69 pages • 2 hours read
All the Ugly and Wonderful Things
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Book Brief
432
Novel • Fiction
Kansas • 1970s
2016
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood, eight-year-old Wavy, struggling with her parents' drug-fueled chaos, forms a controversial bond with Kellen, a 24-year-old man working for her father. Their relationship, shrouded in innocence while hidden, faces cruel societal judgment when exposed, forcing them to reassess their feelings and face public scrutiny. Sensitive topics include abuse, drug use, incarceration, intense violence, and a sexualized relationship between an adult and a minor.
Mysterious
Dark
Emotional
Challenging
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
203,847 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood is a provocative, deeply emotional novel exploring complex, controversial relationships. Its raw narrative and strong characterization leave a lasting impact, though some readers find the subject matter uncomfortable and challenging. An evocative read for those open to morally gray storytelling.
Who Should Read All the Ugly and Wonderful Things?
Readers who relish complex, morally ambiguous stories would enjoy Bryn Greenwood's All the Ugly and Wonderful Things. Fans of Vladimir Nabokov's Lolita or Emma Donoghue's Room will appreciate this novel's controversial themes and compelling character studies. It's ideal for those who seek emotional depth and challenging societal norms in fiction.
203,847 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
432
Novel • Fiction
Kansas • 1970s
2016
Adult
18+ years
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