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A review by lyakimov
The First Bright Thing by J.R. Dawson
4.0
4.5 stars.
I came into this book not even reading the synopsis, so I knew absolutely nothing about what the story entailed. I did not expect to adore this book as much as I did. This book has such amazing themes and I think this story, though taking place in the 1920s, is something that deeply connects with things happening in the world today and gives a hopeful glance to the future.
This book felt a bit similar to The Night Circus and The Diviners initially, just because of the time period and the concepts, but this story is FAR from just a similarity. It is heartbreaking but hopeful at the same time. The author did an amazing job with describing the horrors of WWI and how it damaged so many people, and the terrible fear and pain that Rin, Mauve, and Odette feel when they look into the future and see WWII. I could truly feel the three protagonists' pain through the pages.
Although this was a standalone, the character development of all the side characters and the relationship development was so well done and it felt like I read a whole trilogy. Rin and Odette's relationship, as well as Rin and Jo's relationship, were especially well done. The entire book made me so emotional because of how much pain everyone went through, but they lean on each other and trust each other to begin to heal. I also appreciate the clear juxtaposition between Rin and Edward's horribly abusive relationship and Rin and Odette's healthy one. It truly showed a relationship that is not perfect, but each person puts in the effort and allows them to learn and grow together.
I think this book is incredibly powerful and has so many brilliant intricacies. I'm definitely recommending this book to everyone I know.
I came into this book not even reading the synopsis, so I knew absolutely nothing about what the story entailed. I did not expect to adore this book as much as I did. This book has such amazing themes and I think this story, though taking place in the 1920s, is something that deeply connects with things happening in the world today and gives a hopeful glance to the future.
This book felt a bit similar to The Night Circus and The Diviners initially, just because of the time period and the concepts, but this story is FAR from just a similarity. It is heartbreaking but hopeful at the same time. The author did an amazing job with describing the horrors of WWI and how it damaged so many people, and the terrible fear and pain that Rin, Mauve, and Odette feel when they look into the future and see WWII. I could truly feel the three protagonists' pain through the pages.
Although this was a standalone, the character development of all the side characters and the relationship development was so well done and it felt like I read a whole trilogy. Rin and Odette's relationship, as well as Rin and Jo's relationship, were especially well done. The entire book made me so emotional because of how much pain everyone went through, but they lean on each other and trust each other to begin to heal. I also appreciate the clear juxtaposition between Rin and Edward's horribly abusive relationship and Rin and Odette's healthy one. It truly showed a relationship that is not perfect, but each person puts in the effort and allows them to learn and grow together.
I think this book is incredibly powerful and has so many brilliant intricacies. I'm definitely recommending this book to everyone I know.