Hey everyone! Today, I’m excited to share my thoughts on “Hello Beautiful” by Ann Napolitano. I picked up a copy from BMV Books and, to my amusement, found the cover slightly torn when I got home. Despite the minor mishap, the cover’s stunning design is definitely attention-grabbing and would stand out on any bookstore shelf.
Synopsis
“William Waters grew up in a house silenced by tragedy, where his parents could hardly bear to look at him, much less love him. So it’s a relief when his skill on the basketball court earns him a scholarship to college, far away from his childhood home. He soon meets Julia Padavano, a spirited and ambitious young woman who surprises William with her appreciation of his quiet steadiness. With Julia comes her family; she is inseparable from her three younger sisters: Sylvie, the dreamer, is happiest with her nose in a book and imagines a future different from the expected path of wife and mother; Cecelia, the family’s artist; and Emeline, who patiently takes care of all of them. Happily, the Padavanos fold Julia’s new boyfriend into their loving, chaotic household.
But then darkness from William’s past surfaces, jeopardizing not only Julia’s carefully orchestrated plans for their future, but the sisters’ unshakeable loyalty to one another. The result is a catastrophic family rift that changes their lives for generations. Will the loyalty that once rooted them be strong enough to draw them back together when it matters most? “
My thoughts
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It’s one of those rare gems where the story feels incredibly rich, and the characters practically leap off the page. I was quickly drawn in and became so invested that I knew it would become a personal favourite. By the time I was halfway through, I was already urging a friend to give it a read. It’s the kind of book that begs to be discussed and dissected, a testament to its exceptional writing.
“Hello Beautiful” has all the makings of a great book club pick. It delves deep into life, following its characters from childhood through parenthood and across the various phases of their lives. The narrative unfolds through the POV of Julia, Sylvia (Julia’s sister), William (Julia’s husband), and Alice (Julia’s daughter), spanning from the 1960s to 2008. While we don’t get to experience the other sisters’ point of view directly, their characters are so vividly drawn that we feel intimately acquainted with them.
The novel tackles heavy themes with grace and nuance. Despite the characters’ flawed decisions, I found myself empathizing with them rather than passing judgment. Napolitano has a remarkable ability to make readers connect with each character on a profound level, understanding their motivations and struggles.
It’s a poignant exploration of the complexities of family dynamics, love, grief, marriage, sisterhood, motherhood, depression, betrayal, pain, and loss.
Overall, “Hello Beautiful” by Ann Napolitano is a captivating and thought-provoking read that lingers in the mind long after the final page. It’s a testament to Napolitano’s skill as a storyteller. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling story. It reminded me why I love literary fiction so much.
Rating
If you’ve read Hello Beautiful, what did you think of it?
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