Where Late the Sweet Birds Sang

Prior to reading this novel, my only experience with Wilhelm was "Storyteller: Writing Lessons and More from 27 Years of the Clarion Writers' Workshop". Wilhelm struck me as the kind of writer who focused on human relationships in that memoir/writing tutorial. I found that to ring true while following the collapse of humanity in "Where Late the Sweet Birds Sang".

The story begins with two cousins who find themselves in love romantically while in the background the world is going to hell in a bucket. The markets are in collapse and fertility rates have plummeted in both humans and animals. The story follows several generations of a far thinking family who attempt to stave off extinction through advanced cloning.

Characters - 4 All of the principal characters are forced to deal with some major dilemmas and make some hard decisions that they struggle with. Some of the supporting characters jump into stereotypes pretty easily, but there is a reason they aren't the viewpoint character.

Setting - 3.5 I liked how the author used the Shenandoah valley as a setting, but it seemed as if she skimped on the interaction with the community and the outside world. They become isolated pretty fast. There is a fair amount of creepy sexual situations that arise from the setting.

Prose - 4 I liked Wilhelm's writing style. In particular, I enjoyed her use of nature.

Overall - 4 Recommended. This is a strong book. I can see why it was up for so many awards.