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All That’s Bright and Gone: A Novel
Fans of Jodi Picoult and Fredrik Backman will fall for this tenderhearted debut mystery following a young girl on a quest to save her family.
I know my brother is dead. But sometimes Mama gets confused.
There’s plenty about the grownup world that six-year-old Aoife doesn’t understand. Like what happened to her big brother Theo and why her mama is in the hospital instead of home where she belongs. Uncle Donny says she just needs to be patient, but Aoife’s sure her mama won’t be able to come home until Aoife learns what really happened to her brother. The trouble is no one wants to talk about Theo because he was murdered. But by whom?
With her imaginary friend Teddy by her side and the detecting skills of her nosy next door neighbor, Aoife sets out to uncover the truth about her family. But as her search takes her from the banks of Theo’s secret hideout by the river to the rooftops overlooking Detroit, Aoife will learn that some secrets can’t stay hidden forever and sometimes the pain we bury is the biggest secret of them all.
Driven by Aoife’s childlike sincerity and colored by her vivid imagination, All That’s Bright and Gone illuminates the unshakable bond between families - and the lengths we’ll go to bring our loved ones home.
I know my brother is dead. But sometimes Mama gets confused.
There’s plenty about the grownup world that six-year-old Aoife doesn’t understand. Like what happened to her big brother Theo and why her mama is in the hospital instead of home where she belongs. Uncle Donny says she just needs to be patient, but Aoife’s sure her mama won’t be able to come home until Aoife learns what really happened to her brother. The trouble is no one wants to talk about Theo because he was murdered. But by whom?
With her imaginary friend Teddy by her side and the detecting skills of her nosy next door neighbor, Aoife sets out to uncover the truth about her family. But as her search takes her from the banks of Theo’s secret hideout by the river to the rooftops overlooking Detroit, Aoife will learn that some secrets can’t stay hidden forever and sometimes the pain we bury is the biggest secret of them all.
Driven by Aoife’s childlike sincerity and colored by her vivid imagination, All That’s Bright and Gone illuminates the unshakable bond between families - and the lengths we’ll go to bring our loved ones home.
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First published December 10, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 320 reviews
December 18, 2019
“My gramma’s dead,” I explain. “I don’t have a daddy.” That’s what my Mama always says. She says I’m like a Cabbage Patch doll, that she found me growing in a garden and took me home.
Six-year-old Aoife attempts to navigate life amidst a winding family dilemma. With her mother recently institutionalized and her brother Theo dead, Aoife seeks to unearth the truth of her brother’s death with the help of her imaginary friend.
The emphasis of this book is on family and mental illness. Does a mental illness mean you are not capable of love? Can a damaged family heal? Is lying okay if it protects those closest to you?
Told from Aoife’s point of view, the tone throughout the story was childlike, yet astute. Her playful imagination demonstrated her childlike innocence even amid crisis. “Sometimes when grown-ups ask if you can do something, they are really just telling you to do it.” As a result of a six-year-old point of view, it was a quick, easy, and enjoyable read. On the other hand, for such a young age that provided the POV, it limited the use of language and literary devices in the story. Still, a delightful story.
A wonderful debut novel. Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books, Eliza Nellums, and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Six-year-old Aoife attempts to navigate life amidst a winding family dilemma. With her mother recently institutionalized and her brother Theo dead, Aoife seeks to unearth the truth of her brother’s death with the help of her imaginary friend.
The emphasis of this book is on family and mental illness. Does a mental illness mean you are not capable of love? Can a damaged family heal? Is lying okay if it protects those closest to you?
Told from Aoife’s point of view, the tone throughout the story was childlike, yet astute. Her playful imagination demonstrated her childlike innocence even amid crisis. “Sometimes when grown-ups ask if you can do something, they are really just telling you to do it.” As a result of a six-year-old point of view, it was a quick, easy, and enjoyable read. On the other hand, for such a young age that provided the POV, it limited the use of language and literary devices in the story. Still, a delightful story.
A wonderful debut novel. Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books, Eliza Nellums, and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 20, 2019
This book tugged at my heartstrings from the initial pages. Aiofe is six and has an imaginary friend, a large bear named Teddy. Her mom is in the hospital because she was yelling at Aiofe’s dead brother, Theo, in the middle of an intersection.
As we learn more about what’s been happening in their house, what comes across is how whatever kids deal with is normal to them and they don’t want anything to change.
Nellums does a wonderful job of showing us the world through Aiofe’s eyes. She totally gets the vocabulary limits of a six year old. After Aiofe has a vision in church, she decides the only way to get her mom back home is to solve Theo’s murder. She has the help of her eight year old best friend, Hannah. Hannah’s dad is a cop, so Hannah is a knowitall when it comes to investigating. As they launch their investigation, the scenes are totally bittersweet. And when the Sea-Pea-Ess ladies come to call, well, oh my goodness!
But what is so sad is that the main thing Alice learns is that grownups lie and obfuscate.
My thanks to netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for an advance copy of this book.
As we learn more about what’s been happening in their house, what comes across is how whatever kids deal with is normal to them and they don’t want anything to change.
Nellums does a wonderful job of showing us the world through Aiofe’s eyes. She totally gets the vocabulary limits of a six year old. After Aiofe has a vision in church, she decides the only way to get her mom back home is to solve Theo’s murder. She has the help of her eight year old best friend, Hannah. Hannah’s dad is a cop, so Hannah is a knowitall when it comes to investigating. As they launch their investigation, the scenes are totally bittersweet. And when the Sea-Pea-Ess ladies come to call, well, oh my goodness!
But what is so sad is that the main thing Alice learns is that grownups lie and obfuscate.
My thanks to netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for an advance copy of this book.
December 10, 2019
!! NOW AVAILABLE !!
Aoife (EE-fa) may only be six years old, but there are things she knows. She knows that her brother Theo is dead, and she knows that she can see Teddy, who her mother says is invisible, so she shouldn’t talk about him, or especially to him when other people are around. On the day that Aoife’s world begins to crumble, her mother appears upset while she’s driving, crying and talking to Theo, screaming, and stops in the middle of an intersection with traffic surrounding them, until an ambulance comes to take her mother to a hospital. Soon after, Aoife’s Uncle Donovan arrives at the hospital to take her home, and stays to watch over her until the hospital is ready to release her mother, Siobhan, who is being treated for a “confusion” sickness.
”I know my brother is dead. But sometimes Mama gets confused.”
Aoife was in some ways, to me, reminiscent of young Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird, young, but tough, and despite her fears, determined to get to the truth of how her brother died. Spurred on by her somewhat older (by two years) and wiser-in-these-things friend and neighbor, Hannah. Hannah’s father is a detective, and she has aspirations of being one herself, one day, already fancying herself somewhat successful in her sleuthing skills. She has decided that Theo was murdered, and the solution to all her problems lies in determining who is responsible for Theo’s death.
As their investigation begins, Hannah takes the lead, but it isn’t long before a falling out leaves Aoife to solve the mystery alone. She’s tried asking her Uncle questions, she’s tried asking her mother’s old boyfriend questions, which only leads to other mysteries and questions as truths that challenge everything she’s ever known to be true come to light.
Aoife is steadfast in her belief that in order for Mama to come home, she needs to get to the bottom of the mystery of Theo’s death. And so, her desperation to find out the truth has her making potentially dangerous decisions.
I loved reading this from this six-year-old’s perspective, it adds a stripped down honesty and simply shared innocence and confusion about how the world operates. It never occurs to Aoife to question her Mama’s telling her that she was found in a cabbage patch, and has no father. Aoife is one of those characters that, for me, really gets under your skin and makes you want to reach out and protect them from this world that can be so cruel. It didn’t hurt that Aoife is a name that I loved to begin with.
A tender, beautifully written debut that touches lightly and compassionately on the topic of mental illness, faith (including religious faith, as well as faith in others), and the significance of family, particularly the bond between mothers and daughters.
