69 pages 2 hours read

Bryn Greenwood

All the Ugly and Wonderful Things

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2016

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Before You Read

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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.

Reviews & Readership

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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 this

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.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Romance

Coming of Age / Bildungsroman

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Topics

Trauma / Abuse / Violence

Mental Illness

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Fear

Emotions/Behavior: Love

Relationships: Family