A review by newamsterdame
Everything Here Is Beautiful by Mira T. Lee

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.