Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Lovely Bones summary
Brief summary
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold is a poignant novel that follows the journey of a young girl named Susie Salmon as she watches over her family and killer from the afterlife. It delves into themes of grief, love, and the enduring connections that bind us.
Topics
Table of Contents
The Lovely Bones
Summary of key ideas
The Afterlife and the Earthly Realm
In The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, we are introduced to Susie Salmon, a 14-year-old girl who is brutally murdered by her neighbor, George Harvey. After her death, Susie finds herself in a strange, in-between world that she calls her 'heaven'. From this place, she watches her family and friends as they struggle to cope with her absence and the mystery surrounding her death.
As Susie observes the aftermath of her murder, she also keeps an eye on her killer, George Harvey. She learns that he has built an underground 'heavenly' place for himself, a place where he keeps mementos of his victims. Susie's spirit is determined to bring him to justice, but she is unable to do so directly.
The Impact of Susie's Death
Meanwhile, Susie's family is deeply affected by her death. Her father, Jack, becomes obsessed with finding her killer, while her mother, Abigail, withdraws from the family and eventually leaves them. Susie's younger brother, Buckley, is too young to understand the full extent of the tragedy, and her sister, Lindsey, is left to navigate the complexities of growing up without her.
Despite the overwhelming grief, the Salmon family members find ways to cope. Jack builds model ships, Abigail starts an affair, and Lindsey becomes a strong, independent young woman. Throughout it all, Susie watches over them, offering comfort and guidance from her heavenly vantage point.
Justice and Closure
As the years pass, Susie's family and friends continue to grapple with her absence. Susie's spirit, still determined to bring George Harvey to justice, reaches out to her friend, Ruth, who has developed a psychic connection to Susie. Ruth, guided by Susie's spirit, uncovers evidence that links George Harvey to Susie's murder.
With this new evidence, Susie's family and friends are finally able to confront George Harvey. In a dramatic confrontation, George is killed by an icicle, and Susie's spirit is finally able to move on. Her family, too, finds a sense of closure, and they are able to move forward with their lives.
Healing and Moving On
In the end, The Lovely Bones is a story of healing and moving on. Susie's family members, despite the tragedy that has befallen them, find ways to heal and rebuild their lives. Susie, too, finds peace, knowing that her family is safe and her killer has been brought to justice.
Despite the heavy subject matter, the novel ends on a note of hope. The characters, having endured unimaginable pain and loss, are able to find a way forward. Susie's spirit, having watched over her family and friends, is finally able to let go and move on to a new, unknown realm. In the end, The Lovely Bones is a poignant exploration of grief, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Lovely Bones about?
The Lovely Bones is a haunting and emotional novel that tells the story of a young girl named Susie Salmon who is brutally murdered. From her unique perspective in the afterlife, Susie watches as her family and friends struggle to cope with her death and unravel the mystery surrounding it. Told with both raw honesty and a touch of magical realism, this book explores themes of love, loss, and the power of letting go.
The Lovely Bones Review
The Lovely Bones (2002) takes readers on a haunting journey through grief, loss, and healing. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Through the eyes of the protagonist, it offers a rare perspective on life after death, exploring themes of love, forgiveness, and the power of human connection.
- The book skillfully delves into complex emotions and tackles difficult subjects with sensitivity, ensuring a deeply thought-provoking and evocative reading experience.
- With its gripping narration and atmospheric storytelling, it captures the reader's attention from the very first page, making it impossible to put down.
Who should read The Lovely Bones?
- Readers who enjoy thought-provoking and emotionally impactful stories
- Those interested in exploring themes of grief, loss, and healing
- People who appreciate lyrical and evocative writing
Categories with The Lovely Bones
Book summaries like The Lovely Bones
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Lovely Bones FAQs
What is the main message of The Lovely Bones?
The main message of The Lovely Bones is the power of love and redemption in the face of tragedy.
How long does it take to read The Lovely Bones?
The reading time for The Lovely Bones varies depending on the reader, but it usually takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Lovely Bones a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Lovely Bones is a moving and thought-provoking book. It's a worthwhile read for anyone interested in a unique and emotional story.
Who is the author of The Lovely Bones?
The author of The Lovely Bones is Alice Sebold.
How many chapters are in The Lovely Bones?
The Lovely Bones has 22 chapters.
- Perfect
- The End of the World
- The Lovely Bones
- Title
How many pages are in The Lovely Bones?
The Lovely Bones contains 328 pages.
When was The Lovely Bones published?
The Lovely Bones was published in 2002.
What to read after The Lovely Bones?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Lovely Bones, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- 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