Let It Destroy You: A Novel

by Harriet Alida Lye

Inspired by the true story of a dangerous atomic weapon and the man who designed it, here is a stunning novel of morality, creation, and loss from the acclaimed author of The Honey Farm and Natural Killer.

It is August 12, 1945. Tomorrow, August Snow will be tried at the International War Crimes Court for patenting a more lethal variation on the atomic bomb. He invented a radiation machine to cure his young daughter’s cancer, despite knowing that the very same technology was capable of great destruction, and inevitably profited from disaster. But are his intentions relevant when the fate of the world is at stake?

August’s former wife, June, will also attend the hearing. Restless in her Hague hotel room the night before, she keeps watch over their daughter and reflects on the events that brought them here. She had nothing to do with making the bomb. But is she innocent? Wouldn’t any wife and mother have done the same thing in her shoes? And now, will it cost her everything?

Inspired by the physicist Leó Szilárd and the letters he wrote his wife, Gertrud "Trude" Weiss, Let It Destroy You is told in parallel narratives and ventures from Budapest to Berlin to Colorado, and back to Europe. It is a love story about two people whose destinies are bound by everything they share, and all that they’ve kept from one another. Above all, it is a testament to the logic-defying love of a parent who will stop at nothing to protect their child.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Canada, Literary Fiction, Audiobook, Historical

256 pages, Paperback

Published June 6, 2023

About the author

Harriet Alida Lye is the author of four books: two novels, one memoir, and one children's picture book. Her work has been published in The New York Times, The Globe & Mail, The National Post, The Happy Reader, Hazlitt, Vice, Catapult, and more. She founded the literary magazine Her Royal Majesty, which ran for six years and republished the first ever short story by Alice Munro. She teaches Creative Writing at the University of Toronto. She lives in Toronto with her partner, their two children, and two dogs.

Reviews

[Penny (Literary Hoarders) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exquisitely written. A beautiful love story between August and June unfolds as well as their love for their daughter, Leora. Very much enjoyed reading this one. It will be interesting to see if this is a novel that this year's Giller jury selects for its Longlist? I would be thrilled to see it there - this novel contains a beautifully written story.

[Harriet Lye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t have done it better myself.

[Book.ishJulie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll start my review of Let It Destroy You by Harriet Alida Lye by sharing what I immediately DM'd Lye upon finishing: "This is my favourite book of the year. Thank you so much for writing it."

I'm very confused with how to write my review, though, because what I loved SO much about it feels like a major spoiler. So, I will share that the wide range of emotions I felt was exactly what I love (and would be how I'd write a book if I were to ever venture down that road).

What an absolutely incredible, incredible book. It's simply beautifully written. The choice of words are on the edge of poetry, and they are artfully strung together.

August and June are based on real people, and we dive into their relationship within the novel, so they do feel very real - but Lye took them even further. I loved them both. I hated them both. I was beyond invested in them.

If given the chance, listen to the audio book. The author narrates as well as Charlie Carrick, and their voices add so much more depth to the story. The emotions came across more than just the written words on a page.

This story is about love. It's about motherhood. It's the sweetest book. It's the saddest book. I'm going to think about this book for a long time, and I will absolutely be rereading it because it's just that incredible.

Thank you Tandem Collective Global, Penguin Random House and McClelland & Stewart for the complimentary copy to read and review.

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[Talia Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this wayyy faster than I expected for a novel with a historical undertone. The writing is gorgeous— lyrical, immersive, and emotional without being overwrought. I found myself rereading lines just to soak them in again. The characters are so well-developed and rawly human. Based on true events and real people, this book balances history with heartache so well, would definitely recommend!

[Maddie Woda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely novel with an incredible premise—extremely nuanced emotion held within spare prose! Such a fan of Harriet’s work.

[Keila (speedreadstagram) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s 1945 and August Snow is on trial at the International War Crimes Court for patenting a more lethal version of the atomic bomb. He invented the radiation machine to cure his young daughter’s cancer, despite knowing that the same technology was capable of great destruction – and he profited from the disaster.

