Silver Sparrow

Silver Sparrow revolves around Dana Lynn Yarboro and Chaurisse Witherspoon, who are half-sisters, although only Dana knows this. Dana has grown up knowing that her father, James, had another wife and child when he married Gwen, her mother.

“Silver Sparrow,” by Tayari Jones, is a story told in the first person by Dana, the narrator, telling a story about her childhood while looking back as an adult. It takes place in Atlanta, Georgia during the 21st century, although specific dates are not known. Dana’s childhood and family life is somewhat rare; her father is a bigamist. He has two families: one with his wife Gwen and their daughter Dana; the other with his girlfriend Laverne and their daughter Chaurisse. The two families live in different parts of Atlanta and have no knowledge of each other until Chaurisse discovers that she has a sister named Dana. The novel explores themes of family secrets and loyalty as well as the impact of bigamy on children and families