”And that’s what children are, Aoife. You can’t hold on to them and you can’t let them go.”
Pub Date: 10 Dec 2019
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Crooked Lane Books
Aoife (EE-fa) may only be six years old, but there are things she knows. She knows that her brother Theo is dead, and she knows that she can see Teddy, who her mother says is invisible, so she shouldn’t talk about him, or especially to him when other people are around. On the day that Aoife’s world begins to crumble, her mother appears upset while she’s driving, crying and talking to Theo, screaming, and stops in the middle of an intersection with traffic surrounding them, until an ambulance comes to take her mother to a hospital. Soon after, Aoife’s Uncle Donovan arrives at the hospital to take her home, and stays to watch over her until the hospital is ready to release her mother, Siobhan, who is being treated for a “confusion” sickness.
”I know my brother is dead. But sometimes Mama gets confused.”
Aoife was in some ways, to me, reminiscent of young Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird, young, but tough, and despite her fears, determined to get to the truth of how her brother died. Spurred on by her somewhat older (by two years) and wiser-in-these-things friend and neighbor, Hannah. Hannah’s father is a detective, and she has aspirations of being one herself, one day, already fancying herself somewhat successful in her sleuthing skills. She has decided that Theo was murdered, and the solution to all her problems lies in determining who is responsible for Theo’s death.
As their investigation begins, Hannah takes the lead, but it isn’t long before a falling out leaves Aoife to solve the mystery alone. She’s tried asking her Uncle questions, she’s tried asking her mother’s old boyfriend questions, which only leads to other mysteries and questions as truths that challenge everything she’s ever known to be true come to light.
Aoife is steadfast in her belief that in order for Mama to come home, she needs to get to the bottom of the mystery of Theo’s death. And so, her desperation to find out the truth has her making potentially dangerous decisions.
I loved reading this from this six-year-old’s perspective, it adds a stripped down honesty and simply shared innocence and confusion about how the world operates. It never occurs to Aoife to question her Mama’s telling her that she was found in a cabbage patch, and has no father. Aoife is one of those characters that, for me, really gets under your skin and makes you want to reach out and protect them from this world that can be so cruel. It didn’t hurt that Aoife is a name that I loved to begin with.
A tender, beautifully written debut that touches lightly and compassionately on the topic of mental illness, faith (including religious faith, as well as faith in others), and the significance of family, particularly the bond between mothers and daughters.
”And that’s what children are, Aoife. You can’t hold on to them and you can’t let them go.”
Pub Date: 10 Dec 2019
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Crooked Lane Books
September 4, 2019
This was one of those books where I wanted to have a serious talk with all the adults about the need to explain things to children. No matter how small they are they deserve more than "soon" and "maybe" and "your mother will explain it to you when you are older." In All That's Bright and Gone: A Novel we meet a little girl called Aoife who suffers in the worst way from not understanding what is going on around her.
I enjoyed the story and I loved six year old Aoife and the understandings she tries to create for herself as she goes along. I was cross with all the adults who were supposed to be looking out for her and yet could not even be bothered to remember how to pronounce her name. Sometimes I found the book very slow and filled with a bit too much trivia about how Aoife spent her day. The ending was unexpected although I was just beginning to wonder if all was not as it seemed.
Overall a very pleasant and enjoyable way to pass a few hours.
I enjoyed the story and I loved six year old Aoife and the understandings she tries to create for herself as she goes along. I was cross with all the adults who were supposed to be looking out for her and yet could not even be bothered to remember how to pronounce her name. Sometimes I found the book very slow and filled with a bit too much trivia about how Aoife spent her day. The ending was unexpected although I was just beginning to wonder if all was not as it seemed.
Overall a very pleasant and enjoyable way to pass a few hours.
June 13, 2024
ABOUT 'ALL THAT'S BRIGHT AND GONE': I know my brother is dead. But sometimes Mama gets confused.
Six-year-old Aoife knows better than to talk to people no one else can see, like her best friend Teddy who her mother says is invisible. He's not, but Mama says it's rude anyways. So when Mama starts talking to Aoife's older brother Theo, Aoife is surprised. And when she stops the car in the middle of an intersection, crying and screaming, Aoife gets a bad feeling--because even if they don't talk about it, everyone knows Theo died a long time ago. He was murdered.
Eventually, Aoife is taken home by her Uncle Donny who says he'll stay with her until Mama comes home from the hospital, but Aoife doesn't buy it. The only way to bring Mama home is to find out what really happened to Theo. Even with Teddy by her side, there's a lot about the grown-up world that Aoife doesn't understand, but if Aoife doesn't help her family, who will?
MY THOUGHTS: This is the story of a family struggling with mental illness told from the perspective of a six-year-old girl, Aiofe (Eef-fa).
Aiofe is a star character. I wanted to hold her and hug her and make her feel safe. She tore at my heart and brought tears to my eyes. She has an invisible friend, Teddy, who seems to lead her into trouble frequently, but Aiofe is savvy enough to know not to talk about Teddy or to Teddy when adults are present. It angers or upsets them. But this is an incredibly poignant thread to the main story.
She is quite a solitary child who takes great comfort in her Catholic religion. Her Patron saint is Joan (of Arc) and she takes great comfort from this as well as channeling courage. She is dogged, determined, and unwittingly funny. It is easy to forget just how literally six-year-olds take the things that adults say.
Aiofe uncovers many truths and solves many things that have been mysteries to her - like who her father is - in her quest to find Theodore's killer and bring her mother home from hospital.
The author has done a superb job of showing us the world as Aiofe sees it. Her vocabulary is just what I would expect from a six-year-old and I loved her thought processes, which caused me to chuckle more than a few times. I felt sad when Aiofe learned that adults can and do lie.
But what really shines through is Aiofe's unconditional love for her mother.
A wonderful story that no one should miss. A stunning debut.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.2
#AllThatsBrightAndGone #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Raised in the Detroit suburbs, Eliza Nellums now lives with her cat in Washington DC. She is a member of Bethesda Writer's Center as well as the Metro Writers, a weekly critique group that meets in Dupont Circle. ALL THAT'S BRIGHT AND GONE is her debut novel.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of All That's Bright and Gone by Eliza Nellums for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
I listened to the audiobook of All That's Bright and Gone, written by Eliza Nellums and superbly narrated by Jesse Vilinsky.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Six-year-old Aoife knows better than to talk to people no one else can see, like her best friend Teddy who her mother says is invisible. He's not, but Mama says it's rude anyways. So when Mama starts talking to Aoife's older brother Theo, Aoife is surprised. And when she stops the car in the middle of an intersection, crying and screaming, Aoife gets a bad feeling--because even if they don't talk about it, everyone knows Theo died a long time ago. He was murdered.
Eventually, Aoife is taken home by her Uncle Donny who says he'll stay with her until Mama comes home from the hospital, but Aoife doesn't buy it. The only way to bring Mama home is to find out what really happened to Theo. Even with Teddy by her side, there's a lot about the grown-up world that Aoife doesn't understand, but if Aoife doesn't help her family, who will?
MY THOUGHTS: This is the story of a family struggling with mental illness told from the perspective of a six-year-old girl, Aiofe (Eef-fa).
Aiofe is a star character. I wanted to hold her and hug her and make her feel safe. She tore at my heart and brought tears to my eyes. She has an invisible friend, Teddy, who seems to lead her into trouble frequently, but Aiofe is savvy enough to know not to talk about Teddy or to Teddy when adults are present. It angers or upsets them. But this is an incredibly poignant thread to the main story.
She is quite a solitary child who takes great comfort in her Catholic religion. Her Patron saint is Joan (of Arc) and she takes great comfort from this as well as channeling courage. She is dogged, determined, and unwittingly funny. It is easy to forget just how literally six-year-olds take the things that adults say.