June, August’s former wife, will also be attending the hearing. Even though she had nothing to do with making the bomb, she ponders if she was innocent? To what lengths would a mother go to save their child?

I really enjoyed the story of motherhood throughout this book. It really didn’t start until the second half, but then it did, and it was gorgeous. My qualms come from the fact that it was entirely made up. Which, yes, fiction, but then I read the true story and then I just realized how self-centered the character August was. The book made it seem like he was a noble, selfless man who sacrificed so much for his family, when he created this all for himself. That’s fine, I just felt that the author too way too many liberties with the story for my liking. I did really enjoy the dual narration – this is always my favorite way to enjoy a story. I also enjoyed learning more about the creation of the radiation machine.

This is an interesting read, and I do recommend it – if only for the beautiful story of motherhood.

Thank you so much to Penguin Random House Canada – McClelland & Stewart, and Netgalley, @netgalley, for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Additional links will be added once posted.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing I loved about this book was that it contained some of the most beautiful passages about motherhood.
I thought that the novel started off slowly. Honestly it was as though June become her true self when she became a mother. I cannot get over how much I loved that aspect of this novel.
Therefore, I enjoyed the second half of the book more than the first.
Interesting concepts to think about…
I enjoyed the dual narrative.
Recommend.

“Find what you love, and let it destroy you.”

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely one of my fave books of the year! Exquisitely written in gorgeous, spare prose, this book pulled me in and immediately had me captivated from the first page!
Loosely based on and inspired by real historical figures, Lye's novel tells a beautiful, powerful story about not only science and the landscape of the world in the late 1930s and early 40s, but also about falling in and out of love, and the complex burdens that come with motherhood.
The book follows 2 POV characters, August and June, and the characters felt so real (which may partially be because they are loosely based on real people). I loved reading from June's perspective most of all, who very much read like a real woman who both loves her daughter but wishes motherhood didn't have to be her full identity, and loves her absentee husband but also has to come to terms with the moment when she has to stop loving him. Her husband, August, was so insufferable and selfish, but the author did such a good job at 1) making me hate him and 2) still finding him so belieavable (the hubris of man).
If you like historical fiction, or books loosely based on other people, or family dramas, I definitely recommend picking this up!

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved so many aspects of this story! Especially June's perspectives. I loved her feelings and perspectives towards motherhood and how strong and independent she was regardless of how August acted. I felt like August was incredibly selfish and couldn't stand his chapters. Overall though it was a beautifully written story that read like poetry at times.

Thank you to tandem collective for the finished copy in exchange for an honest review.

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[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a perfectly lovely novel about a crumbling relationship...but I was more interested in the science/nuclear/war criminal side of the story, and that was lacking. A pleasant enough diversion, but not quite the book I was hoping to read.

[Ingrid Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book by Harriet Alida Lye captivated me from the start. Lye writes with such incredibly rich prose. Her descriptions captivate without ever dragging and her characters were so real to me that I felt grief over saying good-bye to them when the book ended. Although the story is a fictionalized version of the story of real-life people, it introduces universal themes: the he said/she said perspective of a long-term couple, the ethical dilemmas that can come out of innovations, intention vs outcome when determining guilt, parenthood and the way it is experienced by mothers vs fathers. The background of the rise of the Hitler and WWII make the story even more compelling, filling the reader with a sense of dread long before the central conflict of the plot even arises.
When I finished the book, I decided to listen to the audiobook. The two narrators, Charlie Carrick as August and the author as June, give life to these characters. I felt like I recognized each one immediately and understood their motivations much more deeply than I had previously. Carrick has a rich voice with beautiful diction and his August is thoughtful, analytical, ambitious and strangely vulnerable. He loves June and believes he is doing his best for his family. Lye as June, brings a softness to the character, a wistfulness that made my heart break for her as she falls in love with August, builds a life for herself and then watches it slipping away from her.
I highly recommend this book. It is one of the best books I've read this year!

[Erica B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I joined a Tandem Global Collective Readalong for this one and upon reading the summary for our start I thought it might be a bit too detailed and scientific - a slower drier read. But was nothing like that. Tells the tale from a split narrative of a scientist who while creating a cure for cancer for his daughter also contributes to creating a bomb of mass destruction, and his wife, a mother who has been laid aside while the scientist pursues his career.

