Accidentals

Author(s): Susan M Gaines

Location(s): Uruguay

Genre(s): Fiction

Era(s): Early 2000s and mid 1970s

A young Californian accompanies his mother back to her native Uruguay, where he falls in love, discovers a new species of bird—and is forced to confront both the environmental cataclysm of his future, and the dark legacy of his family’s past.

‘…the reader will walk away with an understanding of not only Uruguay’s repressive regimes, but also biomes, bird preservation, and more.’ –Kirkus Reviews

‘Gorgeous, smart, and surprising, Gaines’ family saga takes us into the large world of nations and politics, but also the microscopic world of mud and microbes. Tender and powerful. Also with birds!’ – Karen Joy Fowler

‘Gaines’s melding of sensual landscapes with ruminations on political history and environmental devastation will be a treat for conservationists, and her critique of globalization and portrayal of sibling rivalry are particularly well rendered. Barbara Kingsolver fans will want to take a look.’
–Publishers Weekly

‘A rich portrait of a country and its people, relayed with detail and wonder, thanks to a naturalist’s eye.’ –Foreword Review

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