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The Beauty of Broken Things summary
Brief summary
The Beauty of Broken Things by Victoria Connelly is a heartwarming story about finding love and healing in unexpected places. It follows the journey of two individuals who come together and discover the beauty in their brokenness.
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The Beauty of Broken Things
Summary of key ideas
The Unlikely Alliance
In The Beauty of Broken Things by Victoria Connelly, we are introduced to Luke Hansard, a grieving widower who is struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of his wife, Helen. In an attempt to honor her memory, Luke seeks solace in the things Helen loved, particularly her passion for photography. This leads him to an online community of like-minded individuals, including a mysterious and reclusive photographer named Orla Kendrick.
Orla, living in the remote Suffolk countryside, has built a fortress around herself, using her photography to capture the beauty of broken and discarded objects. She is scarred, both physically and emotionally, by a traumatic event in her past, and has chosen to live a life of seclusion. When Luke reaches out to her, hoping to connect over their shared love for Helen, Orla is initially resistant, but eventually agrees to meet him.
The Healing Power of Friendship
As Luke and Orla's unlikely alliance develops, they begin to share their individual stories of loss and pain. Luke opens up about his struggle to cope with Helen's death, and Orla gradually reveals the horrifying event that led to her seclusion. Despite their different coping mechanisms, they find solace in each other's company, and Luke becomes determined to help Orla heal from her past trauma.
Orla, in turn, helps Luke come to terms with his grief, showing him that it's okay to move forward while still cherishing the memories of his late wife. Their friendship deepens as they embark on a joint photography project, capturing the beauty of broken objects in a way that reflects their own healing journey.
Confronting the Past
However, their progress is threatened when Orla's traumatic past resurfaces in the form of an unexpected visitor. This unwelcome intrusion forces Orla to confront the events she has been trying to escape, and she is plunged back into a state of fear and isolation. Luke, realizing that Orla needs to face her past in order to truly move forward, provides her with the support she needs to confront her demons.
Together, they unravel the truth behind Orla's past, leading to a powerful moment of closure and healing for both of them. Orla, finally free from the shackles of her past, begins to embrace life again, while Luke finds the strength to let go of his guilt and allow himself to love once more.
The Beauty of Imperfection
In the end, The Beauty of Broken Things beautifully illustrates the transformative power of friendship and love in the face of tragedy. Luke and Orla's journey teaches us that healing is not about erasing our scars, but about finding beauty in our imperfections and strength in our vulnerabilities. Their shared passion for photography, particularly capturing the beauty of broken things, serves as a poignant metaphor for their own healing process.
As the novel draws to a close, both characters emerge stronger and more whole, their brokenness adding to their unique beauty. They have learned to embrace their past, find joy in the present, and look forward to the future with hope. In the end, The Beauty of Broken Things is a touching reminder that, sometimes, the most beautiful things can emerge from the darkest of places.
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What is The Beauty of Broken Things about?
The Beauty of Broken Things by Victoria Connelly is a heartwarming story about finding beauty in unexpected places. When artist Orla returns to her childhood home to care for her ailing grandmother, she discovers a hidden attic full of broken antiques. As she begins to restore these items, she also starts to mend her own broken heart. This novel reminds us that sometimes the most beautiful things are the ones that have been repaired and loved despite their flaws.
The Beauty of Broken Things Review
The Beauty of Broken Things by Victoria Connelly (2021) explores the transformative power of love and art in healing emotional scars. Here's why this book is worth a read:
- Featuring deeply relatable characters and their intricate emotional journeys, it immerses readers in a poignant exploration of resilience and redemption.
- The novel beautifully intertwines the themes of healing through creativity, showcasing how art can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing.
- Through its nuanced storytelling and unexpected twists, the book keeps readers engaged, offering a heartfelt and compelling narrative that is far from boring.
Who should read The Beauty of Broken Things?
Readers who enjoy emotionally rich and character-driven stories
Those who appreciate themes of healing, redemption, and finding beauty in imperfection
People who are drawn to complex and flawed characters with relatable struggles
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The Beauty of Broken Things FAQs
What is the main message of The Beauty of Broken Things?
The main message of The Beauty of Broken Things revolves around finding beauty and growth in imperfection and vulnerability.
How long does it take to read The Beauty of Broken Things?
Reading The Beauty of Broken Things takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be finished in a short time.
Is The Beauty of Broken Things a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Beauty of Broken Things is a poignant read that beautifully captures the essence of resilience and healing. It's definitely worth your time.
Who is the author of The Beauty of Broken Things?
The author of The Beauty of Broken Things is Victoria Connelly.
What to read after The Beauty of Broken Things?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Beauty of Broken Things, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
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- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher