Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand

*** My Review ***

Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand is a captivating novel that tells the story of a family dealing with the aftermath of a tragic event. Set on the idyllic island of Nantucket, the book offers a glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous and the challenges they face.

The novel centers around the character of Vivi, a beautiful and charismatic woman who has it all – a loving husband, successful children, and a stunning home on the beach. But her perfect life is shattered when she is killed in a hit-and-run accident while out for her morning jog.
The story unfolds through the perspectives of Vivi’s husband, her three children, and the woman who was driving the car that hit her. Each character is struggling to come to terms with Vivi’s death in their own way, and as the novel progresses, we learn more about their relationships with her and with each other.

One of the strengths of Golden Girl is its nuanced portrayal of grief. Hilderbrand does an excellent job of showing how each character copes with their loss differently, whether it be through denial, anger, or acceptance. The book also explores the complexities of family dynamics, as each member of the family is forced to confront their own flaws and secrets in the wake of Vivi’s death.

In addition to the exploration of grief and family dynamics, Golden Girl also delves into themes of love, forgiveness, and redemption. Through the characters’ struggles, Hilderbrand reminds us of the importance of connection and forgiveness in the face of tragedy.

One of the most interesting aspects of Golden Girl is the way it examines the role of social media in the aftermath of Vivi’s death. As a social media influencer, Vivi’s life was heavily curated and controlled online. But after her death, her family members begin to discover hidden facets of her life that were kept hidden from her followers. The novel raises important questions about the authenticity of online personas and the ways in which social media can create unrealistic expectations and pressures.

In addition to the main storyline, Golden Girl also weaves in several subplots that add depth and richness to the book. From the struggles of Vivi’s daughter to find her place in the world to the tensions between Vivi’s husband and his siblings over their family business, the various threads of the story come together to create a satisfying and emotionally resonant whole.

The book is also notable for its strong sense of pacing. Despite its length, Golden Girl moves at a brisk pace, with each chapter revealing new details and surprises. The book is well-structured and tightly plotted, with every character and plotline playing a key role in the overall narrative.

The setting of Nantucket is also a highlight of the book. Hilderbrand’s descriptions of the island are vivid and immersive, transporting the reader to a place of sunshine, sand, and sea. The island becomes a character in its own right, with its own quirks and traditions that add depth to the story.

I was also impressed by the way Golden Girl shows the ways in which grief can both divide and bring people together. Vivi’s death exposes long-standing tensions and secrets within the family, but it also provides an opportunity for healing and growth. As the characters struggle to come to terms with their loss, they are forced to confront their own flaws and limitations, leading to moments of vulnerability and connection that are both heartbreaking and hopeful.

Another standout feature of the novel is the way it handles the themes of love and forgiveness. Hilderbrand does a masterful job of showing the ways in which love can be both a source of strength and a source of pain, and how forgiveness can be both liberating and difficult to achieve. Through the characters’ experiences, the book offers a nuanced and empathetic exploration of these universal human emotions.

The novel’s ending is both satisfying and bittersweet, with each character coming to a place of greater understanding and acceptance. While the resolution may not be entirely tidy, it feels authentic and true to life, capturing the messy and complex nature of human relationships and emotions.

One potential weakness of the book is that the characters can feel a bit stereotypical at times. The rich, beautiful, and successful family feels almost too perfect, and some of the characterizations can come across as shallow or one-dimensional. However, the strong writing and compelling plot make up for any weaknesses in the characterization.

Overall, Golden Girl is a moving and engaging novel that explores the complexities of grief, family, and redemption. Hilderbrand’s writing is evocative and immersive, and the story is sure to leave readers thinking long after they’ve finished the final page. Highly recommended for fans of family dramas and beach reads alike.