I have loved every book in this series, but this one is possibly my favourite.
Like the previous books, All the Beautiful Things is set during World War II. Anna’s little sister Eva was born with a disability, making her body weaker and her mind slower to learn things. Eva brightens the lives of all who know her with her huge heart and capacity for love. However, the Nazis don’t like people who are different, even children, so Anna and her mother work hard to keep Eva’s existence hidden. As the war progresses, Anna struggles to work out who she can trust with her secrets, including a fascinating woman named Eva Braun.
As with the previous books, the historical detail is woven into the story with finesse. The setting is incredibly real. The characters are rounded and relatable. The book is also a beautiful reading experience, with evocative black and white illustrations by Martina Heiduczek that capture the essence of the characters and setting.
Many tears were shed during the reading of this novel. The themes have a perennial relevance. How do we know who to trust? What does true goodness look like? On what does the value of human life rest? What makes someone truly courageous? This is a story to make us think and to assess our values.
Highly recommended (with a box of tissues handy).
Anna Quinlan - Author 