Heather’s Bookshelf: Beautiful and Terrible Things
Author: SM Stevens
Released: 07/17/24
Genre: Contemporary Novel
“Beautiful and Terrible Things” introduces a group of newly-found friends who decide to spend a weekend at a lake house.
Charley Byrne manages a bookstore, living in fear and with little self-worth after so many losses she believes herself to be cursed. When Xander Wallace, quirky environmentalist, wanders into her store and pulls her out of her routine with the possibility of companionship, Charley’s reluctant but goes along his weekend trip.
Sunny joins them on their drive with Jess, Terrance, and Buwan joining a bit later. All have their own individual identities, ethnicities, backgrounds, and viewpoints. Each has past events that have helped shape them into who they are today. All of which interact to propel them into a complicated present.
Trigger Warning: violence, racism, sexual situations, self-harm, death, sexism, gender prejudice, deportation
Overall, I enjoyed this story. It starts out on the slower side, but it wasn’t long before I was intrigued by the voices of each of the characters. The author does a lovely job of incorporating clear details that provide individualized personalities, motivations, and goals. It is not long before each character stands out on their own and even though there are several of them, they are each very distinct. This is not a fun little story about a bunch of friends spending time at a cabin. It is full of discussions and examples of social injustice and inequities. There are some points of levity, but not a lot and I do wish there was a bit more balance to further propel the darker elements forward. Much of the subject matter is all-too-relevant today and may be triggering for many readers. The main characters are each flawed but also have their own admirable traits. As such, the author does well in addressing such a wide audience that there’s something or someone for everyone to identify with. I felt completely connected to the characters by the end of the story and felt the ending did well in wrapping everything up for the main friend group. It truly felt like a full circle moment.
This story was listened to on Audible. The narrator does a wonderful job in providing individual voices to each of the main characters. The tone is smooth and easy to follow.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
A contemporary novel focused on social injustice through the eyes of a new-found friends group. Distinct characters highlight this tale.
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