First, I love historical fiction for bringing events to light that make me want to know more. Based on the authour's note, this was a bit removed from reality, but am still interested to hear more about the scientist who was her inspiration. And then also I loved the pace. It switched narratives and timelines, but instead of being confusing, that just kept me interested without feeling like it was dragging. The only thing was sometimes I would have liked if it indicated the timing at the start of the chapter, I got a bit confused with how old their daughter was. Also agree with many of my fellow readers, mostly as it seemed such a big part of the summary and build up, think I could have used more chapters during the trial.

Overall I enjoyed the ending, but just due to the summary (why I try not to read) I felt a bit like, um isn't there more as to the outcome. Instead the book was really about the relationship between August and June- a poignant view of a challenging relationship. I also felt there could have been more time spent on nuancing the ethical dilemma of creating the bomb and current issues- AI, genetics, etc. But writing was great- literary but concrete story which I need. Recommend it.

Thanks to the author, Tandem Collective, Penguin Randomhouse Canada and McClelland and Stewart for the ARC

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[Ola S · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Let It Destroy You" by Harriet Alida Lye draws inspiration from the love story between physicist Leo Szilard and his wife Gertrude Weiss, weaving a poignant narrative around August Snow and June. While grounded in historical events, Lye takes creative liberties by altering names and introducing a fictional daughter battling cancer, adding a layer of complexity to their lives.

The alternating perspectives of August and June unveil their love story, from the forces that united them to the strains that eventually tore them apart. The divergence from Leo and Gertrude's childless reality to the book's portrayal of a daughter with cancer introduces a compelling twist, intertwining personal and scientific dilemmas.

Lye's prose is poetic, with June's beautifully crafted depiction of motherhood. Opting for the audio version enhanced my experience, as the narrators breathed life into the narrative, adding depth and emotion. Lye took on the role of one of the narrators, voicing the perspective of June.

While acknowledging the fictitious nature of the tale, it doesn't diminish the book's allure. For those seeking a deeper dive into Leo Szilard's life and the scientific backdrop, "Genius in the Shadows" is recommended. Personally, I opted for Szilard's own perspective in the article "My Trial as a War Criminal" for a better understanding about his trial.

"Let It Destroy You" is a blend of fact and fiction, with its evocative prose and complex narrative making it an interesting read, further enriched by exploring the factual accounts that inspired it.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note that I got this book for free from a Goodreads Giveaway. My opinions are my own.

This book was inspired by the true story of the creation of the cobalt bomb, and other nuclear usages of cobalt, but it is complete fiction. The names of the major characters have all been changed, and real life events are entirely fictional.

August Snow's goal is to create cheap and clean energy for everyone, and he conceives that this can be achieved by using cobalt, and he also realizes that this technology can be used for health care purposes as well. However, due to his research, he knows that great harm can come from this as well, in the form of a cobalt bomb that could end all life on earth. Because of a patent for this cobalt bomb, he is going on trial for war crimes, despite the fact that he never had any intentions of creating such a bomb.

But the story is not really about August's research or the nuclear technology. It is the story of his relationship with his wife, June (a former student), and their daughter Leora.

It was definitely interesting reading about August and June's relationship, and their escape to American given the persecutions that Jewish people faced in Europe in the 1930s & 1940s. The story is all told through flashbacks, as August and June both wait through the long night before August's trial. So their history was interspersed with their present reality, with the true story of the cobalt bomb not being revealed until just before the end.

[Crystal books_inthewild · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted a copy as part of a read along, and wow did I enjoy reading this one AND discussing it alongside other readers! So much to unpack and connect with, and it really enhanced the story to be able to read it in sections & discuss along the way.

I loved that this story was based on real people in history, which always inspires me to go look up there people and their lives (the author writes about who the real people were and the parallels she drew to the characters of August and June). I also loved that this story was about so much more than science and this time in history- it was about marriage, and motherhood, and the triumphs & tragedies in parenthood.

