This book has been on my shelf since 2007, which means it has moved three times with me (apartment in Dallas to house in Dallas to rental in New Jersey to current home). What a waste of space.

It took me a week to get through 382 pages. On paper, it should be a book that I'd really enjoy - Ms. Willett is obviously channeling Maeve Binchy and Rosamund Pilcher, but her style and plotting lack the grace and and natural flow of those two. There are abrupt changes in perspective and timeline that jarred me out of the story too often, and the characters and plot were just kind of boring after a while. I probably would have been better served to just DNF it, but here we are.

2.25 stars
(My rating scale translation: between Why DIdn't I DNF it? and Didn't Work For Me) ( )

This was my first MArcia Willett booked and I was hooked. I love a good story and this certainly fit the bill. I was sad when the book was over because I wanted to know more about the characters. My library only had two of her books but I've bought several more and am trying to read all of her work. I enjoy her stories. ( )

This is a lovely book! Lizzie, an actress in her mid forties, sets out to fill in some of the missing pieces of her past, in an often moving story that revolves around some delightful people.

The dual time zone is a tad confusing, as is the large cast of characters. But these don't detract from a very engaging story with believable characters and some poignant scenes.

Highly recommended to anyone who likes character-driven gentle novels.

Latest review here: http://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2020/08/the-birdcage-by-marcia-willett.html ( )

This touching story describes how we create families, lose family members and sometimes, if we are very lucky, find them again. Willett captures the devestating consequences of jealousy, bitterness and distance in relationships with insight and sympathy rendering even unpleasant characters understandable. ( )