Tolog Review: The Lovely Bones

The Lovely Bones
by Alice Sebold
reviewed by Daniela Gurrola 

Alice Sebold’s novel, The Lovely Bones, causes the reader to experience a variety of emotions such as fear, sadness, and happiness. Fear in how right at the very beginning, main character Susie Salmon (14-years-old) is raped and murdered by her twisted neighbor, Mr. Harvey. Sadness in how Susie Salmon receives her own personal heaven and must observe the world instead of living in it. Happiness in how Susie lives through her sister, Lindsey Salmon, and how she looks out for her younger brother, Buckley Salmon. The reader experiences the tension, suspense, and long for revenge that Susie Salmon experiences when she eagerly waits for Mr. Harvey to be caught. She attempts to aid the police and her family in figuring out Mr. Harvey’s evil actions; however, only her father seems to be suspicious at first. He tries to prove that Mr. Harvey killed his daughter; however, he has no evidence to back up his claim. The fact that the audience does not know whether or not Mr. Harvey is caught encourage them to continue reading and unravel this mystery. The author tells the story from Susie’s point of view; therefore, we receive an insight on Susie’s feelings and thoughts while she watches from heaven. Alice Sebold may give individuals new outlooks and perspectives on heaven, life, and family by expressing her ideas through her writing. Her interpretation of heaven, for example, is that everyone receives their own personal one and that it can be rather dull at times. Overall, Sebold makes the reader think and reflect. With that said, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys powerful coming of age stories filled with suspense and emotion. I found this novel enjoyable because of its messages, clever writing, realism, and intriguing plot and I am sure that anyone else who chooses to read this novel will enjoy these factors as well.