Book Review: Hummingbirds by Joshua Gaylord

When I picked up Hummingbirds I had entirely incorrect expectations. Thinking I was going to be in for a trashy summer read, I was surprised to be captivated from the first chapter. Gaylord paints the picture of Carmine-Casey, a prep school for girls, with a stunning knack for description. The inner workings of the girls' minds are humorous and adorable as they flutter around creating a glittering background for the main characters. Gaylord has created a truly believable, interesting and strangely lovable cast who each have their own faults and quirks. I fell completely in love with the protagonist at the heart of the story, Leo Binhammer; a well-meaning literature teacher whose own self doubts and runaway catastrophising made his thoughts increasingly charming as the reader listens in.

Having been the only male English teacher in the faculty, adored by female students and teachers alike, he is understandably threatened by the newly appointed Ted Hughes. The relationship that develops between the two men is a witty insight into male camaraderie and competition, one that the women in their lives can't quite understand. Indeed, the men don't seem to understand it themselves.

Alongside this rivalry are two students, Dixie Doyle and Liz Warren. The first wields her sexuality with self-assurance and smarts, where as the second uses her sharp mind more confidently. The power struggle between them causes both girls to do some serious reflection; neither are the same by the story's end.

The parallel struck by the two battles occuring at Carmine-Casey provides a clever insight into adolescents that feel more grown up than they are, and grown ups behaving like adolescents. Gaylord is a master of multiple viewpoints, wielding the technique with effortless grace. The reader barely notices the changeover of perspectives as he naturally guides them through the thoughts of a multitude of characters.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys beautiful, clever composition – I enjoyed Hummingbirds so thoroughly that it made me want to start writing again.

Plot: 7/10

Characters: 9/10

Writing Style: 9/10