Tolog Review: The Lovely Bones

The Lovely Bones
by Alice Sebold
reviewed by Elena Melehani 

A novel about murder, mystery, romance, and even a bit of comedy, The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold is quite a special read. The story follows a 14-year-old girl named Susie Salmon, and her desperate need for revenge after her murder. Susie watches her family in pain after her death, and tries to send a message to them for vengeance. However in the story, years pass by before Susie can finally convey her idea, and you as the reader are desperate for her family to listen to her plea. The novel engrosses you with sudden plotline developments and the intensity of some events and characters: keeping you wanting more.

As an avid reader, I can say this story appeals to all sorts of people, even those who purposely avoid any murder/horror novels. While the first few chapters of the book are a bit gruesome and suspenseful, it is nothing too lurid and the author goes to great lengths to keep the description vague. Any fear or disgust you feel while reading the first few chapters, is suddenly dissolved when you read farther into the story. The issues that face Susie’s family after her death are rather realistic to a grieving family, and heartbreaking to read about. An unstable father obsessed with revenge, a shut-in sister dealing with grief on her own, a hysterical mother that solves her issues with another man, and a young brother too innocent to realize the huge event that just occurred in his life, are what makes up Susie’s tormented family. The author does not just focus on Susie’s family and the hardships they endure, but we also hear about Susie’s troubles and her longing to finish up the unfinished business she has on Earth. The Lovely Bones ends in a very unexpected way, and when you put down this book you will undoubtedly be in tears, wishing there was more to the story. I highly recommend this novel for anyone looking for a good read, because this novel will definitely make you shed tears of joy.