Aiofe uncovers many truths and solves many things that have been mysteries to her - like who her father is - in her quest to find Theodore's killer and bring her mother home from hospital.
The author has done a superb job of showing us the world as Aiofe sees it. Her vocabulary is just what I would expect from a six-year-old and I loved her thought processes, which caused me to chuckle more than a few times. I felt sad when Aiofe learned that adults can and do lie.
But what really shines through is Aiofe's unconditional love for her mother.
A wonderful story that no one should miss. A stunning debut.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.2
#AllThatsBrightAndGone #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Raised in the Detroit suburbs, Eliza Nellums now lives with her cat in Washington DC. She is a member of Bethesda Writer's Center as well as the Metro Writers, a weekly critique group that meets in Dupont Circle. ALL THAT'S BRIGHT AND GONE is her debut novel.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of All That's Bright and Gone by Eliza Nellums for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
I listened to the audiobook of All That's Bright and Gone, written by Eliza Nellums and superbly narrated by Jesse Vilinsky.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
August 27, 2019
It’s unusual for a protagonist and narrator to be 6 years old but that’s what makes All That’s Bright and Gone so special. It’s fascinating to see the world through the eyes of a young child and be privy to her thoughts. We get to see how a child interprets a sentence/thought literally, which is not always correct. For instance, Aoife’s Mama tells her that her Uncle Donny has a silver tongue but Aoife says she saw it and it’s pink. When her neighbor is able to watch Aoife while her Uncle Donny is away, he calls them lifesavers and Aoife notes that it’s a candy. Eliza Nellums does an amazing job capturing a child’s voice and thought process.
Aoife has a very special imaginary friend named Teddy and guess what, he is a bear and he is able to change his size. For example, when they are at the park, Aoife says he shrinks to his smallest bear size which is the same height as her and they play together. Aoife sends Teddy downstairs to check for intruders because he can make himself bigger than they are and eat them. And if she is ever confused about something, Teddy is able to clear I it up for her. Essentially, Teddy is her constant companion — he is her best friend, protector and adviser.
The reader gets to know Aoife very well and cannot help but feel for her as well as root for her. She is innocent and adorable, often saying things that will make the reader smile. For example, Aoife admits to trying to be a big girl at the hospital but would rather go home to see her stuffed animals. Also, she says that God makes people different colors like a rainbow but doesn’t understand why no one is a fun color.
The first sentence of All That’s Bright and Gone pulled me in and piqued my curiosity. Aoife states that her brother is dead. This reader had to stay to find out more, like the When and Why for starters.
Aoife knows her Mama gets “confused” and that’s why she is in the hospital. She believes that if she can find her brother’s killer then her Mama can come home. Aoife enlists the help of her next door neighbor Hannah, who loves to play detective and solve mysteries. She learns all about finding clues, evidence, suspects, and material witnesses.
This six year old girl understands more than her age would lead you to believe. She does a lot of growing up in the course of the story, learning about her Mama’s past, her father and what happened to her brother. All That’s Bright and Gone is a story about family, mental illness, love, secrets, and misunderstandings. Come along on Aoife’s adventure with her sidekick Teddy the bear and help her solve the mystery. You’ll be glad you did.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
Aoife has a very special imaginary friend named Teddy and guess what, he is a bear and he is able to change his size. For example, when they are at the park, Aoife says he shrinks to his smallest bear size which is the same height as her and they play together. Aoife sends Teddy downstairs to check for intruders because he can make himself bigger than they are and eat them. And if she is ever confused about something, Teddy is able to clear I it up for her. Essentially, Teddy is her constant companion — he is her best friend, protector and adviser.
The reader gets to know Aoife very well and cannot help but feel for her as well as root for her. She is innocent and adorable, often saying things that will make the reader smile. For example, Aoife admits to trying to be a big girl at the hospital but would rather go home to see her stuffed animals. Also, she says that God makes people different colors like a rainbow but doesn’t understand why no one is a fun color.
The first sentence of All That’s Bright and Gone pulled me in and piqued my curiosity. Aoife states that her brother is dead. This reader had to stay to find out more, like the When and Why for starters.
Aoife knows her Mama gets “confused” and that’s why she is in the hospital. She believes that if she can find her brother’s killer then her Mama can come home. Aoife enlists the help of her next door neighbor Hannah, who loves to play detective and solve mysteries. She learns all about finding clues, evidence, suspects, and material witnesses.
This six year old girl understands more than her age would lead you to believe. She does a lot of growing up in the course of the story, learning about her Mama’s past, her father and what happened to her brother. All That’s Bright and Gone is a story about family, mental illness, love, secrets, and misunderstandings. Come along on Aoife’s adventure with her sidekick Teddy the bear and help her solve the mystery. You’ll be glad you did.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 16, 2019
I received a free e-copy of All That's Bright and Gone by Eliza Nellums from NetGalley for my honest review.
A surprisingly good book told from the point-of-view of a six year old girl, Aoife.
Aoife is trying to understand what is happening with her mother. Her mom is in the hospital after an episode she had so she can get better. Aoife's Uncle decides that he will take care of her, since her mom can't, so she doesn't have to be put in the foster system.
When her uncle comes to her home to take car of her he is disgusted by the conditions of the house. Also, Aoife has a friend (a teddy bear) that no one else can see. Aoife also has a brother who is deceased but sometimes her mom gets confused and talks about him like he is alive. Things get worse and Aoife wants her mom to come home. She decided that the only way she thinks her mom will come home is if she figures out who killed her brother.
And so the Aoife's search for the truth begins. Please be aware that there are conversations of abuse and mental illness in this book.
A surprisingly good book told from the point-of-view of a six year old girl, Aoife.
Aoife is trying to understand what is happening with her mother. Her mom is in the hospital after an episode she had so she can get better. Aoife's Uncle decides that he will take care of her, since her mom can't, so she doesn't have to be put in the foster system.
When her uncle comes to her home to take car of her he is disgusted by the conditions of the house. Also, Aoife has a friend (a teddy bear) that no one else can see. Aoife also has a brother who is deceased but sometimes her mom gets confused and talks about him like he is alive. Things get worse and Aoife wants her mom to come home. She decided that the only way she thinks her mom will come home is if she figures out who killed her brother.
And so the Aoife's search for the truth begins. Please be aware that there are conversations of abuse and mental illness in this book.
February 25, 2020
Telling any story through the eyes of a child is difficult; add in mental health issues, single parents, lost children, and financial constraints suddenly you've got yourself a pretty tragic story. Consider this your warning, All that's Bright and Gone is an amazing read; but it's darker and not necessarily a feel good story. That's not to say it's all bad; but overall you're likely to feel sadness through most of it. Eliza Nellums brings us the story of a child (and her imaginary friend) coping to handle her mother's mental illness, the loss of her older brother, and childhood in general.
Children Are Innocent
At the heart of this story is Aoife, a 6-year-old, who doesn't quite understand: the things going on around her, why she gets in trouble for talking to her imaginary friend, and that frozen chicken nuggets in the microwave are perhaps not a sustainable food for weeks on end. Right from the get go we realize that Aoife is a strong, resourceful little girl, who hates when adults say her name wrong. Her obsession with her name really struck me as genuine and conveyed the way children think well. Many times we are reminded that Aoife doesn't understand adults, health care or society the way we do. She is confused: why her Mom can't come home, scared for herself (and imaginary Teddy), and yet curious about her brother's death (whom no one will talk about).
The only criticism I might have is that Aoife sure is good at eavesdropping, or has the hearing of a superhero (lol). She is often found to be in just the right place to hear the adults talking. This is obviously a way for Nellums to easily convey the story to us without Aoife understanding what is said. But it does happen a few too many times for my liking.
Mental Health
This is a very poignant story portraying how mental health hurts surrounding the inflicted person. There is no ignoring it when down days happen, and there may be no reason why things strike someone the way they do. From the neighbour to Uncle Donny to (of course) Aoife herself; we see the drastic effects that the mother has on herself and those around her.
