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 when he meets the spirited and ambitious Julia Padavano in his freshman year of college, it’s as if the world has lit up around him. With Julia comes her family, as she and her three sisters are inseparable: Sylvie, the family’s dreamer, is happiest with her nose in a book; Cecelia is a free-spirited artist; and Emeline patiently takes care of them all. With the Padavanos, William experiences a newfound contentment; every moment in their house is filled with loving chaos.
But then darkness from William’s past surfaces, jeopardizing not only Julia’s carefully orchestrated plans for their future, but the sisters’ unshakeable devotion 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?
An exquisite homage to Louisa May Alcott’s timeless classic, Little Women, Hello Beautiful is a profoundly moving portrait of what is possible when we choose to love someone not in spite of who they are, but because of it.
I am just going to come out and say it…I really liked this book! It took me a little while to get into the book. However, the development of characters begins to build to the point that you really can’t put down the book. When I finished the book, I was reflecting on the characters as if they were real people. That is how you know an author does an amazing job creating a character. I had to remind myself THESE ARE NOT REAL PEOPLE! Although the people and the story are fictional, the emotions are real…the circumstances are real…the consequences of choices are real.
I didn’t realize it at first but this book is a “play” off Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. I know, I know…it actually says it in the synopsis. However, I didn’t read the synopsis when I started reading the book. A friend recommended this book so I checked it out then and there and started reading. Anyhoo…references of Little Women are actually made in this book, not only the mentioning of the book but the actual story. Once I realized that, I was caught up into the story even more (not that I am a Little Women fan but mainly to know which sister would be “Beth”).
Speaking of Little Women… I may be the only person who has never read the book. I have, though, watched 1994 version of the story (no judgement). I do have the book, so maybe I’ll sit down and read it this summer.
I don’t want to give away spoilers (will do that below), so I will not write too much. I will say this – if you are looking for a good read with an up-to-date version of Little Women, then read this book! Do be warned that this book deals with depression and an attempted suicide, in case those topics are difficult. Happy Reading!
—————— do not read below this line unless you have already read the book (spoilers)——————
First, Julia. I just can’t…what an extremely selfish individual. I didn’t realize the control-freak she was until she planned a pregnancy to try and “soften” her sister’s pregnancy. She basically groomed William from the beginning then totally just walked out of the marriage. I know what you may be thinking…he left her. Yes, he did. But…he was depressed and then attempted suicide. Even if their marriage was not strong, anyone with the smallest bit of decency would have gone to the hospital after finding out about the suicide attempt. She just walks away. Then she has the audacity to get mad at her sister for falling in love with William when her sister is the only reason he was able to recover? Just no, no, no!
Second, I love how the author brought Sylvie and Julia back together. I was worried Sylvie was going to die before reconciliation. The “secret” unions was well written. Also, I love how William’s character is developed towards the end. The last scene between William and Alice – yes!!!!
Third, I don’t know why but I envisioned a “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” type of family.
Fourth, grief… I never knew grief until I lost my mom to cancer at the age of 67. It has not even been a year yet since her death, and I am still navigating life without her. Today I went to a visitation. When I left, I couldn’t help but reflect on how everyone deals with grief differently. There is no “one way” to deal with grief. The worse part of grief is knowing that there is nothing you can do to help the other person NOT experience grief (you can’t fix it). I think this book gives you a look into different types of ways people handle grief (due to loss of family, loss of relationships, loss of time).
I am sure I will update more thoughts…
