47 pages • 1 hour read
Kevin PowersThe Yellow Birds
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2012A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Yellow Birds by Kevin Powers follows the retrospective narrative of John Bartle, recounting his experiences during and after the Iraq War, centered around the town of Al Tafar in 2004. Bartle reflects on events including the death of his friend Murph, his own return home and struggle with PTSD, ultimately leading to his imprisonment and eventual release, ending with his attempt to find peace. The book contains depictions of violence, death, and war-related trauma which may be sensitive for some readers.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Kevin Powers' The Yellow Birds is lauded for its lyrical prose and harrowing depiction of war. Readers appreciate the emotional depth and realism, although some criticize it for a disjointed narrative and underdeveloped secondary characters. Despite minor flaws, it remains a powerful, evocative account of a soldier’s experience.
Who Should Read The Yellow Birds?
Readers who appreciate The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien or Redeployment by Phil Klay will find The Yellow Birds by Kevin Powers compelling. This novel appeals to those interested in the psychological impact of war, poetic prose, and deep character studies. Ideal for readers looking for a poignant, introspective read on modern warfare.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
1010LBook Details
Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies
Society: War
Emotions/Behavior: Memory
Military / War
Modern Classic Fiction
Historical Fiction