Twists and Turns
It might seem obvious what some of the twists and turns will be from the get-go. But I bet by three-quarters of the way the average person is so enthralled with Aoife and her perspective that they forget that her narration is from her eyes; and therefore may not be truly true. Anytime a child is the storyteller the reader needs to remember that they are unreliable. Aoife's voice is so strong at times that I would completely forget that her accounting of events or experiences weren't necessarily the truth. If you allow yourself to get lost with Aoife I think the twists and turns will hit you, like they did me.
Lies and the End
This is a wonderful story that reminds us that little kids always want their parents; even when said parent is ill or dangerous. All That's Bright and Gone brings out the darkness that many families try to hide and puts it on display smack dab in the middle of the street. Nellums does a great job of showing why we should always try to be honest with children. That lie, you think might keep them safe, may one day backfire. The more we lie to children the more we skew their interpretation of the world. Usually it's just best to tell the truth. Even when the truth is difficult, messy or undesirable. Nellums shows this so well by the end of the novel that I felt, as someone who tries to tell the truth to kids, that I wasn't doing enough (and I am not a parent) for the children in my life. And so I leave you with one of the (many) comments Aoife has about adults:
"Now that Dr. Pearlman pointed it out, grown-ups really do lie all the time."
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
Children Are Innocent
At the heart of this story is Aoife, a 6-year-old, who doesn't quite understand: the things going on around her, why she gets in trouble for talking to her imaginary friend, and that frozen chicken nuggets in the microwave are perhaps not a sustainable food for weeks on end. Right from the get go we realize that Aoife is a strong, resourceful little girl, who hates when adults say her name wrong. Her obsession with her name really struck me as genuine and conveyed the way children think well. Many times we are reminded that Aoife doesn't understand adults, health care or society the way we do. She is confused: why her Mom can't come home, scared for herself (and imaginary Teddy), and yet curious about her brother's death (whom no one will talk about).
The only criticism I might have is that Aoife sure is good at eavesdropping, or has the hearing of a superhero (lol). She is often found to be in just the right place to hear the adults talking. This is obviously a way for Nellums to easily convey the story to us without Aoife understanding what is said. But it does happen a few too many times for my liking.
Mental Health
This is a very poignant story portraying how mental health hurts surrounding the inflicted person. There is no ignoring it when down days happen, and there may be no reason why things strike someone the way they do. From the neighbour to Uncle Donny to (of course) Aoife herself; we see the drastic effects that the mother has on herself and those around her.
Twists and Turns
It might seem obvious what some of the twists and turns will be from the get-go. But I bet by three-quarters of the way the average person is so enthralled with Aoife and her perspective that they forget that her narration is from her eyes; and therefore may not be truly true. Anytime a child is the storyteller the reader needs to remember that they are unreliable. Aoife's voice is so strong at times that I would completely forget that her accounting of events or experiences weren't necessarily the truth. If you allow yourself to get lost with Aoife I think the twists and turns will hit you, like they did me.
Lies and the End
This is a wonderful story that reminds us that little kids always want their parents; even when said parent is ill or dangerous. All That's Bright and Gone brings out the darkness that many families try to hide and puts it on display smack dab in the middle of the street. Nellums does a great job of showing why we should always try to be honest with children. That lie, you think might keep them safe, may one day backfire. The more we lie to children the more we skew their interpretation of the world. Usually it's just best to tell the truth. Even when the truth is difficult, messy or undesirable. Nellums shows this so well by the end of the novel that I felt, as someone who tries to tell the truth to kids, that I wasn't doing enough (and I am not a parent) for the children in my life. And so I leave you with one of the (many) comments Aoife has about adults:
"Now that Dr. Pearlman pointed it out, grown-ups really do lie all the time."
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
October 28, 2019
Any author who is able to write a believable and thought-provoking story from the point-of-view of a child has a special place in my heart. I cannot imagine how difficult it must be to create such a book. To stay true to what a child’s mind is really like at such a young age (6-years-old in this case), and yet create a story that will keep the reader captivated, emotional, and mesmerized by its well written prose. Well, Eliza Nellums did it in her debut novel! This book was a delight to read, even thought at times my motherly heart was breaking, and I am looking forward to reading more of this author’s work.
Thank you NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and the author for providing me with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and the author for providing me with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 29, 2019
Aoife (Eef-fe) is a 6 year old who is struggling to understand what has happened to her family. This story is a bit like 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time' or 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas'. The child narrating the story is not really comprehending the magnitude of incidents and conversations as they occur, but you as an observer are able to read between the lines and piece together what is happening.
Aoife finds herself at home with her Uncle Donny and her imaginary friend Teddy, while her mother is in hospital because of her 'confusion'. Aoife with some assistance from her eight year old neighbour Hannah looks for clues as to how her brother 'Theo' died. Will these two be able to solve a murder? According to Hannah they will know the real murderer when he comes after them. For Aoife solving this mystery means making her mother better enough to come home again.
An interesting story of a family struggling with mental illness, interspersed with some humorous observations that could only be made by a six year old. Aoife will make you laugh and cry and want to hug her.
Thank you Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Aoife finds herself at home with her Uncle Donny and her imaginary friend Teddy, while her mother is in hospital because of her 'confusion'. Aoife with some assistance from her eight year old neighbour Hannah looks for clues as to how her brother 'Theo' died. Will these two be able to solve a murder? According to Hannah they will know the real murderer when he comes after them. For Aoife solving this mystery means making her mother better enough to come home again.
An interesting story of a family struggling with mental illness, interspersed with some humorous observations that could only be made by a six year old. Aoife will make you laugh and cry and want to hug her.
Thank you Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2020
DNF 50%
Novels with child narrators are either a hit (eg Room) or a miss (eg My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry ) with me.
Although this sweet story has its heart in the right place it felt as if the writing was just too simplistic to keep my attention and I ended up being very bored very quickly.
I must give credit to the audio narrator but even her talented narration could not save this for me.
Thank goodness Audible allows for exchanges.
Novels with child narrators are either a hit (eg Room) or a miss (eg My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry ) with me.
Although this sweet story has its heart in the right place it felt as if the writing was just too simplistic to keep my attention and I ended up being very bored very quickly.
I must give credit to the audio narrator but even her talented narration could not save this for me.
Thank goodness Audible allows for exchanges.
February 19, 2020
Thank you so much to Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I spent most of the book thinking 'oh my gosh, poor Aoife' (ee-fah). Then I realised that she was actually a very brave little girl, but I still felt bad for her situation. The book opens with an incident involving Aoife's mom, and slowly we find out the events and circumstances that led up to the event, which was some sort of psychological melt down
We meet Aoife's uncle Donny as he steps in to take care of her while the mother in the hospital. It is also revealed that there is a brother, Theo, and the plot actually revolves around his disappearance.
I think the book sounded maybe a little advanced, but about right for a six year old narrator. I don't normally like books narrated by kids but this one really worked. Aoife was a good little detective as she found out what happened to her brother. News flash to all the adults out there: kids can understand basic explanations of things! A big part of the plot was built around miscommunications and Aoife's curiosity over her brother, when no one would talk about him
I also really liked the little paranormal element with Teddy. Was Aoife a normal kid with an imaginary friend, or was she also schizophrenic or schizoaffective? (Was that the family disorder? It fits?). Or was Teddy...something else? The end was so perfect I loved it.
My only question...was Neddy Siobhan's third kid or was he unrelated? Who was the third kid if not? Why mention it if they're not in the story? The profile for Siobhans father might fit but they probably wouldn't have lived that close by.