A few of my favourite lines:
“It is the late summer, and what falls is not snow, but ash. The ash is the reason I am here. It is why they are calling me a war criminal.” 4

“Like I’m pretending to be a slighted mother, an innocent woman.” 15 June

“Life matters to me. This, I realize, is where I must prove myself to them.” 26, August

“August has always been the one to hold all the power, and tomorrow, he has the power to end me.” June, 43

Such a powerful story, with amazing, almost poetic writing. If you love historical fiction or stories of families, this is absolutely a must-read.

[Laura - Book In Still Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review - Let It Destroy You by @harrietalida

A stunning novel of morality, ambition, and loss inspired by the true story of the atomic bomb and the man who designed it, this book surprised me in the best way. I’ve read a lot of World War 2 inspired books recently, and I went into this book expecting more of the same - politics and intrigue and action scenes. I expected a play-by-play of the decisions to make and use the atomic bomb, and then a similar play-by-play of the war crimes trial to follow.

This was not that book. Instead, within the pages of I found some of the most beautiful character studies I have read in a long time. The raw confessions from both characters, the physicist August and his ex-wife June, regarding love, ambition, parenting, loss, and so many poignant topics were poetic, in equal measures heartfelt and tragic, and compulsively quotable. I don’t usually write in my novels, but if you like to annotate you could have quite the time marking this one up.

A huge thanks to @penguinrandomca for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

[MCheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a little while to get into this book. I found the pacing to be boring and the writing style just not my thing. I hate it when first person characters give a detailed description of what they look like.

Once I got into a bit more I could appreciate the picture of their relationship that the author painted by giving us snippets of memories and situations. I did feel very disconnected on an emotional level though, because I felt the book itself was focused on “the big reveal” of what June had done. It made me feel impatient to read through and find out what it was already. It was also jarring to flip back and forth on the timeline and between characters. I felt for such a short book it just interrupted the flow too much.

I saw someone else write that the book gave watered-down Oppenheimer vibes and I couldn’t agree more.

It was an okay read overall, the writing wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t my preferred style. It explored interesting themes of guilt and prompted questions about blame (is it the person, their ideas, the consequences of those ideas, or all three).

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written book based on true characters and a story that is particularly relevant given the recent release of the movie Oppenheimer. I loved the dual narrative told from the perspectives of June and August. June’s story is largely imagined as the author tells us at the end of the book that there was not much available from her (Trude Weiss). August appears to be a much more humane man than his real life character (Leo Szilard) actually was, however it is his inner perceptions on the situations that are reflected. Leora is a beautiful little girl and June is a wonderful mother to her given that she was left to raise her in challenging circumstances with an absentee husband. A different type of relationship for certain.

It’s the flow of the words and thoughts of the characters that makes this such a captivating story. I appreciated Harriet’s writing style, enjoying the read. I would definitely read another book by her.

[Linnea Thiem · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Find what you love, and let it destroy you."

This gem of a historical fiction novel revolves around this simple phrase, as told through the viewpoints of estranged husband and wife August and June Snow. Alternating between the two, the story unfolds upon the backdrop of the atomic development during World War II. But the real heart of the story hits much closer to home: two parents' fight to save their daughter from the unthinkable, and their fundamental incompatibility and miscommunications that drive them apart and propels the world toward disaster. The unreliability of the narrators as the story develops only furthers the sense of two people trying desperately to control the uncontrollable. The ultimate revelations of what August and June love, and how it destroys them both, is perfection.

I only take away a star because I like my books to have a definite conclusion rather than an ending that is open to interpretation. But otherwise this book was excellent.

[Colline Vinay Kook-Chun · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novel is told in a 2 person POV : August (the physicist) and June (his wife and the mother of his daughter). Their contrasting viewpoints highlights how there can be a lack of communication between two people who live one another, and calls one to think about the consequences of neglect in a relationship.

I really connected with June's thoughts in motherhood as what she expressed in the novel were often my thoughts when my children were very young. The writer deftly writes her voice - and kept me connected to the character.

