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A review by one_more_book
The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Bright Years, like real-life, is not always "bright" but riddled with harsh realities. This multigenerational novel beautifully reveals "the good, the bad, and the ugly" of Ryan and Lillian's lives and the lives of those they love. The tale of this little family is told in three parts with Lillian, Ryan, and Jet, their daughter, each sharing their own stories while expertly revealing their hopes, angst, grit, fear, grief, alcoholism, secrets, forgiveness, introspection, and unconditional love.
Sarah Damoff created well developed, believable story line, main, and supporting characters. The strength of Elise (Ryan's mother) is goal-worthy: escaping an abusive alcoholic, creating a loving, caring home for her young son, nurturing his love of photography, and making a good life for them on her own. Elise's strength, wisdom, and love is revealing numerous times as Lillian, Ryan, and Jet's stories unfold. Elise is truly a matriarch.
This is a beautiful gift of literary fiction that has the ability to break your heart yet offers healing, hope, and forgiveness.
Sarah Damoff created well developed, believable story line, main, and supporting characters. The strength of Elise (Ryan's mother) is goal-worthy: escaping an abusive alcoholic, creating a loving, caring home for her young son, nurturing his love of photography, and making a good life for them on her own. Elise's strength, wisdom, and love is revealing numerous times as Lillian, Ryan, and Jet's stories unfold. Elise is truly a matriarch.
This is a beautiful gift of literary fiction that has the ability to break your heart yet offers healing, hope, and forgiveness.