This is a short book, I probably read it in 3 or 4 hours, and a great debut novel. Would fully recommend if it sounds up your alley
I spent most of the book thinking 'oh my gosh, poor Aoife' (ee-fah). Then I realised that she was actually a very brave little girl, but I still felt bad for her situation. The book opens with an incident involving Aoife's mom, and slowly we find out the events and circumstances that led up to the event, which was some sort of psychological melt down
We meet Aoife's uncle Donny as he steps in to take care of her while the mother in the hospital. It is also revealed that there is a brother, Theo, and the plot actually revolves around his disappearance.
I think the book sounded maybe a little advanced, but about right for a six year old narrator. I don't normally like books narrated by kids but this one really worked. Aoife was a good little detective as she found out what happened to her brother. News flash to all the adults out there: kids can understand basic explanations of things! A big part of the plot was built around miscommunications and Aoife's curiosity over her brother, when no one would talk about him
I also really liked the little paranormal element with Teddy. Was Aoife a normal kid with an imaginary friend, or was she also schizophrenic or schizoaffective? (Was that the family disorder? It fits?). Or was Teddy...something else? The end was so perfect I loved it.
My only question...was Neddy Siobhan's third kid or was he unrelated? Who was the third kid if not? Why mention it if they're not in the story? The profile for Siobhans father might fit but they probably wouldn't have lived that close by.
This is a short book, I probably read it in 3 or 4 hours, and a great debut novel. Would fully recommend if it sounds up your alley
August 12, 2019
Hold the presses...I absolutely LOVED this book, cannot say enough about how amazing it was and can't believe this is a debut novel. Eliza Nellums, if this is your first shot out of the gate, I can't wait to see what your future holds.
In the vein of Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend or Only Child, our narrator here in a child, more specifically, 6 year Aoife. Aoife is in the care of her uncle following her mother's hospitalization for some mental struggles related to the death of her older brother. Aoife is determined to find out what exactly happened to her brother in the hopes that it will bring her mom back to her faster. Along with the help of her neighbor Hannah and imaginary friend, Teddy (like the bear), Aoife just wants things to go back to normal.
Nellums does an excellent job at voicing Aoife and making you feel for her and her situation, while staying true to a child's voice. This book surely tugged at my heartstrings and while there is a mystery component, it appealed to me much more on an emotional level than anything.
Thank you to Crooked Lane for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
In the vein of Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend or Only Child, our narrator here in a child, more specifically, 6 year Aoife. Aoife is in the care of her uncle following her mother's hospitalization for some mental struggles related to the death of her older brother. Aoife is determined to find out what exactly happened to her brother in the hopes that it will bring her mom back to her faster. Along with the help of her neighbor Hannah and imaginary friend, Teddy (like the bear), Aoife just wants things to go back to normal.
Nellums does an excellent job at voicing Aoife and making you feel for her and her situation, while staying true to a child's voice. This book surely tugged at my heartstrings and while there is a mystery component, it appealed to me much more on an emotional level than anything.
Thank you to Crooked Lane for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
August 28, 2019
At the beginning of this book I thought I would enjoy it so much that I would read it quickly but I struggled.
It seemed to get more strange as time went on.
This is MY honest opinion on the book, please give it a go if you like the blurb.
It seemed to get more strange as time went on.
This is MY honest opinion on the book, please give it a go if you like the blurb.
October 17, 2019
"I know my brother is dead. But sometimes Mama gets confused."I have to admit to you, I went into All That's Bright and Gone with some trepidation, even though I was excited. A story narrated through a child's eyes can be done so well, if done properly. If not, it's... usually a case of a huge trainwreck.
But I really felt for Aoife, this inquisitive and emotional girl, who I just saw so much of my introverted child-self in. I burned with injustice for her, dealing with her mom's mental illness and grieving for her lost brother Theo. She's intelligent enough to know what the adults around her want her to do, and that they don't ever want to talk about Theo. But these adults, who are supposed to be helping her, just keep telling her to "wait until you're older, Eva."
I was immersed in this story, watching Aoife learn about her world, with my heart in my throat everytime she struggled. I love the slight magical realism included. I love the issues we saw. I love this. Aoife is a character who could take over the world, and I'm happy to have seen her conquer hers in this book.
I received a copy of this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for a review.
July 11, 2022
By turns poignant, heart wrenching & humorous. I'm a fan of charming, brave Aoife, whose unfailing faith helps to heal her wounded family. A worthwhile read!
June 28, 2019
"I don't like it when grown-ups cry. Most of all, I don't like it when Mama cries."
Y'all need to read this book! Really! I'm not kidding. Why is its publication date so far away? It needs to be out so that I can annoy the heck out of people by telling them to read it. I'll admit that I was a little disappointed because I did have extremely high hopes, but the book did offer what it promised, so I can't complain much. My unreasonable standards did hope for a mind-blowing psychological thriller, but where exactly is that written in the blurb? So yeah, it's good, and it's a reading experience very unique from usual mysteries and thrillers.
I know my brother is dead. But sometimes Mama gets confused.
Aoife, which is pronounced as Ee-fa, by the way (the grown-ups get it wrong almost all the time), is very confused about what is going on in her family. At the age of six, all she understands is that her mother is very confused and is hence in the hospital to become less confused. She also knows that it is rude to talk to people others can't see, and therefore knows she should cut back on speaking to her friend Teddy because no one else can see him but her. That's what got her Mama in the hospital - she was talking to Theo. Only, her brother, Theo has been gone. Gone as in gone forever. Gone as is dead. Whilst her Mama is in the hospital, she is put under the care of her Uncle Donny. After some implications from her friend Hannah, she has suspects that Theo was murdered. Aoife wants her mother to come back so that she can watch the fireworks with her, and the only way she could bring her back is by solving the mystery. With some help from Hannah and Teddy, she sets out to find her brother's killer. Told from a six year old's perspective, this is a unique and entrapping tale that will capture your attention throughout.
"Nobody ever wants to talk about Theo. Except Mama, and she can't stop."
The fact that the protagonist is only six is the reason why this story is so intriguing. Aoife is too young to comprehend what exactly is going on, and none of the adults are giving her the truth she wants to know. She basically has no information and has to start from the almost non-existent knowledge that she has, but the catch of that when questioned about Theo, nobody wants to talk about him, and she was only four when whatever that tragedy was took place. Nobody is willing to explain what happened to him, and she can't figure out much from the silence. That makes room for more imaginative theories and invisible friends. She loves her mother and desperately wants her back, so she simply must solve the mystery by wading through the lies the grown-ups shower upon her. Her innocence and immaturity that leads to such a chaotic adventure is frustrating to both her and the reader. She is deprived from enough information to work with and is too young to build rational theories.
"She says I'm like a Cabbage Patch Doll, that she found me growing in a garden and took my home."
The whole time I was reading this, all I could think was, "This is why I don't like kids." And I can't blame Aoife or any kid for that matter because it's not their fault that they are still growing. It's just irritating when I'm trying to focus on what this whole deal with Theo is and she keeps interrupting me with Children's Prison and a load of Biblical Saint stuff that Idon't understand. Clearly, she is just so powerless and innocent, and her reasoning skills are still developing. So if you ask me whether I personally liked her - well, no. But is she not an amiable character? She probably if. I'm just prejudiced. However, Aoife is the one that commands all the attention here. She is naive, but who can blame her? It's not her fault that her mind always associates people with different animals; that she easily believed her mother when she said that she had no father because she was born in a cabbage patch.
"If grown-ups can lie, then I can too."
Her narrative is flawed and it's not her fault. Her childlike sincerity is what makes her narration so unique and so special. The story is good, but there is lack of details, and the thing is, that lack of detail is what makes this seem plausible and genuine. There are gaps where they should be gaps, and had Aoife been a couple of years older, she would have never had a "mystery" to solve. We only know that whatever happened to Theo happened three years prior to the events, that he was 13 when it happened, and even during her private investigation, Aoife is given just a little bit more. And the depiction of the effects of mental illnesses on loved ones is just so wonderful portrayed that it's saddening.
"Mama plus me plus Theo equals three."
