A Pigeon and a Boy
A Pigeon and a Boy
Book Brief
320
Novel • Fiction
Israel • 1940s
2006
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
A Pigeon and a Boy by Meir Shalev intertwines the stories of a homing pigeon handler during Israel's 1948 War of Independence and a contemporary middle-aged man named Yair. As Yair navigates personal struggles, including his failing marriage and need for a true home, he becomes captivated by the historical tale of "the Baby" and a young love disrupted by war, finding that their lives are mysteriously connected.
Nostalgic
Emotional
Bittersweet
Romantic
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
4,220 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
A Pigeon and a Boy by Meir Shalev intertwines a poignant dual narrative, praised for its lyrical prose and rich characterizations. Reviewers appreciate its deep exploration of love and memory, although some find the pacing uneven. Overall, it’s lauded for its emotional depth and interwoven storytelling, offering a compelling read that resonates on multiple levels.
Who Should Read A Pigeon and a Boy?
A reader who would enjoy A Pigeon and a Boy by Meir Shalev is someone who appreciates rich, poetic storytelling and profound explorations of love and identity. Fans of Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude or Isabelle Allende's The House of the Spirits will find a similar magic realism and deep emotional resonance.
4,220 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Meir Shalev, the author of A Pigeon and a Boy, is one of Israel's most celebrated authors, known for blending realism with magical elements in his storytelling.
The book received the Brenner Prize, one of Israel's most prestigious literary awards, recognizing its impact and significance in contemporary Israeli literature.
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Shalev often incorporates themes of nature into his work, reflecting his own background growing up in a farming community in Northern Israel.
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320
Novel • Fiction
Israel • 1940s
2006
Adult
18+ years
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