A review by ode_to_readers
This Place Is Still Beautiful by XiXi Tian

emotional hopeful reflective
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I don’t know where to start with reviewing this book. There is so much detail and depth that I feel like a review barely scratches the surface of the content.

There are incredible learning lessons throughout this story. The main one focusing on racism and how hard it is to fight against it. It really opens your eyes to issues and shows that you can still be a racist even if you were “just drunk”. There’s no excuse.

Relationships (both familial and romantic) were also a big feature and the growth of the characters was heartwarming. Margaret and Annalie were both so so different and I feel that their sisterly love was portrayed extremely well.  You don’t have to get on with your sibling but they will always be there for you when it counts. 

Annalie’s first kiss was too relatable! I feel like I reacted the same way she did when I had my first kiss. It made me miss being younger.  Also, Margaret’s relationship was very cute and the ending made me tear up a bit. (Okay…maybe a lot). 

The one thing I found was the writing was hard to get into at first. A lot of the sentences seem to start the same way “I…” “We…” Etc. It seemed a little staccato but once you get into it, I really appreciated the story behind the words. 

This is definitely a story you need to read. It balances light and heavy topics in an easy way and seeing as it’s set during summer…would be great to read as soon as it’s out!


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