A review by cantfindmybookmark
The Lightness by Emily Temple

dark emotional mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.75

I don’t really know how I felt about this one. I thought it started so strong and I was intrigued from the beginning. I liked how Temple broke the 4th wall and addressed the readers, although sometimes it felt a bit too much. The premise is interesting. A girl with both mommy and daddy issues goes to a summer meditation retreat for young women at the same meditation center where her father was last seen. She falls in with a mysterious clique of girls seeking enlightenment and the ability to levitate. Despite that intriguing premise though, the book didn’t land with me. I thought the protagonist’s motives were unclear. Her quest to find her father gets lost in the story, and it’s resolution feels like an afterthought. Also, the girls obsession with, why I consider to be a basic bro in a pony tail, was infuriating. There were hints at queerness between the girls that were never fully explored, which I found irritating. Overall, it felt a bit heavy handed and unsatisfying. BUT I’ve read some wonderful reviews about this book, so if you’re interested I encourage you to give it a try. Also, if you have read it I would love to hear your thoughts. Maybe I just missed something while reading it.
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