Exploring Grief and Love in Kristan Higgins’ “Look On The Bright Side”: Book Review @Kristan_Higgins @recordedbooks

“Look On The Bright Side” masterfully balances humour and heartfelt moments in a story of unexpected love and personal growth, making it a deeply moving and engaging read.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to RB Media and Netgalley for the ARC of this audiobook. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

From The Publisher:

Lark Smith has always had a plan for her life: find a fantastic guy, create a marriage as blissful as her parents’, pop out a couple of kids and build a rewarding career as an oncologist.

Things aren’t going so well.

For one, the guy didn’t work out. Theoretically, she’d love to find someone else, but it hasn’t happened. Two, she’s just been transferred out of oncology for being too emotional. (Is it her fault she’s a weeper?) Three, her parents just split up.

Deviating from the plan was…well, not in the plan. A potential solution comes from the foul-tempered and renowned surgeon Lorenzo Santini (aka Dr. Satan). He needs a date this summer for his sister’s wedding. His ancient Noni wants to see him settled. In exchange, he could make a few introductions and maybe get Lark back into the field of her choice.

As a sucker for old people and fake relationships, Lark agrees. Teeny problem—she instantly falls for his big, warm family. Especially his estranged brother.

Meanwhile, Lark’s mom has moved in with Lark’s flamboyant landlady, Joy, and an unlikely friendship blossoms. The three women have a long summer and a big beautiful house on the ocean to figure out what’s next…and quite possibly learn that the best things in life aren’t planned at all.

My Thoughts:

Kristan Higgins has once again stolen my heart with her latest novel, “Look On The Bright Side.” This emotional yet humorous book is much more than your typical romance novel. It delves deeply into themes of grief, personal growth, and the unpredictable beauty of life.

The story centers on Lark Smith, a compassionate and driven young woman with her heart set on becoming an oncologist. This career choice is deeply personal for Lark, rooted in her backstory and her innate desire to help those battling cancer. However, life has thrown her a series of unexpected curveballs: her romantic relationship has disappeared, her parents have split up, and she’s been transferred out of her beloved oncology residency for being too emotional—a weeper, as her superiors describe her.

Lark’s world is turned upside down when she accepts an unusual proposition from Lorenzo Santini, a renowned surgeon known more for his temper than his bedside manner. Dr. Satan, as he’s nicknamed, needs a date for a series of family events including his sister’s wedding to placate his grandmother, and in exchange, he promises to help Lark get back into oncology. As a sucker for old people and fake relationships, Lark agrees, setting the stage for a summer of unexpected developments.

What makes this story truly special is its balance of humour and heartfelt moments. The narrative is split between the present and a series of memories, allowing readers to fully understand Lark’s emotional journey. I found myself deeply moved by Lark’s struggles and triumphs, yet these poignant moments were expertly balanced with doses of humour and joy, particularly as Lark becomes enmeshed in Lorenzo’s big, warm family. Her growing affection for his estranged brother adds a delightful twist to the tale.

In addition to Lark’s journey, Higgins weaves a compelling secondary storyline involving Lark’s mother, Ellie, and her flamboyant landlady, Joy. Following the discovery of her husband’s affair, Ellie moves in with Joy, and an unlikely yet beautiful friendship blossoms. I was particularly intrigued by Joy’s vibrant backstory and the special bond she shares with Ellie. This subplot adds depth and richness to the overall narrative, highlighting the novel’s theme that the best things in life are often unplanned.

The Narration:

Listening to the audiobook version, narrated by Susan Bennett and Christina Moore, was a treat. Their performance brought the characters to life, each voice distinct and resonant with the character’s essence. It felt as though the narrators truly became one with their characters, enhancing the emotional impact of the story.

Final Thoughts:

“Look On The Bright Side” is an uplifting and beautifully crafted novel that reminds us that even when life deviates from our plans, it can lead to unexpected and wonderful outcomes. Higgins masterfully blends humour, romance, and emotional depth, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for a heartwarming and engaging story.

Another Book I’ve Reviewed Written by Kristan Higgins:

A Little Ray Of Sunshine