However, there was one thing that I didn't quite enjoy - the ending. The plot was going great, but as it entered the final couple of chapters, the quality of the story declined. It seemed odd and a bit rushed, so it didn't quite match the marvel of the rest of the book. The plot twist was a bit boring and predictable. It didn't quite deliver the "woooooooooow factor" that I was hoping to see, so that was a bit disappointing.
"New grown-ups always want to talk about my name. I don't know why they don't have anything more interesting to ask me."
Nevertheless, ignoring that, it was very compelling. While it's not some mind-blowing, suspenseful thriller, it is indeed exciting and it's uniqueness will definitely stick in my mind. Perhaps I might forget Aoife's name, and I had forgotten how it was supposed to be pronounced two seconds after she reminded someone how it's supposed to be pronounced, but I still applaud the selection. It sets her apart from any other six year old Katie, Emma and Grace. Also, the struggles of having an unusual name was quite entertaining, and I can definitely relate to people butchering my name. It was an interesting and enjoyable read, and I would still recommend it to others in spite of its shortcomings. Thanks to Netgalley for sending me an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
Y'all need to read this book! Really! I'm not kidding. Why is its publication date so far away? It needs to be out so that I can annoy the heck out of people by telling them to read it. I'll admit that I was a little disappointed because I did have extremely high hopes, but the book did offer what it promised, so I can't complain much. My unreasonable standards did hope for a mind-blowing psychological thriller, but where exactly is that written in the blurb? So yeah, it's good, and it's a reading experience very unique from usual mysteries and thrillers.
I know my brother is dead. But sometimes Mama gets confused.
Aoife, which is pronounced as Ee-fa, by the way (the grown-ups get it wrong almost all the time), is very confused about what is going on in her family. At the age of six, all she understands is that her mother is very confused and is hence in the hospital to become less confused. She also knows that it is rude to talk to people others can't see, and therefore knows she should cut back on speaking to her friend Teddy because no one else can see him but her. That's what got her Mama in the hospital - she was talking to Theo. Only, her brother, Theo has been gone. Gone as in gone forever. Gone as is dead. Whilst her Mama is in the hospital, she is put under the care of her Uncle Donny. After some implications from her friend Hannah, she has suspects that Theo was murdered. Aoife wants her mother to come back so that she can watch the fireworks with her, and the only way she could bring her back is by solving the mystery. With some help from Hannah and Teddy, she sets out to find her brother's killer. Told from a six year old's perspective, this is a unique and entrapping tale that will capture your attention throughout.
"Nobody ever wants to talk about Theo. Except Mama, and she can't stop."
The fact that the protagonist is only six is the reason why this story is so intriguing. Aoife is too young to comprehend what exactly is going on, and none of the adults are giving her the truth she wants to know. She basically has no information and has to start from the almost non-existent knowledge that she has, but the catch of that when questioned about Theo, nobody wants to talk about him, and she was only four when whatever that tragedy was took place. Nobody is willing to explain what happened to him, and she can't figure out much from the silence. That makes room for more imaginative theories and invisible friends. She loves her mother and desperately wants her back, so she simply must solve the mystery by wading through the lies the grown-ups shower upon her. Her innocence and immaturity that leads to such a chaotic adventure is frustrating to both her and the reader. She is deprived from enough information to work with and is too young to build rational theories.
"She says I'm like a Cabbage Patch Doll, that she found me growing in a garden and took my home."
The whole time I was reading this, all I could think was, "This is why I don't like kids." And I can't blame Aoife or any kid for that matter because it's not their fault that they are still growing. It's just irritating when I'm trying to focus on what this whole deal with Theo is and she keeps interrupting me with Children's Prison and a load of Biblical Saint stuff that Idon't understand. Clearly, she is just so powerless and innocent, and her reasoning skills are still developing. So if you ask me whether I personally liked her - well, no. But is she not an amiable character? She probably if. I'm just prejudiced. However, Aoife is the one that commands all the attention here. She is naive, but who can blame her? It's not her fault that her mind always associates people with different animals; that she easily believed her mother when she said that she had no father because she was born in a cabbage patch.
"If grown-ups can lie, then I can too."
Her narrative is flawed and it's not her fault. Her childlike sincerity is what makes her narration so unique and so special. The story is good, but there is lack of details, and the thing is, that lack of detail is what makes this seem plausible and genuine. There are gaps where they should be gaps, and had Aoife been a couple of years older, she would have never had a "mystery" to solve. We only know that whatever happened to Theo happened three years prior to the events, that he was 13 when it happened, and even during her private investigation, Aoife is given just a little bit more. And the depiction of the effects of mental illnesses on loved ones is just so wonderful portrayed that it's saddening.
"Mama plus me plus Theo equals three."
However, there was one thing that I didn't quite enjoy - the ending. The plot was going great, but as it entered the final couple of chapters, the quality of the story declined. It seemed odd and a bit rushed, so it didn't quite match the marvel of the rest of the book. The plot twist was a bit boring and predictable. It didn't quite deliver the "woooooooooow factor" that I was hoping to see, so that was a bit disappointing.
"New grown-ups always want to talk about my name. I don't know why they don't have anything more interesting to ask me."
Nevertheless, ignoring that, it was very compelling. While it's not some mind-blowing, suspenseful thriller, it is indeed exciting and it's uniqueness will definitely stick in my mind. Perhaps I might forget Aoife's name, and I had forgotten how it was supposed to be pronounced two seconds after she reminded someone how it's supposed to be pronounced, but I still applaud the selection. It sets her apart from any other six year old Katie, Emma and Grace. Also, the struggles of having an unusual name was quite entertaining, and I can definitely relate to people butchering my name. It was an interesting and enjoyable read, and I would still recommend it to others in spite of its shortcomings. Thanks to Netgalley for sending me an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2019
Aoife Scott is a six year old girl whose story begins after her mother has a breakdown that results in putting Aoife in extreme danger. Her mother has been hospitalized and Aoife, trying to make sense of the situation, believes that she needs to solve her brother’s murder and then her mother will be well again. She relies on her imaginary friend, Teddy, to help her through this emotionally confusing ordeal.
All That’s Bright and Gone is told from the perspective of a six year old. With that, you get all of the confusion that Aoife experiences as she tries to process her complicated world. Although her home life is dysfunctional, she is six and cannot identify it as such. She only knows she loves her mother. She is sure that the responsibility in bringing her mother home rests on her shoulders alone. If knowing that a six year old believes this enormous burden is hers to bear isn’t enough to break your heart, I don’t know what is.
Aoife’s innocence as she narrates her story is so well done and brings so much power to this already emotional tale. It made me think a lot about the world a six year old tries to process. The story through Aoife’s eyes was deeply touching, heartbreaking, and adorable.
The book blurb compares the story to the works of Jodi Picoult and Fredrik Backman. While both authors write compelling dramas, I felt this was much more Backman-ish in the way it tugs at the heartstrings.
All That’s Bright and Gone is a quick read and one that will stick with me forever. Aoife has made my list of favorite characters. I loved her so much. I would recommend this to everyone, as the story is excellent and, if nothing more, it should make us all question what we tell young children, how they cope with what they know, and what we expect them to understand.
All That’s Bright and Gone is told from the perspective of a six year old. With that, you get all of the confusion that Aoife experiences as she tries to process her complicated world. Although her home life is dysfunctional, she is six and cannot identify it as such. She only knows she loves her mother. She is sure that the responsibility in bringing her mother home rests on her shoulders alone. If knowing that a six year old believes this enormous burden is hers to bear isn’t enough to break your heart, I don’t know what is.
Aoife’s innocence as she narrates her story is so well done and brings so much power to this already emotional tale. It made me think a lot about the world a six year old tries to process. The story through Aoife’s eyes was deeply touching, heartbreaking, and adorable.
