When We Were Birds

A mythic love story set in Trinidad, where the line between the living and the dead is beautifully blurred.

When We Were Birds is the stunning, award-winning debut novel by Ayanna Lloyd Banwo. Masterfully blending magical realism, vibrant Caribbean folklore, and contemporary drama, this unforgettable story follows two outsiders brought together by destiny in the bustling city of Port of Spain.

Darwin is a down-on-his-luck young Rastafarian man who breaks his religious vows to take a job as a gravedigger at the ancient, sprawling Fidelis Cemetery to support his mother. Yejide is a fierce young woman mourning the death of her mother, inheriting a legacy she never wanted—the ancestral power to communicate with the dead and shepherd their souls to the afterlife. When their paths collide in the shadow of the cemetery gates, an undeniable connection sparks between them, forcing both to confront their destinies, break free from generational curses, and fight for a love that defies the boundaries of life and death.

Why Readers Love This Novel:

• Rich Magical Realism & Folklore: Features a mesmerizing look at Trinidadian culture, spiritual traditions, and ancestral mythologies.

• Poetic, Atmospheric Prose: Banwo’s lyrical writing style and evocative world-building wrap around the reader like a vivid dream.

• Unforgettable Characters: Follow two deeply moving protagonists as they navigate grief, survival, and the intense pull of unexpected love.

Step into a world of spirits, secrets, and soul-stirring romance. Add When We Were Birds to your literary fiction collection today!