Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Brightly Shining by Ingvild H. Rishøi is a story that stays with you, lingering like the ache of a bittersweet memory. From the very beginning, the narrative carries a sense of inevitability—a Chekhov’s gun quietly tucked into the folds of a seemingly simple Christmas tale. Repeated nods to a classic holiday story set the tone, foreshadowing a conclusion that lands with devastating precision.
As a reader, I knew this book would wreck me. Still, I wasn’t prepared for how deeply I’d care about Ronja and her sister, or how often I’d find myself frustrated by the adults around them. My teacher brain kicked in full force, questioning why no one truly stepped up to intervene. Rishøi crafts the kind of environment where systemic failures and personal shortcomings collide, and it’s heartbreaking to witness these young girls navigating a world that seems to stack the odds against them.
Yet, within the sorrow, there’s light. Ronja’s determination and her belief in a better future shine brightly (pun intended) against the bleakness of her reality. The kindness of strangers and the small, stubborn hope threaded through the story create moments of warmth that feel like gifts. It’s a reminder of how fragile yet powerful human connection can be, even when circumstances are dire.
Brightly Shining is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant tale that explores the complexities of addiction, resilience, and the dreams children cling to when life is at its hardest. It’s the kind of book you finish with tears in your eyes and a heavy heart.
As a reader, I knew this book would wreck me. Still, I wasn’t prepared for how deeply I’d care about Ronja and her sister, or how often I’d find myself frustrated by the adults around them. My teacher brain kicked in full force, questioning why no one truly stepped up to intervene. Rishøi crafts the kind of environment where systemic failures and personal shortcomings collide, and it’s heartbreaking to witness these young girls navigating a world that seems to stack the odds against them.
Yet, within the sorrow, there’s light. Ronja’s determination and her belief in a better future shine brightly (pun intended) against the bleakness of her reality. The kindness of strangers and the small, stubborn hope threaded through the story create moments of warmth that feel like gifts. It’s a reminder of how fragile yet powerful human connection can be, even when circumstances are dire.
Brightly Shining is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant tale that explores the complexities of addiction, resilience, and the dreams children cling to when life is at its hardest. It’s the kind of book you finish with tears in your eyes and a heavy heart.
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Based on the cover recommendations from other authors, I assumed this book would have a hopeful happyish ending. I was wrong.
This is a beautifully written book, but it is heart wrenching. I was not left with a spirit of hope, but instead a spirit of despair.
But this is a book I’d read again, and one I would love to discuss with others.
This is a beautifully written book, but it is heart wrenching. I was not left with a spirit of hope, but instead a spirit of despair.
But this is a book I’d read again, and one I would love to discuss with others.
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated