serendipitysbooks 's review for:

Brightly Shining by Ingvild H. Rishøi

4.5

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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 Brightly Shining is the story of 10 year old Ronja, whose life with her unemployed alcoholic father is far from easy. She's the sort of child who tugs at my heartstrings. There are plenty of people who try to help her out - the school caretaker, a neighbour, her older sister, and Tommy, a fellow Christmas tree seller. However, this story also makes reference to "The Little Matchgirl," and there's a reason for that. Well written and absorbing, with an important message if not a happy ending. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism