The Lovely Bones

Name: The Lovely Bones
ISBN: 9781786826701

First published 1998
229 pages
English

My name was Salmon, like the fish; first name, Susie. On December 6, 1973, she was a fourteen-year-old girl who was lured into a cornfield, murdered, and dismembered. From her new home in a personal heaven, Susie watches the life she will never live unfold on Earth. She sees her family, shattered by grief, struggle with her absence. Her father becomes obsessed with finding her killer, her mother retreats into herself, and her siblings try to grow up under the shadow of her death. From her unique vantage point, Susie also watches her murderer, a neighbor living just down the street, as he skillfully covers his tracks and moves on with his life.

This is not a story about death, but about the life that follows. It is a profound exploration of loss, memory, and the enduring power of family love. As Susie observes the everyday moments of those she left behind - the first kiss, the holiday dinners, the small victories - she must grapple with her own desire for revenge and her longing to see her family heal. The narrative is a testament to the connections that bind us, even across the greatest possible distance, and reveals how the most terrible of events can give rise to a new, resilient kind of hope, creating a structure of "lovely bones" from the remnants of a life cut short.

Genres: Fiction › Literary fiction › Psychological fiction Fiction › Speculative fiction › Fantasy Fiction › Crime & mystery Fiction › Thriller & suspense
Themes: Family Crime & justice › Murder Race & ethnicity › Black experience Gender › Womanhood
Where and when: United States
Style: Audience: Babies & toddlers Audience: Young adult Origin: Media tie-in

What readers say

3.86

2.5M ratings across the web

7 in 10 readers loved it, 1 didn't like it

The Lovely Bones is widely praised for its unique and compelling premise, narrated by a young girl observing her family and the world from a personal heaven after her untimely death. Many readers found the concept deeply emotional and heartbreaking, often moving them to tears. Reviewers noted the book's ability to hook them from the very first sentence, creating an overwhelming impulse to continue reading. The narrative is often described as captivating, exploring themes of grief, loss, and the enduring connections between family members. For some, the characters felt real and multi-dimensional, and the story offered a subtle message of hope and acceptance amidst tragedy, presenting a spiritual journey of finding peace.

However, a significant number of readers expressed strong negative reactions, citing numerous issues with the book's execution. Criticisms frequently targeted the writing style, which some found to be poorly crafted, with awkward descriptions, questionable grammar, and confusing metaphors. Many felt the book lacked a coherent plot, describing it more as a prolonged "situation" with little forward momentum or suspense, leading to a slow and often boring reading experience after an initially strong start. Characters were often perceived as two-dimensional, stereotypical, and lacking complexity, with their emotions reduced to simplistic reactions. The portrayal of heaven was disappointing for some, and the ending was frequently called horrible, forgettable, confusing, or even offensive, failing to provide a satisfying or logical resolution.

Overall, opinions on The Lovely Bones are sharply divided, ranging from declarations of it being a modern classic to the worst book ever read. While some found it a deeply moving and original exploration of grief and the afterlife, others were profoundly disappointed by its narrative and literary quality. This book would likely appeal to readers who are drawn to emotionally intense stories with a unique narrative voice, particularly those interested in themes of loss, healing, and family dynamics, and who prioritize emotional impact over intricate plot development or conventional literary style. However, readers sensitive to perceived writing flaws or seeking a tightly plotted mystery may find it frustrating.