fromsarahsbooknook's review against another edition
5.0
“Together they would send all of these young people out into the world they knew was full of injury and hard to bear. Somehow, they would wave and wish them well and have faith that they would avoid the worst of the darkness, live mostly in the light.”
I wish I had highlighted more on my Kindle. So many tender and beautiful observations about behavior, love, friendship, and grief. So many times I paused and exhaled at the simple and stunning way Wall gave us glimpses of particular truths about life.
You know when you check a book out from the library and then you immediately want to buy your own copy? That was this book for me. I need this one on my shelf to re-read and enjoy and sit quietly with again someday.
Stunning, quiet, and powerful.
I wish I had highlighted more on my Kindle. So many tender and beautiful observations about behavior, love, friendship, and grief. So many times I paused and exhaled at the simple and stunning way Wall gave us glimpses of particular truths about life.
You know when you check a book out from the library and then you immediately want to buy your own copy? That was this book for me. I need this one on my shelf to re-read and enjoy and sit quietly with again someday.
Stunning, quiet, and powerful.
mariahcecelia's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
emcdonnell's review against another edition
5.0
This book is a wonderfully tender exploration of four starkly different people’s faith, and how it grows & shrinks in response to social change and life trials. No matter where you are in your faith (existent or not), everyone who reads this can relate to one of the characters in some capacity. Wall takes great time and care in developing her characters, leaving readers deeply connected so they can experience a heart wrenching story of love, loss, jealously and friendship. Really quite remarkable, especially as a debut novel. I absolutely loved it.
meankitty65's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
rosiebp's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
renataselby's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I was originally worried that with 4 main characters this book would lack the ability to make them all feel real and alive. I am relieved to say I was proven wrong. The author gave Charles, Lily, James, and Nan flesh, bones, flaws, and complex human beauty. I loved that this book touched on the topics of marriage, friendship, and faith and how it is not a walk in the park. There is grief, disappointments, dreams that don't come true, sacrifice, doubt, and pain. I enjoyed all of these characters, their growth and development, their connections to each other, and the overall story.
hannahcfarley's review against another edition
5.0
Humanity, religion, spirituality, and compassion are all within the pages of "The Dearly Beloved"
Cara Wall writes a magnificent novel about 4 people who come together in unseemly circumstances. From adolescence to adulthood, each character finds themselves reflecting on their purpose, what they seek to do in life, and who they will have beside them through it all. Wall writes characters that wonder what it means to believe in something greater themselves, to fight for beliefs, to create meaningful relationships, and live an abundant life.
I love how this book prompts readers to ponder personal beliefs and how they may be interfering with their relationships. I found her approach in writing to be suggestive while transparent, leaving the reader with a great story while reflecting on themselves. The mix of common humanity, finding compassion for others, and vulnerability were beautifully displayed.
As a Christian, I was impressed by how Wall wrote about religion in such an objective yet meaningful way in this story. She does not offend any beliefs nor does she let on a bias about which she prefers. Instead, there is a great dialogue about what it means to believe in God, to practice faith, or to live with someone who has different views from you.
The challenges the characters face in this story are relevant and turn into a heartwarming message. There are times one can read objectively and other times when one reads with intention. both fit marvelously in this book.
Cara Wall really amazed me with this book, and I recommend it to anyone who likes a quick yet serious read. It is enjoyable, it sparks inspiration and makes you reflect on life in a light way.
Cara Wall writes a magnificent novel about 4 people who come together in unseemly circumstances. From adolescence to adulthood, each character finds themselves reflecting on their purpose, what they seek to do in life, and who they will have beside them through it all. Wall writes characters that wonder what it means to believe in something greater themselves, to fight for beliefs, to create meaningful relationships, and live an abundant life.
I love how this book prompts readers to ponder personal beliefs and how they may be interfering with their relationships. I found her approach in writing to be suggestive while transparent, leaving the reader with a great story while reflecting on themselves. The mix of common humanity, finding compassion for others, and vulnerability were beautifully displayed.
As a Christian, I was impressed by how Wall wrote about religion in such an objective yet meaningful way in this story. She does not offend any beliefs nor does she let on a bias about which she prefers. Instead, there is a great dialogue about what it means to believe in God, to practice faith, or to live with someone who has different views from you.
The challenges the characters face in this story are relevant and turn into a heartwarming message. There are times one can read objectively and other times when one reads with intention. both fit marvelously in this book.
Cara Wall really amazed me with this book, and I recommend it to anyone who likes a quick yet serious read. It is enjoyable, it sparks inspiration and makes you reflect on life in a light way.
clairehessing's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.5
lisaarnsdorf's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I didn't expect that a book mainly about faith could be so captivating. It was interesting that we looked at the spectrum of faith by considering it from four different characters' perspectives. It was a pleasure to read, and I would become completely engrossed when I picked it up.
plottwisttravels's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Miscarriage