Book Review: The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff
From the moment I heard about The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff, I felt an almost magnetic pull to the story. A debut novel heralded with raving endorsements had me intrigued. But little did I know that diving into this book would lead me down a rollercoaster of emotions—one that left me both broken and profoundly grateful for the ride.
At its core, The Bright Years is a sweeping family saga spanning sixty-one years, where every page pulses with the weight of love, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships. The narrative unfolds within the lives of the Bright family, particularly through the lens of Lillian and her daughter Georgette. It beautifully captures the triumphs and tragedies that navigate their existence, revealing profound truths about motherhood, addiction, and the raw essence of family ties. As Lillian grapples with her troubled past and Ryan’s struggles with alcoholism, the evolution of their characters felt so visceral that I found myself fully immersed in their journey—often laughing, sobbing, and cringing through their highs and lows.
One of the most compelling aspects of Damoff’s writing is her ability to blend heart-wrenching moments with humor and warmth. The pacing is both reflective and swift; the nonlinear timeline allows for a deep exploration of themes like loss and recovery without losing a sense of immediacy. I came away with a vivid sense of not just the Bright family’s struggles, but also their moments of light—like Georgette’s pet border collie, aptly named Stethoscope, or her adventures with photography that mirrored her father’s artistry.
Damoff’s use of poignant, impactful quotes is another highlight that resonated with me deeply. Lines like, “You don’t have to be a baby to want your mom,” capture the universal longing for maternal love while also acknowledging the complexities of those relationships. Likewise, the thought “Hate is anemic when love hangs around like turpentine in the upholstery,” simply took my breath away, underlining the healing power of love amidst the darkest circumstances.
While the book addresses serious themes—such as alcoholism, emotional abuse, and loss—what struck me is how Damoff balances these with underlying currents of hope and redemption. The journey of Lillian, Ryan, and Georgette is not merely a tale of despair but a testament to growth, patience, and the gradual healing that love can bring, however imperfect it may be.
If you’re searching for literature that will thoroughly engage your heart and soul, then I cannot recommend The Bright Years enough. It’s a reading experience that will resonate with anyone who has felt the complexities of familial love and loss. For those who appreciate a gripping emotional narrative steeped in realism and relatability, this novel will undoubtedly leave its mark. And like me, you might just find yourself—snot bubbles and all—ugly sobbing on the couch, reading late into the night.
Ultimately, The Bright Years holds a special place in my heart, and I can easily see it becoming a favorite for many readers in 2025. So, do yourself a favor and grab a copy. You’ll want to bear witness to the beautiful wreckage that is the Bright family as you step into their world and feel every ounce of their joys and sorrows. Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an ARC of this masterpiece, which I know will resonate for years to come.