Book Review of The Bright Years
Book Review: The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff
When I first heard about The Bright Years, Sarah Damoff’s debut novel, I was enticed by its promise of both heartache and hope. Trust me when I say, this book delivers far beyond expectations. It shattered my heart into a mosaic of emotions 💝😭—an experience that was at once beautiful and gut-wrenching. Few books make you ugly sob, and I lost count of how many times my snot bubbles were bubbling while turning its pages. If you’re looking for a profound read that delves deep into the complexities of family, love, and resilience, then you absolutely must pick this incredible book up!
The Bright Years unfolds over an impressive sixty-one years, chronicling the life of the Bright family through the lens of love and loss. Lillian Bright, the matriarch, navigates the tumultuous waves of her past—a painful childhood marked by loss and the heartbreak of giving a child up for adoption. Ryan, her husband, grapples with his own demons, battling alcoholism and emotional struggles that sway like a pendulum, beautifully yet painfully portrayed. As I read about Lillian and Ryan’s tumultuous journey alongside their daughter Georgette, I felt every triumph and tragedy like an ache in my chest.
What struck me the most was the depth of Damoff’s characters. They were flawed, complex, and deeply relatable. Georgette’s determination and spirit shone brightly amidst the darkness surrounding her family. The interplay between love and harm plumped the book’s narrative with emotional richness. Quotes like, “You don’t have to be a baby to want your mom,” resonated deeply, illustrating the intrinsic longing for love that threads through generations. Each character was a mirror reflecting the myriad ways people cope with sadness, love, and the enduring desire for redemption.
Damoff’s writing style is both evocative and fluid, effortlessly leading readers through moments of joy and despair alike. The pacing felt just right; I never found myself wishing for a scene to hurry along or linger longer. Her deft navigation through themes of emotional and physical abuse, alcoholism, and resilience, all while maintaining a thread of light and love, is nothing short of masterful.
As I reflect on this novel, I can’t help but echo the sentiments of many reviewers who have expressed how this book “destroyed” them. It’s as if Damoff invites you into the kaleidoscope of human experience, ensuring you feel every burst of color, every sharp edge. It reminded me that pain often coexists with love—a lesson as bittersweet as the story itself.
If you’re someone who embraces emotional storytelling that showcases the messy, beautiful tapestry of life, The Bright Years is a must-read. I believe this novel will not only bring readers to tears but also inspire them to hold onto hope in their own journeys. With its profound insights and relatable characters, it holds a special place in my heart and will likely do the same for many others. Do yourself a favor—pick up this book and prepare for a literary experience that will touch you deeply, leaving you changed in ways you might not foresee.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I’ll be thinking about the Bright family for a long time, and I’m sure you will, too.
