Reviews

Everything Here Is Beautiful by Mira T. Lee

newamsterdame's review against another edition

3.0

The way the structure of this book reflects its central conflicts-- the way that people can never really know the entirety of each other, or even themselves-- is incredibly brilliant. The book shifts between narrators and points of view, giving us episodic glimpses into the lives of two sisters and the people they bring into their family. Lee plays with narrative and perspective in order to weave together a story that leaves the reader with a lot of lingering questions, but not confusion. It's a coherent narrative that is shaped by the fracturing effects of mental illness. Ultimately, I think this novel is about the search for intimacy, and the ways in which numerous things beyond our control-- mental illness, cultural exchange, closed borders, our basic personalities-- keep us from the intimacies we crave and need. In that way, it can be a tough read. Ultimately, however, it leaves us on a hopeful note-- that despite the struggles, it is never too late to form new bonds and hold onto them.

whotaylor's review against another edition

4.0

Slow at beginning and occasionally throughout middle, but the intriguing story and characters helped me push through. I always appreciate books that talk through alternate perspectives, and this has plenty of it!

rseykora's review against another edition

emotional slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

preshsam's review against another edition

4.0

Beautiful story of love, mental illness and family. This was so heartbreaking to read but was so real. I felt so many emotions, anger, sadness, happiness and at times, hope.

jencraun's review against another edition

5.0

LOVED this book. The aspects of love and responsibility are well articulated in the relationship between sisters and partners. I especially enjoyed the thought perspective of mental illness; stepping into the mind of Lucia and her struggles were the strongest aspects of the book for me. Also the navigation of the boundaries of responsibility within family relationships.

d_hryniuk's review against another edition

4.0

This story wasn't very exciting, but I still enjoyed it a lot. I appreciated how the author tackled the subject of mental illness and its impact on people around the person who's suffering. It was interesting to see that not only close family members felt the effects, but even those who didn't have a strong presence in their life could get caught up in it.

For me personally, everything described in the book was new. I live in a country where people rarely talk about mental health issues. They usually attribute them to laziness or believe that people can easily snap out of it.

It was sad to see Lucy making irrational decisions while she tried to fight her mental illness.

Spoiler

The parts where she had just given birth to Essy were the hardest for me to read.

Her sister, Miranda, wasn't always kind, but I understood her. I'm the oldest child too, and I've had to take care of my younger sister and cousins since we were kids, so I know how it feels to want to control my sister's life. It's easier for me to let things be because my sister is an adult who can take care of herself, but for Miranda, it wasn't that simple.

At the same time, I felt sorry for Lucy because she desperately wanted a normal life - a job, kids, and the freedom to make her own decisions. It was tough for her to accept that her life had to be different. I really wanted her to succeed.

fracturing's review against another edition

5.0

4.5 stars. The story is close to my heart. Overall, a very sympathetic portrayal of mental illness and the impact it has not only on the sick person, but also their entire support system. I expect my family would be able to identify with this.

It’s nitpicky, but I was put off when we got one section of first person from Lucia and third person for the balance.

rmarcin's review against another edition

3.0

A tale of mental illness and the toll it takes on families. Lucia and Miranda are sisters. Their mother brought them from China to America when Lucia was still in utero and Miranda was about 9 years old. They were very close as children, but grew apart as adults. The love and bond of sisterhood kept them connected. Lucia was either a schizophrenic or bipolar.
I never really loved or even liked any of the characters, but it was well written, so I am giving it 3 stars. It was a heartbreaking story of mental illness.

#EverythingHereIsBeautiful #MiraTLee

erstreetman's review against another edition

4.0

This is a beautifully written book about family and mental illness, with the point of view that sometimes there's no right answer. The story, spanning some 40 years, is skillfully out-of-time. With almost no references to music, fashion, or current events, each chapter could be Right Now.

Generally, this type of non-genre fiction is not my style, but the audiobook was charmingly performed by a full cast, and that added to my enjoyment of the novel. I can see why it was one of the top books of 2018.

westontori's review against another edition

3.0

The first half is an enthralling story, but the second half kind of just dissipated, almost like two books smushed together. Also was pretty repetitive, both in literal phrases and plot points. However, the beginning was beautiful, and it is worth a read.