Discussion Notes: The Story of the Girl Whose Birds Flew Away

Find this week’s story here: The Story of the Girl Whose Birds Flew Away by Bushra al-Fadil.

Next week’s story: Monkey’s Paw by W. W. Jacobs

Rated: Clean

Maya, Gerald, Rammy and Anais analyze The Caine Prize for African Writing winner “The Story of the Girl Whose Birds Flew Away” by Bushra al-Fadil. Is a short story like a poem? Or a piece of art? Maya thinks it is, and she challenges Gerald to define a story. Gerald thought there wasn’t enough story, and too much chewy narrative, which is what Anais appreciated, though she had to let go of the question “why” several times. Rammy enjoyed the story, in particular the stunning visual metaphors.

You may also listen to audio versions of this story in English and Arabic on The Caine Prize website: caineprize.com/the-winner

Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or on our Facebook page.

Also, don’t forget to rate the story! For the history of our goofy system, see Anais’ post “Read Short Stories or Ray Bradbury Cries.” On a scale of 1-6 Bradberries, how do you rate this story? Tell us in the comments below or via voicemail.

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