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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I am not sure what happens in the end but it was very beautiful and sweet
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Book Review: Brightly Shining by Ingvild H. Rishøi
Rating: 3 Stars
When I first picked up Brightly Shining, I was immediately drawn to its beautiful cover. It promised a story full of warmth and light, and in many ways, the book delivered just that, albeit with a shadow of melancholy hovering over it.
Set in the heart of Oslo, this Norwegian Christmas tale introduces us to the world of Ronja and Melissa, two sisters who face the harsh realities of life with their dreamer of a father who is once again out of work as the holiday season approaches. When Ronja discovers a job opportunity at a local Christmas tree stand, it seems like a glimmer of hope for their struggling family. The story beautifully captures the essence of sisterhood as Melissa steps up to work in place of their father when he inevitably falters, disappearing into the night and leaving his daughters to fend for themselves.
The narrative is skillfully woven through the innocent yet insightful perspective of ten-year-old Ronja, whose charm wins over customers at the tree stand. The sisters' dreams of a better life are both heartwarming and heartbreaking, highlighting the fragility and resilience of their family structure. As they navigate their precarious circumstances, they find unexpected kindness and support from those around them, bringing a touch of magic to their otherwise challenging reality.
Despite its brevity, Brightly Shining leaves a lasting impact. Rishøi's storytelling is tender and laced with humor, successfully evoking the innocence and misunderstandings of childhood. However, it's not all festive cheer; there’s an underlying current of sadness as the girls confront their family's instability. This duality makes it an intriguing read that resonates with readers who appreciate stories that reflect the complexities of life.
In conclusion, Brightly Shining is a short but engaging read that offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of two resilient sisters. It's not exactly a feel-good holiday story—there's a somber undertone that might leave you feeling a tad wistful. However, its charm lies in its honest portrayal of hardship and hope. While I wouldn't rate it among my top favorites, it's certainly worth a read for its authentic depiction of family dynamics and the understated magic of everyday kindness. I’d give it a solid three stars—an admirable effort with moments that shine brightly indeed.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 3 Stars
When I first picked up Brightly Shining, I was immediately drawn to its beautiful cover. It promised a story full of warmth and light, and in many ways, the book delivered just that, albeit with a shadow of melancholy hovering over it.
Set in the heart of Oslo, this Norwegian Christmas tale introduces us to the world of Ronja and Melissa, two sisters who face the harsh realities of life with their dreamer of a father who is once again out of work as the holiday season approaches. When Ronja discovers a job opportunity at a local Christmas tree stand, it seems like a glimmer of hope for their struggling family. The story beautifully captures the essence of sisterhood as Melissa steps up to work in place of their father when he inevitably falters, disappearing into the night and leaving his daughters to fend for themselves.
The narrative is skillfully woven through the innocent yet insightful perspective of ten-year-old Ronja, whose charm wins over customers at the tree stand. The sisters' dreams of a better life are both heartwarming and heartbreaking, highlighting the fragility and resilience of their family structure. As they navigate their precarious circumstances, they find unexpected kindness and support from those around them, bringing a touch of magic to their otherwise challenging reality.
Despite its brevity, Brightly Shining leaves a lasting impact. Rishøi's storytelling is tender and laced with humor, successfully evoking the innocence and misunderstandings of childhood. However, it's not all festive cheer; there’s an underlying current of sadness as the girls confront their family's instability. This duality makes it an intriguing read that resonates with readers who appreciate stories that reflect the complexities of life.
In conclusion, Brightly Shining is a short but engaging read that offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of two resilient sisters. It's not exactly a feel-good holiday story—there's a somber undertone that might leave you feeling a tad wistful. However, its charm lies in its honest portrayal of hardship and hope. While I wouldn't rate it among my top favorites, it's certainly worth a read for its authentic depiction of family dynamics and the understated magic of everyday kindness. I’d give it a solid three stars—an admirable effort with moments that shine brightly indeed.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
There seems to be something about Scandinavian authors that I really gravitate toward. The first half of this book had me captivated. The second half of this book, however, had me befuddled. It felt like two different books and I have no idea how to reconcile that, even in my rating.
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
This was a depressing look at a dysfunctional family with an alcoholic father and child neglect. Although it's set around the holidays, I would never classify this as a Christmas book. If you like your books to cause anxiety and sadness, then this book is for you. If you are looking for an uplifting story, look elsewhere.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
