Heartfelt and Heartwarming: Read Our Review of Birds of a Feather by Rhianna King

Beth doesn’t feel like she belongs in her rambunctious, bohemian family. Apart from the special relationship she shares with her grandma, Elise. When Beth wins the lottery (on a ticket she bought to prove she could be spontaneous), she decides to spend it on treating Elise. 

But instead of anything material, Elise wants Beth to help her track down her first love, Gerry. It’s a fun and uncomplicated little adventure, Beth thinks, until she discovers that her grandma’s great love is actually a woman, and their romance was thwarted by the conservatism of the day. Grappling with her grandma’s past spurs Beth to reconsider herself in the present.

Birds of a Feather is a funny, poignant and utterly charming debut novel about questioning who you are and what you might become.

Debut author Rhianna King has burst onto the scene to deliver the ultimate feel-good read. The Melbourne-based comms professional describes this novel as her lockdown project, and what a ray of sunshine she managed to create in those trying times!

What would you do if you won the lotto? It’s a question some of us have put a great deal of time into daydreaming about – but not pragmatic Beth. This wonderfully endearing protagonist would never waste time thinking it could happen to her. For one thing, she’s way too sensible to buy a ticket… usually, that is.

Beth is the black sheep of her family – a non-event compared to all the colourful personalities that make up her parents and siblings. Nothing big ever really happens in her life, and she likes it that way. Kind of.  

The only person Beth really feels at home with is her 82-year-old granny Elise. The pair share a love and respect for the natural world: Elise is active as a volunteer plant conservationist, while Elise has a career in wildlife conservation. You will absolutely fall in love with Elise. Talk about an older icon! She’s a case study in living life without regrets – and when that fails, rectifying any regrets as soon as the opportunity comes along. We don’t often see the grandmother-granddaughter relationship explored in literature, and Birds of a Feather is a gorgeous example of why it should be celebrated more.

This gorgeous work of heartwarming escapism has a little bit of everything for everyone: queer romance, hetero romance, women in STEM, conservation, a guilty penchant for the Royal family, a touch of (good-humoured) domestic drama, and a generous dose of mid- and latter-life coming-of-age. It is a delight to follow our protagonists across the world, from the gorgeous natural landscapes of WA, all the way to the London Eye. Did I mention the charming English love interests that rom-com dreams are made of?

Fair warning: you will definitely shed some tears – there are some truly gut-wrenching moments. But, ultimately, this is a feel-good read that reminds you to follow your heart, let love in and seize the day – no matter your age. 

If you’re after a weekend read that leaves you with a renewed zest for life, and a good deal more acceptance of yourself and others, this is the debut for you!

Buy a copy of Birds of a Feather here.