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Everything Here Is Beautiful
Everything Here Is Beautiful
Mira T. Lee | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry
9
7.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
A wonderful and tragic exploration of mental health
This is a beautifully written, tragic tale of love, loss and mental health.

Following the story of sisters Miranda and Lucia, born to Chinese parents and living in America, the elder of the two siblings attempts to shelter her sister Lucia as she is seen to suffer from a form of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Miranda is responsible and organised, while her sister is a free spirit, but she seems to have no control over her fate and protecting her from her demons.

It is a wonderful exploration into mental health, and how it affects all communities, and the effect it has on the people around them. It's sometimes heartbreaking knowing what could end up happening to Lucia when there is no safety net or support network to help her through her episodes. An unexpected gem.
  
A Map of the Dark
A Map of the Dark
Karen Ellis | 2018 | Crime, Thriller
6
7.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
A series that will grow
Hmm, this is a toughie for me. I enjoy reading Karen Ellis' books and love her characters but I admit that I struggled to get into this one. I can only think this is because there is a lot of background information on the main character Elsa and although very important as it explains the motivations pushing her and the daily struggle she has with her inner demons, it did interrupt the flow of the story for me. Having said that, when another in the series comes out, I would give it a go as I think now we have the history out of the way, the story will come to the fore with the intrigue, twists and excitement Karen Ellis is adept at creating.

Thanks to the publisher, Hodder & Stoughton, and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.