- Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear (Maisie Dobbs, book #2)
- Audio CD (9 CDs, about 10.5 hours total)
- Publisher: Sound Library; Unabridged edition (June 2005)
- ISBN-13: 978-0792736653
Birds of a Feather grabbed me even more than the original Maisie Dobbs. Although I really enjoyed that first novel – and it gave the background for me to understand Maisie’s journey – this second installment really takes off, both in the intensity of the case, and in showing a change in Maisie’s character. It’s exciting to see the way the cases she works reflect her own values, and force her to look at her own life and the choices she makes. Much of this second “Maisie Dobbs” novel is about home and comfort and belonging.
Maisie never accepts a case without a promise that those who hire her will get at the root of the problem. In Maisie Dobbs, the first case we see is a husband wondering about his wife’s fidelity; Maisie encourages him to show his care and concern directly to his wife. In Birds of a Feather, a father hires Maisie to find his adult daughter, who has fled their home. Before agreeing to help Mr. Waite, Maisie tells him he must engage his daughter more upon her return, he must eliminate the reason she wants to run away.
It’s interesting that, while Maisie asks others to look inward, she has a bit of tunnel vision about her own lifestyle. We see that starting to change in Birds of a Feather, as, in the process of helping others, Maisie is really starting to chip away at her shell – running her own (successful) business makes her seem very independent, but perhaps it’s an unintentional front, another way of keeping distance between herself and others.
One of the most striking things about this novel is all I learned more about the Great War and its lasting effects a dozen years later. Winspear puts names and stories to those who fought, those who were left behind, and those who never returned. We see a number of ways that people helped, a form of protest, and the great depression that ensued after the War.
There’s not the large backstory that we read in Maisie Dobbs, although there are some important memories of Maisie’s mother that bubble up. Again, Maisie looks at the whole person when considering a case, often mirroring someone’s body language or speech pattern to put them at ease; I appreciate the way she leans on intuition, and uses meditation and affirmation in her work. There’s even a mention of the work of Joseph Pilates!
Again, the novel is peppered with pithy phrases of wisdom. In Maisie Dobbs, it was her mentor, Maurice Blanche, who shared these bits of advice and observation; this time, however, they both deliver them them:
“Seeing is not a function of the eyes alone.” (Maisie observes)
“Each case has a way of shining a light on something we need to learn ourselves” (Maurice)
I am definitely becoming “Mad about Maisie!” This is the second of Jacqueline Winspear’s “Maisie Dobbs” novels, and I’m working my way through them as part of Book Club Girl’s readalong. I borrowed the audiobook from my local library and was very impressed with this BBC Audiobooks America Sound Library production. The narrator/reader, Kim Hicks, was able to conjure all types of accents, and could carry both genders well. Perfect for multi-tasking, Birds of a Feather took me through 15 miles on the treadmill, 6 loads of laundry, cleaning the bathrooms, and dusting the entire house (good thing, as my neighborhood book group is coming over on Tuesday!)
*hanging head in shame* I really, really will get to these books very soon.
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I just read Julie’s review on this today too! Love me some good British wit, and cozy mysteries are fun. I need to check and see if my library has these on audio.
I need to get one of the books in audio format because I would love to hear the accents. These books are so rich.
Though I had mixed feelings about the first book, I really want to read the second, as it seems like the story is one that would really interest me. I am going to have to check this one out. thanks for your perceptive thoughts on this one!
I started a Maisie Dobbs book but wasn’t in the right mood for it. I do think this is a series I would enjoy, so I plan to try again!
I simply MUST put the Maisie books on my list!
Oh, I am really Mad about Maisie, this really was a great continuation of the first book. Have you been watching Downton Abbey? It’s a perfect companion to Maisie. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on Pardonable Lies.
Here’s my review:
http://marthalama.wordpress.com/2011/01/28/birds-of-a-feather-by-jacqueline-winspear/
I love these books. Can’t wait for the 3rd one. It’s supposed to be really good!
I loved this one too! I thought the mystery was more exciting, but parts of it still read like historical fiction. I’m really looking forward to the third one too. It’s fun to read them along with so many others!
Beth F – I read the print edition of the original MAISIE DOBBS, but listened to BIRDS OF A FEATHER – I think you’d approve!
Sandy – this audio was great, and the mystery was deeper (and grislier) than the first.
Denise – so many passages of pithy bits of advice!
zibilee – I really liked the first, but LOVED the second. I feel like I’m really getting to know the character (and she’s revealing more and more of herself)
bookmagic – there’s a lot of backstory in the first. Once you get thru that, this seems to be icing on the cake
Beth – the list! the list! The never-ending list!
martha – I haven’t been watching Downton Abbey (I’ve been seeing note of it on Twitter, does that count?). When it’s on DVD I’ll be able to rent it. Didn’t think to record until 2 episodes had passed … then too late to catch up!
Julie – The questions that Book Club Girl posed were really thoughtful. Ready-made, if my neighborhood book group reads Maisie!
Carrie – yes, I learned A LOT about the Great War (not about the fighting, but about the other tolls it took). have you read the books before this?
Everyone seems to be mad about Maisie! I’ve got to try this series.
I’m loving the series – just started Messenger of Truth (book 4) today. Maisie grows as an investigator and a person with each book. Having spent time in England, it’s fascinating to get a glimpse of it eighty years ago. And while I’ve read rather a lot of WWII fiction, I haven’t read as much about WWI or its aftereffects – so that element is fascinating to me.
I loved the audio version of the first book… don’t know why it’s taking me so long to download the second installment. It sounds every bit as good!