The book blurb compares the story to the works of Jodi Picoult and Fredrik Backman. While both authors write compelling dramas, I felt this was much more Backman-ish in the way it tugs at the heartstrings.
All That’s Bright and Gone is a quick read and one that will stick with me forever. Aoife has made my list of favorite characters. I loved her so much. I would recommend this to everyone, as the story is excellent and, if nothing more, it should make us all question what we tell young children, how they cope with what they know, and what we expect them to understand.
June 2, 2021
I sat down with ALL THAT'S BRIGHT AND GONE at 7 pm on a Saturday night, and didn't get up again until I'd turned the final page. Reminiscent of Emma Donoghue's ROOM, this book is just as poignant, but Eliza Nellums delivers a very clever twist. I can't think of many mysteries that I'd describe as both thrilling and sweet, but this one fits the bill. Mystery lovers of all kinds will enjoy this wholly original novel.
October 15, 2019
Aoife, excuse me, eeeeFAH, thinks nothing is wrong in her family. She thinks it's ok that her mother hasn't picked up the house in months. It's ok that they make forts in their house, and use old pizza boxes and baseball bases. Aoife is ok with the obsession her mother has for the church and for the saints that protect them. Therefore, when Aoife's mother has a breakdown in the middle of a busy intersection, leaving Aoife alone and in danger she thinks nothing of it and doesn't understand why everyone is so upset. Six year old Aoife knows she used to have a brother, and that brother is gone now. She thinks that's why her mother is sick, and if she could just figure out what happened to him, she might be able to bring her mother home.
This novel is very complex and simple at the same time. It is told from the viewpoint of a young six year old girl who doesn't understand herself what is going on. Her brother is missing she believes if she finds out what happened to him it will solve all her problems. Aoife also has an imaginary friend that get her into trouble, and seems far too real to her. It's hard to say if I enjoyed this book or not. It is hard reading a story told by a six year old, because you have to think more and slow down to understand how this little girl is feeling. It's actually rather inconvenient, and maybe this novel would have been better if the author went into the different adult's head for awhile and we could get different perspectives of the story. If I'm giving an honest review I will say I don't regret reading this novel, but it won't be one I recommend. Some might really enjoy reading it, however, it wasn't for me.
Rate: 2/5
Fiction
Author: Eliza Nellums
This novel is very complex and simple at the same time. It is told from the viewpoint of a young six year old girl who doesn't understand herself what is going on. Her brother is missing she believes if she finds out what happened to him it will solve all her problems. Aoife also has an imaginary friend that get her into trouble, and seems far too real to her. It's hard to say if I enjoyed this book or not. It is hard reading a story told by a six year old, because you have to think more and slow down to understand how this little girl is feeling. It's actually rather inconvenient, and maybe this novel would have been better if the author went into the different adult's head for awhile and we could get different perspectives of the story. If I'm giving an honest review I will say I don't regret reading this novel, but it won't be one I recommend. Some might really enjoy reading it, however, it wasn't for me.
Rate: 2/5
Fiction
Author: Eliza Nellums
October 21, 2019
We are introduced to 6 year old Aoife (Ee-fah) on a very bad and confusing day. It appears that her mom has had a bit of a nervous breakdown on while driving Aoife to the mall.
Fortunately she has her imaginary friend Teddy to make her feel safe while her mother stays in the hospital. When the hospital calls her Uncle Donovan to stay with her, we get a look into the life of a child being raised by a mother with mental illness.
As any young child, Aoife sees her life as perfectly normal. She knows that there are things you just don’t talk about, she is accepting and imaginative and has an overwhelming desire to just be good.
Aoife feels that if she could just stop talking to Teddy out loud and if she could just find a way to help her mother deal with the loss of her older brother Theo, her life can return to “normal”. Luckily Aoife has a neighbor named Hannah who is not only older (8!) but knows just how to solve a mystery.
Aoife is charming, she is imaginative and thoughtful. The way the family history is told and pulled back layer by layer helps the reader to draw the curtain back on a family full of love and heartache.
I found some of the antics that Aoife gets up to a little hard to believe of a six year old but her age is important the telling of the family tale.
This was a sweet and fast read that solves the mystery surrounding how and why Theo had to go away, how a family falls apart and comes back together and all the missteps along the way.
Fortunately she has her imaginary friend Teddy to make her feel safe while her mother stays in the hospital. When the hospital calls her Uncle Donovan to stay with her, we get a look into the life of a child being raised by a mother with mental illness.
As any young child, Aoife sees her life as perfectly normal. She knows that there are things you just don’t talk about, she is accepting and imaginative and has an overwhelming desire to just be good.
Aoife feels that if she could just stop talking to Teddy out loud and if she could just find a way to help her mother deal with the loss of her older brother Theo, her life can return to “normal”. Luckily Aoife has a neighbor named Hannah who is not only older (8!) but knows just how to solve a mystery.
Aoife is charming, she is imaginative and thoughtful. The way the family history is told and pulled back layer by layer helps the reader to draw the curtain back on a family full of love and heartache.
I found some of the antics that Aoife gets up to a little hard to believe of a six year old but her age is important the telling of the family tale.
This was a sweet and fast read that solves the mystery surrounding how and why Theo had to go away, how a family falls apart and comes back together and all the missteps along the way.
April 18, 2020
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books for providing me with a copy of Eliza Nellums’ novel, All That’s Bright and Gone, in exchange for an honest review.
Six-year old Aoife has recently witnessed her mother have a mental break-down at a shopping mall and is currently being cared for by her Uncle Donny, while her mother is recovering in a hospital. While living with her uncle, she tries to search for clues regarding the mystery surrounding her older brother, Theo. Her mother talks about Theo as though he is still alive, but Aoife is sure that he has been murdered. To add to Aoife’s confusion, her mother’s boyfriend has started coming around and he claims to be Aoife’s real father. Aoife attempts to navigate her muddled world with the help of her imaginary friend, Teddy, and her eight-year-old neighbor who is an amateur sleuth.
Nellums has created a vibrant and winning protagonist in Aoife. I think it is hard to craft a believable young child protagonist, but Nellum has nailed it, balancing Aoife’s precociousness with her innocence. Also balanced is the amount of truth that we know from the adults in Aoife’s world, allowing the reader insight to her reality vs. her assumptions. It is a compelling look at a child caught in the middle of adult issues.
Teddy makes the reader wonder if Aoife is headed down the same path toward mental illness as her mother or if an imaginary friend is simply a childhood rite of passage. Teddy resembles a teddy bear and he urges Aoife to act in ways that direct her toward danger. The inclusion of Teddy worked well to make me think that Aoife could be an unreliable narrator, but the uncertainty of it kept me on fence, adding to the mystery of the story.
I throughly enjoyed All That’s Bright and Gone. I truly had no idea where the story was headed, but was gripped from the start. I was hooked by the feeling of uncertainty and that Aoife might always be in danger. There is a great scene with a elderly neighbor that had me really worried for Aoife. Nellums never allows the tension to drop, which keeps the pacing tight and makes All That’s Bright and Gone a quick read.
Nellums is a gift writer with regard to both prose and plot. All That’s Bright and Gone is her debut novel and I’m looking forward to reading her future works.
Like my review? Check out my blog!
Six-year old Aoife has recently witnessed her mother have a mental break-down at a shopping mall and is currently being cared for by her Uncle Donny, while her mother is recovering in a hospital. While living with her uncle, she tries to search for clues regarding the mystery surrounding her older brother, Theo. Her mother talks about Theo as though he is still alive, but Aoife is sure that he has been murdered. To add to Aoife’s confusion, her mother’s boyfriend has started coming around and he claims to be Aoife’s real father. Aoife attempts to navigate her muddled world with the help of her imaginary friend, Teddy, and her eight-year-old neighbor who is an amateur sleuth.
