The Conference of the Birds
Published by Penguin Press
Release Date: Oct. 2011
160 pages
ISBN:978-1594203060
Based on the 12th century Persian epic poem, The Conference of the Birds, this stunning adaptation is sure to please any admirer of avian art, follower of Sufi wisdom, or someone merely looking for something a little different.
This beautifully crafted book induces gasp after gasp, beginning with the morning that Attar wakes to find that he's been transformed into a hoopoe bird. During the yearly conference of birds, the hoopoe addresses the crowd to discuss their collective troubles: "anarchy--discontent--upheaval" and fights over limited natural resources. In order to find peace and all the answers, the birds attempt to find The Great Simorgh, who lives on the mountain of Kaf and can help them with their troubles.
Through a difficult passage and myriad fears, the birds fight not only with their self-doubt and complacence, but also their reliance on creature comforts and their persistent vanity.
They must cross seven valleys to find this elusive king: The Valley of Quest, The Valley of Love, The Valley of Understanding, The Valley of Detachment, The Valley of Unity, The Valley of Amazement, and The Valley of Death. The hoopoe encourages the travel-weary birds to overcome their self-inflicted restrictions.
While I enjoyed the tale, I have to say what really wowed me was the illustrations. In a word, stunning. And for you true book lovers out there, this books smells like a book should--if you close your eyes you can see rows and rows of bookshelves and smell that oh-so-intoxicating bookish smell.
Although this book is targeted at an adult audience, my children loved the pictures. My 6 year old studied page after page, her little brow wrinkled and her eyes squinting in concentration.
Please use these pictures as a guide; they pale in comparison to the book in your hands, up close.