I was disappointed a little that some of the criminal court proceedings weren't described. However, I did not feel the loss. Let It Destroy You kept me engaged while reading and will easily rank high among my top reads for 2023.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

|| LET IT DESTROY YOU ||
#gifted/@penguinrandomca
✍🏻
Calling all historical/biographical fiction fans!

I found this novel, based on true events, to be wonderfully written and nuanced. Lye captivated me right away. Such an intriguing premis but I loved how the authors told the story the most. Through a duel narrative we get to know these two characters, hear their story. I found this format was done brilliantly. I dont reach for historical type fiction often but very much enjoyed this dramatic story! On the complexities of marriage, ambition, motherhood, scientific discoveries, power and personal connection.

For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong

[Heidi Madden · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had high expectations for this book based on the description and I, personally, was very disappointed. “Inspired by the true story” doesn’t mean there’s a lot of link to actual events. This book is a work of fiction. It’s based on some real people but the whole story is a complete fabrication including their daughter. Actual fiction is one thing but making stuff up, including a fake daughter, to explore how you think people think or react just isn’t what I enjoy reading. If you know that and know that it’s “literature” and that it’s more about the very unhappy life the two main characters have together, you may enjoy it more. I did not.

[Keira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a Goodreads Giveaway.

I was shocked at how much I enjoyed this book. Normally, switching perspectives back and forth is not my cup of tea, but I loved seeing the different sides of August and June’s marriage and their separate but equal love for their daughter. I also learned something and didn’t even know it, although my eyes glazed over whenever August got really into the science stuff.
I did not expect what conspired at the end to happen, and I will leave it at that. Thank you for the opportunity to read this lovely work.

[Breanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first 5 star read of 2025!

Beautiful, with so many words that speak to being not just human, but the various identities one can take on.

When I started the book, and I realized that the story was going to be leading up to the court date, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to keep reading. But I’m so glad I did. I was hooked 3 seconds after I decided to continue.

I knew less than a quarter in that I would be grabbing a copy for my personal library, and that I will re-read it one day with tabs and highlighters for the lines that moved me.

[bookishandpuzzled · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a powerful story of love, morality, hope, and fear. It’s beautifully written in dual POV that highlights the viewpoints of the two main characters: August and June. It kept me engaged right from the beginning and it was so interesting to see how their thinking changed from start to finish. It’s thought provoking, making you think about your own ethics and parenthood and what you would do if put in the same situation. I would have loved to know more about the trial but the book is perfect the way it is! ♥️

[Penn Kemp · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Find what you love, and let it destroy you.”

Very apt exploration of ethics in science, in junction with the film now playing, Oppenheimer. The story of atomic scientist Leo Szilard inspires the character of August Snow, in a fictional trial at the 1945 International War Crimes Court for patenting the radiation machine to cure his child’s cancer. Listen to the audiobook with two narrators, Charlie Carrick as August and Harriet Alida Lye as June.

McClelland & Stewart

[Chelsie Popp · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing of this book was very beautiful. Lots of emotion and relationship trauma. I listened to it as an audiobook, and the narration change between chapters helped keep my attention. I gave it 3 stars because I would have loved a more detailed ending. I would have liked to hear about the court process and what happens to August, but for a love story, I guess that wasn't necessary. It gave watered down Oppenheimer vibes in a good way.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lye's inventive story leads readers to be curious about an age so often misunderstood in US history in particular. Her ability to discuss the themes of family, conflict and scientific progress all while incorporating an immersive world helps readers envision themselves in the characters' situations. Overall, Lye's novel helps you understand, as she writes, that obsessions can be thrilling and helpful yet ultimately damaging.

[Dave Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m getting old. I read books and they remind me of other books. Or they use narrative devices that I’ve seen before. This book falls into both categories.

That isn’t to say it was bad. I really enjoyed it, but it was another story of a fictionalized scientist and using flashbacks to tell a story. I appreciated the merging of Judaism and atheism in the face of the nazis, and the female perspective on motherhood was interesting.

[Ellen Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harriet Alida Lye has written a strikingly intimate novel with profound reverberations. August and June's love is as touching as it is cruel, and their determination to protect their daughter will remind you of the staggering potential of science and our search for those little bursts of light in our darkest hours.