All the Bright Places tells the story of Finch and Violet, two troubled teens who meet at the top of their school bell tower. Once back on the ground, Finch takes an interest in Violet and partners himself with her for a Geography project. From there they wander across Indiana, learning things about one another and finally beginning to feel like themselves again.
I didn’t know too much about this book going into it, therefore wasn’t prepared for what was to come. I immediately fell in love with Finch, his wit and sarcasm drawing me to his character. However, it took a while for Violet to open up, but it was great to see her character develop the closer she got to Finch and begin to feel more comfortable with herself.
My favourite thing about the novel was the relationship between Finch and Violet. As the novel was told in both of their POVs you could see how they truly felt and how they both helped each other to overcome the obstacles in their lives. Jennifer Niven has a way with words that simply allows you to see the love Violet and Finch have for one another pouring off the page and filling you inside, something I’d never experienced between two characters before. I also enjoyed seeing the relationships between other characters, such as how Finch cared for his Mom and sisters compared to how he felt about his Dad and the progression of Violets friendships, particularly with Brenda.
The novel also deals with serious issues such as suicide, mental illness and grief. It promotes the idea that you are not alone and there is always someone there to help you. All the Bright Places quickly became one of my favourite novels due to its heart-warming friendships and relationships, as well as the story that it told. I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone, yet I will issue a warning that it will most definitely break your heart.
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Buy this book at the Guardian Bookshop.
