47 pages • 1 hour read
The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears
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Book Brief
240
Novel • Fiction
Washington, D.C. • 1990s
2007
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears follows Sepha Stephanos, an Ethiopian refugee living in Washington, DC, 17 years after fleeing the Red Terror revolution. Over three days in early May, Sepha faces eviction from his store while he reflects on his past, his relationships with friends Joseph and Kenneth, and his evolving connection with his neighbor Judith and her daughter Naomi. The novel deals with themes of displacement, cultural identity, and the impact of gentrification.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Emotional
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
9,044 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Dinaw Mengestu's The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears has been praised for its evocative portrayal of immigrant experience and thoughtful exploration of displacement and identity. However, some critics find the pacing slow and the narrative occasionally disjointed. Overall, it is lauded for its compelling characters and emotional depth.
Who Should Read The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears?
A reader who would enjoy The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears by Dinaw Mengestu is one who appreciates deeply human stories of immigration, displacement, and identity. Comparable to Jhumpa Lahiri's The Namesake and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Americanah, this novel resonates with those who seek poignant, thought-provoking narratives exploring cross-cultural experiences.
9,044 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Kenneth
Kenneth
Kenneth, originally from Kenya, seeks the American dream and works as an engineer. He encourages Sepha in his endeavors and embraces an American lifestyle more fully than his friends.
Joseph
Joseph
Joseph hails from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and clings to romanticized notions of his homeland. He aspires to capture his culture in poetry and often discusses the challenges faced by Black Americans.
Judith
Judith
Judith is an American history professor and is the mother of a biracial daughter. She moves to Logan Circle, seeking change and connection, but her actions symbolize the broader pattern of gentrification.
Naomi
Naomi
Naomi is the 11-year-old biracial daughter of Judith, forming a close, father-figure relationship with Sepha. She is independent, insightful, and plays a significant role in Sepha's journey.
240
Novel • Fiction
Washington, D.C. • 1990s
2007
Adult
18+ years
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