Nellums has created a vibrant and winning protagonist in Aoife. I think it is hard to craft a believable young child protagonist, but Nellum has nailed it, balancing Aoife’s precociousness with her innocence. Also balanced is the amount of truth that we know from the adults in Aoife’s world, allowing the reader insight to her reality vs. her assumptions. It is a compelling look at a child caught in the middle of adult issues.
Teddy makes the reader wonder if Aoife is headed down the same path toward mental illness as her mother or if an imaginary friend is simply a childhood rite of passage. Teddy resembles a teddy bear and he urges Aoife to act in ways that direct her toward danger. The inclusion of Teddy worked well to make me think that Aoife could be an unreliable narrator, but the uncertainty of it kept me on fence, adding to the mystery of the story.
I throughly enjoyed All That’s Bright and Gone. I truly had no idea where the story was headed, but was gripped from the start. I was hooked by the feeling of uncertainty and that Aoife might always be in danger. There is a great scene with a elderly neighbor that had me really worried for Aoife. Nellums never allows the tension to drop, which keeps the pacing tight and makes All That’s Bright and Gone a quick read.
Nellums is a gift writer with regard to both prose and plot. All That’s Bright and Gone is her debut novel and I’m looking forward to reading her future works.
Like my review? Check out my blog!
December 9, 2019
Eliza Nellums delivers an emotional story about loss, pain, and mental illness. The book is written in the voice of six-year-old Aoife who is trying to make sense of her family. With the help of her imaginary friend Teddy, a bear, she will navigate the secrets and discover the truth about what happened to her brother Theo.
This book is pure raw emotions and will leave you stunned in the end. At first, I was not sure I would like it, but as the story developed, I could not put it down. A new side of the story was offered as I read along. The writing is beautiful and poignant. Kudo to Eliza Nellums for writing the book from the perspective of a child. Brilliantly done!
🙋🏼♀️ Thank you Crooked Lane Books and Penguin Random House Canada for sending me a final copy of this amazing novel. All That’s Bright and Gone by Eliza Nellums will be available at your favourite bookstore on December 10th.
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November 28, 2019
Received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
It reminds me a little of Fredrik Backman’s “my grandmother asked me to tell you she’s sorry”, but in a tamer version. Found it somewhat lacking and a little boring. On the plus side, it’s short and easy to read
It reminds me a little of Fredrik Backman’s “my grandmother asked me to tell you she’s sorry”, but in a tamer version. Found it somewhat lacking and a little boring. On the plus side, it’s short and easy to read
December 14, 2019
All That's Bright and Gone
by Eliza Nellums
What an interesting story unique in how it is told from 6 year old Aoifes view point. Aoife knows her brother The is dead, everybody knows this but she doesn't understand what happened to him and she wants that mystery solved. With the help of her invisible friend Teddy (who she knows she isn't supposed to be talking to) and her friend next door neighbor Hannah they begin to ask questions and find out what really happened to Theo all while trying to deal with her mom having a breakdown in the middle of the intersection of the mall and being taken to the hospital to be fixed so she is less confused. Excellent storyline and characters! Thank you Netgalley and the Publishers Crooked Lane for letting me read this and leave my honest opinion.
by Eliza Nellums
What an interesting story unique in how it is told from 6 year old Aoifes view point. Aoife knows her brother The is dead, everybody knows this but she doesn't understand what happened to him and she wants that mystery solved. With the help of her invisible friend Teddy (who she knows she isn't supposed to be talking to) and her friend next door neighbor Hannah they begin to ask questions and find out what really happened to Theo all while trying to deal with her mom having a breakdown in the middle of the intersection of the mall and being taken to the hospital to be fixed so she is less confused. Excellent storyline and characters! Thank you Netgalley and the Publishers Crooked Lane for letting me read this and leave my honest opinion.
December 7, 2020
A debut novel! Wow. It was so good. I loved how hearing the story through a six year old’s eyes allowed it to unravel slowly and made you question the reality of every situation.
January 14, 2020
I did not like this book. The format, the narrator, the characters, the plot was all off putting to my senses. The best part of this book for me is that it is a short one.
November 28, 2019
All That’s Bright and Gone
What a unique and heartwarming debut. This book should be on your radar if it isn’t already. December 10th isn’t too far off and you won’t want to miss out.
Told from the imaginative perspective of 6-year-old Aoife, after an incident lands her mother in the hospital, she sets out to find out the truth about her murdered brother, Theo. Aoife asks valid questions that require tough answers and some that require more than a little prodding. Life through the eyes of a young child is always such a good reminder of how precious life and family is to us all. I couldn’t help but think of my two boys and how they see the world around them. A childs’ love for their mother and family is so pure and sacred.
I hope you decide to take this journey with Aoife. Mothers especially will fall for this beautiful story.
What a unique and heartwarming debut. This book should be on your radar if it isn’t already. December 10th isn’t too far off and you won’t want to miss out.
Told from the imaginative perspective of 6-year-old Aoife, after an incident lands her mother in the hospital, she sets out to find out the truth about her murdered brother, Theo. Aoife asks valid questions that require tough answers and some that require more than a little prodding. Life through the eyes of a young child is always such a good reminder of how precious life and family is to us all. I couldn’t help but think of my two boys and how they see the world around them. A childs’ love for their mother and family is so pure and sacred.
I hope you decide to take this journey with Aoife. Mothers especially will fall for this beautiful story.
December 3, 2019
I don't usually read reviews while I'm reading a book because I don't want to be influenced. I read reviews while I was reading this book because I wanted to be influenced. The reviews are read are, by and large, quite positive. I wanted to be influenced toward that.
It didn't happen.
This book is weird. My review is basically a list of trigger warnings - very badly handled severe mental illness (which kind of magically goes away in the blink of an eye... in more than one person), religious delusions, anti-lgbt stereotypes thrown around and never resolved, kidnapping, bullying, emotional manipulation of a child, hints of pedophilia (except it's sleepwalking???), murder (except maybe not really???).
This book has it all. If you like that sort of thing, all these things told from the perspective of a six year old girl, give it a go. No judgment from me. This book... it was just not my cup of tea.
It's not a bad book, at all, or even particularly offensive. It was just... too weird. Too much. Too much weird. For me.
Thanks, in any case, to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the chance to read an advance copy of this book.
It didn't happen.
This book is weird. My review is basically a list of trigger warnings - very badly handled severe mental illness (which kind of magically goes away in the blink of an eye... in more than one person), religious delusions, anti-lgbt stereotypes thrown around and never resolved, kidnapping, bullying, emotional manipulation of a child, hints of pedophilia (except it's sleepwalking???), murder (except maybe not really???).
This book has it all. If you like that sort of thing, all these things told from the perspective of a six year old girl, give it a go. No judgment from me. This book... it was just not my cup of tea.
It's not a bad book, at all, or even particularly offensive. It was just... too weird. Too much. Too much weird. For me.
Thanks, in any case, to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the chance to read an advance copy of this book.
June 12, 2025
This was an interesting book. It was reminiscent of, Room, by Emma Donoghue as it was told through the eyes of a 6 year old girl. It gave a unique perspective of how children view the world and what is important to them and how the world is interpreted. This reminded me, as the mother of a six year old, how important it is to explain things and not always shield children from reality. I read parts of this book to my daughters, as it gave a nice explanation of what I do for a living working for “sea pee-ess.” So much can be misconstrued and the inportance of children’s safety.
“Mama says I should ask politely and be gracious about the chance to learn something new.”
I enjoyed, All That’s Bright and Gone, and will be looking forward to reading more by Eliza Nellums. Solid 4 stars!
Thank you Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for my advanced copy of, All That’s Bright and Gone, in exchange for my honest review.
“Mama says I should ask politely and be gracious about the chance to learn something new.”
I enjoyed, All That’s Bright and Gone, and will be looking forward to reading more by Eliza Nellums. Solid 4 stars!
Thank you Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for my advanced copy of, All That’s Bright and Gone, in exchange for my honest review.
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