Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

*** My Review ***

Imagine being transported into a world where four sisters are not just characters on a page but become a part of your soul. “Hello Beautiful” by Ann Napolitano is a beautifully written novel that will leave you feeling raw and vulnerable. It’s a story about love, loss, family, and everything in between.

The Padavona sisters are a fascinating bunch, each with their own unique personality that will captivate you from the very first page. Julia is a powerhouse, determined to achieve her dreams at any cost. Sylvia is a hopeless romantic, waiting for her prince charming to sweep her off her feet. Cecilia is an artist at heart, stubborn and headstrong. Emeline is the glue that holds the family together, selfless and kind.

As you read about their lives, you’ll find yourself relating to each sister in some way. The author has a way of bringing the characters to life, making them feel like old friends. You’ll laugh with them, cry with them, and cheer them on as they navigate the ups and downs of life.

William is another character that will steal your heart. His struggles with mental health and family issues are heart-wrenching, but his resilience and strength will inspire you. When he meets Julia, he finds a new family in the Padavonas, and his life changes forever. Their relationship is complex and compelling, leaving you rooting for them until the very end.

But just like in real life, things don’t always go as planned. The family is tested in ways they never thought possible, and their bond is put to the ultimate test. As the story unfolds, you’ll be on the edge of your seat, unable to put the book down.

The characters in this novel are so well-developed that you feel as if you are a part of their family. You are invested in their lives, their struggles, their successes, and their failures. Ann Napolitano has created a world that is so rich and complex that you cannot help but be drawn in. The story is told through multiple perspectives, allowing you to see the events of the novel through different eyes. You get to see the world through the eyes of the Padavona sisters, William, and even some of the minor characters, which gives you a complete picture of the world in which they live.

At the heart of this novel is the bond between the sisters. Their relationships are complicated, but they are also incredibly strong. They support each other through thick and thin, and their love for each other never wavers. Napolitano explores the idea of what it means to be a family, and how that bond can be tested but never broken.

One of the things that makes this novel so compelling is the way that Napolitano explores the theme of mental health. She does not shy away from the difficulties that people face when dealing with mental health issues. William’s struggle with depression is handled with such sensitivity that you cannot help but feel empathy for him. You want him to find a way to overcome his illness and find happiness.

The themes of family, mental health, ambition, and expectations are beautifully explored in this novel. The author delves deep into the psyche of each character, allowing you to see the world through their eyes. The story is complex, with many layers to unravel, but the author does an excellent job of weaving everything together seamlessly.

Despite its length, the narrative flows seamlessly between multiple perspectives, drawing the reader into the emotional journey of each character. As the family faces a scandal and a tragic event, the once tight bond between the sisters is tested, challenging their priorities and forcing them to confront difficult truths about themselves and each other.

However, while the author does an exceptional job of building up to the climax of the story, the ending left me with mixed feelings. While it was certainly emotional and tied up loose ends, it also felt somewhat rushed and overly simplistic, lacking the nuance and complexity that had been present throughout the rest of the novel.

Without any doubt, the ending of the novel is bittersweet, but it feels real. Not everything is tied up neatly, and not everyone gets a happy ending. But that is life, and that is what makes this novel so powerful. It is a reminder that life is messy, and relationships are complicated. But even in the midst of all that messiness and complication, there is love and there is hope.

In the end, Hello Beautiful is a novel that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it. It is a story about family, mental health, and the complexities of life. It is a story about love and hope, and the enduring bond between sisters. It is a story that will make you laugh, cry, and feel all of the emotions in between. Ann Napolitano has created something truly special with this novel, and it is a must-read for anyone who loves a good family drama.

Overall, “Hello Beautiful” is a novel that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. It’s a story that will make you think, feel, and question what it means to be a family. While the ending may leave you wanting more, the journey is one that you won’t regret taking. So, grab a box of tissues, a cup of tea, and settle in for a journey you won’t soon forget.