The Birds by Daphne du Maurier

I had read about this story somewhere earlier and had kept a tab in my mind to read it later. Needless to say, the tab was lost and I forgot. Until yesterday – when I was reading a newspaper article about how this story had predicted future (our present) environmental crisis 70 years ago. So, I decided to give it a try thinking it would be about birds (which it was and then wasn’t). Reading it at midnight. Before sleeping. It wasn’t a good idea.

To begin with, I loved the story. It’s categorised under ‘Horror’ fiction and it’s justifiably so, without having any spooky elements other than the birds themselves, who are not exactly being sinister but still acting differently than they should. Every sentence, from the first to the last, adds to the mysteriousness of the story. There is no explanation in the story to the plot and is open to speculate. Some reviews interpret it as representing the personal horrors of British common-folks during Second World War because of certain dialogues (which can be taken at face value or not – again, open to speculate). Some reviews try to analyse it from environmental point of view. Some take it at face value and try to add religious views to explain why birds behaved the way they did. I think, it fits in all above speculations and yet every reader is unique – which is why this story is so good. Any way, regardless of how you comprehend it, the story is still a powerful one and stays with you to ponder about. Though, being what it is, horror and all, better not to make the mistake of reading it at midnight like me, and risk nightmares or muddled dreams. *sigh*

The writing is simple and yet evocative. You could feel the chill of black winter or hear the scratching of the birds at door, even though simple words are used to convey the same. I think it’s the aura that author builds from beginning, that by the time you reach the eventful parts, all cogs and wheels of imagination are actively churning in your head. If not for anything, if you love a good writing, this is a story to read. I might give a try to other writings of the author, yet this one was special to me. I love birds, I love to watch them. But, I never imagined them in this light. Which is not a bad thing for me. Because, it’s humbling for the reader, whether a bird lover or not, to be reminded that natural beings are not at the mercy of humans, and could go against us if the need be no matter how harmless they seem to be.