I read this with trepidation but I am so pleased I did.
The title refers to a practice of painting a bird then releasing it to the 'safety' of the flock and watching as they tear the terrified bird apart as they do not recognise it as one of their own.
The story is about a little boy who becomes separated from his parents during WW11 and the years he had to live on his wits and the occasional shelter from strangers who abused him.
I don't want to give spoilers and I wont lie about the cruelty and horrific abuse among people who were frightened of his assumed ethnicity, but it's an illuminating read about attachment and trauma and how the effects of 'othering' create the illusion of safety for the majority.
I'm still processing the insights into the psychology of war and of survival against the odds.
Has anyone else read and found this a thought provoking insight?