The Bright Unknown by Elizabeth Byler Younts is a rare gem, a masterpiece of lyrical writing, rich characterization, sublime storytelling, emotion and hope. I was about to give up on ever finding a novel of this high quality in the Christian fiction genre. It's not an easy read nor a fast one, but rather a compelling read that begs to be experienced. Kindness, caring, and innocence are contrasted with ignorance and greed. With a timeless relevancy, it forces us to examine the way we perceive those who are different, to see beyond the diagnosis. My mind, heart and emotions were captured with the first sentence and never wavered.
The Bright Unknown is Brighton's story, a young girl born and raised at the Riverside Home for the Insane in the 1940s era. Life there was all she had known and was therefore normal, until suddenly it wasn't â all because of a girl named Grace. Brighton's friendship with another resident, who she named Angel, is priceless. The plight of the patients is hard to read, for in a time when ignorance abounded regarding mental illness, some were there simply because their families wanted them committed.
One strength of this story is the author's exquisite prose and I savored every word and nuance of expression. This is just one example ⦠âThe flowering weeping willow's boughs reached for me in the summery breath. It called out to me. Come to me. Let my delicate white tears fall over you. I extended my hand, even though I knew the branches were too far away to let their beauty cry over me.â
The Bright Unknown may seem like a dark story â and it is â but themes of hope, forgiveness and redemption are woven throughout. The conclusion is so very satisfying. The writing of Elizabeth Byler Younts is not to be missed, and The Bright Unknown goes on my âbest of the bestâ list.
Very highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours and Thomas Nelson. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
The Bright Unknown is Brighton's story, a young girl born and raised at the Riverside Home for the Insane in the 1940s era. Life there was all she had known and was therefore normal, until suddenly it wasn't â all because of a girl named Grace. Brighton's friendship with another resident, who she named Angel, is priceless. The plight of the patients is hard to read, for in a time when ignorance abounded regarding mental illness, some were there simply because their families wanted them committed.
One strength of this story is the author's exquisite prose and I savored every word and nuance of expression. This is just one example ⦠âThe flowering weeping willow's boughs reached for me in the summery breath. It called out to me. Come to me. Let my delicate white tears fall over you. I extended my hand, even though I knew the branches were too far away to let their beauty cry over me.â
The Bright Unknown may seem like a dark story â and it is â but themes of hope, forgiveness and redemption are woven throughout. The conclusion is so very satisfying. The writing of Elizabeth Byler Younts is not to be missed, and The Bright Unknown goes on my âbest of the bestâ list.
Very highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours and Thomas Nelson. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
