All the Bright Places - Book Review
Genre: Fiction | Young adult | Romance
Author: Jennifer Niven
Year: 2015
Pages: 388 (iPad edition: 301)
Content warning: mental health and suicide themes (also, briefly mentions family violence and eating disorders)
I was scrolling through my collection of eBooks, deciding what to read next when All the Bright Places piqued my interest. I haven’t read this book in years, but recently watched its film adaptation on Netflix. The movie is beautifully shot, and Elle Fanning and Justice Smith are perfect as Violet and Finch. However, it left me longing for the book as things differed from what I remembered, which so often happens in a book-to-film adaptation.
If you haven’t read the novel or seen the Netflix film, All the Bright Places centres around Violet Markey and Theodore Finch – one learning to live and one wanting to die. After a fatal car accident, Violet struggles to cope with the death of her sister. She wears her sister’s glasses to remain close to her and often chastises herself when she experiences a fleeting moment of happiness.
Meanwhile, Finch struggles to stay ‘Awake’, and when he does, he’s constantly thinking about death. When they meet on a ledge of their high school’s bell tower, their lives begin to intertwine. As they spend more time together, both find joy in life’s smallest moments; Violet starts to enjoy life again while Finch finds a reason to stay alive.
“You are all the colors in one, at full brightness.”
This novel is a touching reminder that amidst life-altering events, hope can be found. It’s powerfully moving, and Niven creates fleshed out characters that propel you further and further into the depths of the book. Niven deftly captures difficult topics of mental disorders, grief and death, interweaving this with Violet and Finch’s growing relationship. It’s a very mature book considering its intended, young adult audience.
All the Bright Places is a heart-wrenching tale inspired by true events in the author’s personal life, making it even more emotional and profound. This is a must-read.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★.5