Trail of Broken Wings

By: Sejal Badani

Narrated by: Karen Peakes

Length: 12 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Goodreads Best Fiction Finalist and Amazon Charts and USA Today Bestseller

When her father falls into a coma, Indian American photographer Sonya reluctantly returns to the family she'd fled years before. Since she left home, Sonya has lived on the run, free of any ties, while her soft-spoken sister, Trisha, has created a perfect suburban life, and her ambitious sister, Marin, has built her own successful career. But as these women come together, their various methods of coping with a terrifying history can no longer hold their memories at bay.

Buried secrets rise to the surface as their father - the victim of humiliating racism and perpetrator of horrible violence - remains unconscious. As his condition worsens, the daughters and their mother wrestle with private hopes for his survival or death, as well as their own demons and buried secrets.

Told with forceful honesty, Trail of Broken Wings reveals the burden of shame and secrets, the toxicity of cruelty and aggression, and the exquisite, liberating power of speaking and owning truth.

©2015 Sejal Badani (P)2014 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Interesting concept falls short

What did you like best about Trail of Broken Wings? What did you like least?

The topic/concept was interesting, but the writing was trite and juvenile.

What did you like best about this story?

The book explored the topic of domestic abuse in a way I hadn't seen it handled before. Each person in the family was affected deeply, yet differently, by the abuse. Each had coped in a unique way, and the manifestation of their past pain was shown by each in a her own way.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Karen Peakes?

Probably not...I really disliked some of her characterizations.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Maybe.

Wow!

I bought Trail of Broken Wings on sale solely for the purpose of having something to listen to until it's time for new credits. It's not the kind of book I would typically listen to. I like light, fun fiction that doesn't require thinking and listening simultaneously. This book is heavy, realistic, and constantly thought provoking. However, although I cannot say that I enjoyed the book, I must say that I was totally intrigued. I couldn't stop listening. The story and the author's way of presenting the story are outstanding. Also, the way the author weaves sub story lines into the main story line is brilliant. The first thing I did when the book ended was to look for another book by the same author. Sometimes intrigue is better than fun. This book presents one of those times. I'm looking forward to the author's next book.

Secrets kill the human spirit

I loved everything about this book. The story gave me true insight into the breadth of dysfunction, the power of scecrets, and the unmatched love we mothers have for our children. The writing was superb and very informative for someone who knew relatively nothing about Indian culture. The narration by Karen Peakes was the best I've heard so far on Audible. I will definitely look for other books by Sejal Badani and those narrated by Ms Peakes.

Stop this!

Domestic abuse. I know the evils of this horrendous behavior because I have seen what it does to people, up close and personal. I just don’t think I can read about it anymore. This book was well written and the story needed to be told. But somehow, this just should not happen any more in any culture. Unfortunately we are way a long way from that happening!

Secrets that destroy us until we accept the truth

Very belaboring and confusing at times, but worth the read. Narrator did a great job.

Loved it!!

Slow start, but it was well worth the wait. Very touching and heartfelt. Truly a great book.

Secrets can destroy a family

This was the story of three daughters harmed by the rage and physical abuse of their father. It describes the permanent damage caused by a sick alcoholic man, the guilt of his wife who allowed the abuse.... and the resentments of their grown daughters. Keeling it all a secret allowed it to alter all their lives.

Wow - great read

This is a very moving story about a difficult topic. Yet, the story is very human and inspiring. I wouldn’t have thought I would enjoy it so much - but I did. Also, great performance y the narrator. Thanks Audible!

Great read...

This is a cant put down kinda read. The characters are all dealing with separate but connected issues and the story unfolds these in a way that lets u understand it from various perspectives. The twist at the end u won't see coming, well worth checking out.

Poinent and well written.

As an adult who's childhood knew domestic violence, I can appreciate how well this book was written. Karen Peakes expressed the emotional turmoil that comes from having to reconcile the truth of who someone truly is, even when you know and love that person for what you believe them to be. This book is an emotional roller coaster--and well worth the read.