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
240
Novel • Fiction
Washington, D.C. • 1990s
2007
Adult
18+ years
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