well written, cannot capture; especially when seen thru the stunning radiance that is Molly Parker and the stark pale beauty of the Newfoundland coast.

Read the book, but especially see the movie. This is what a story should be. It's just a fun story that's enjoyable. Remember, always have a plan B.

A couple of years ago, my sister, who lives in Newfoundland, Canada, sent me this book. I put it aside but several months later I was sick, and picked up the book. I read it straight through in 3 or 4 hours...I couldn't put it down! The story is absolutely hilarious, and just recently has been made into a movie starring William Hurt. I have not been able to find this book in the US until now. I have loaned it to countless friends and they have all loved it. It is truly a good read. Get it!