Brightly Shining is the most recent book by Ingvild H. Rishøi to be translated into English. Originally published in Norwegian in November of 2021, this short tale will be available in English on November 19, 2024. Readers are transported to a small town in Norway where Ronja and Melissa try to survive.
I want to thank Grove Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Shining Brightly. All opinions presented here are solely mine.
Synopsis from Goodreads
Christmas is around the corner, and Ronja’s father is out of work again, but it seems that their luck has turned when she gets him a job selling Christmas trees. But the local pub has a stronger pull on him than his family’s wellbeing, and in order to keep social services at bay, Ronja and her sister are forced to fend for themselves. If he won’t sell Christmas trees, they will do it for him.
Positives
- It is a short read set during the holiday season.
- Less than 200 pages.
- Interesting cast of characters
- The narrator is 10-year-old Ronja.
Negatives
- I wish it were longer to help flesh out the story more.
- The ending is vague.
My Opinions
If you are looking for a feel-good holiday story, this book is not for you. If you are looking for a book set during the holidays that offers an honest look at life, especially the uglier side of it, then this book may interest you.
Ronja is a child, and the holiday season fills her with wonder, joy, and hope. Isn’t that what the holiday season is about? Melissa is a teen who has seen enough and knows enough not to let the shine and sparkle of the season get to her. Their father has an addiction, one who can’t see what he’s doing to his daughters. There is no mother about it, so it falls on Melissa to be Ronja’s parents.
The story is told through Ronja’s eyes; as such, there is a certain childlike curiosity about things and a certain childlike resilience. Sometimes, her thoughts jump to conclusions that only a child can make, but she is determined to do what needs to be done.
While this book is set during the holidays, it doesn’t have to be read during the holidays. As much as the story revolves around selling Christmas trees, it also revolves around struggling to survive when those around you cannot help you as they should.
Are you looking for some more books to read? Check out my bookish lists, book reviews, and monthly reading wrap-ups.
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