Book Review: Donde todo brilla by Alice Kellen
There’s something undeniably captivating about the way Alice Kellen crafts her stories. With her latest novel, Donde todo brilla, I found myself diving in with excitement and anticipation, almost expecting to unearth another gem like El chico que dibujaba constelaciones. However, as I journeyed through its pages, I was met with a mix of emotions—both sweet and bitter—that left me pondering long after I turned the last page.
From the outset, Kellen draws you in with the magnetic chemistry between River and Nicki. In the first three hundred pages, I was hooked—completely immersed in their world, envisioning Donde todo brilla as a potential favorite. Yet, as the plot progressed, I felt the narrative unraveling in ways I hadn’t anticipated. By the end, I found that my admiration for the characters had significantly waned. Both River and Nicki come off as immature, oblivious to their flaws until the final moments. While I understand they’re navigating adolescence, their inability to recognize their shortcomings throughout the story grew frustrating.
Yet, amidst this frustration, Kellen introduces Maddox—a character I couldn’t help but adore. His depth shone through in stark contrast to River and Nicki’s struggles, and I found myself yearning for more of his story. Maddox’s journey, marked by vulnerability and resilience, captivated my heart. His bond with River, developed through quiet moments of fishing and shared solitude, added a touching layer to the narrative that resonated with me deeply.
The plot twists—especially River’s unexpected journey into fatherhood—felt a tad contrived. While they added drama, I wondered if Kellen was trying too hard to create conflict. This revelation ultimately diverted the trio’s shared experiences, highlighting the fragility of their friendships. Nicki’s transformation from a confident girl to a shadow of herself, mimicking the superficial Babette, was disheartening. I couldn’t help but feel that she lost her essence amid the chaos.
A particularly poignant observation was how Kellen approached themes of toxic relationships, particularly through Nicki and Gordon’s tumultuous interactions. Although the subject is handled sensitively, I wished Kellen had explored the ramifications of such dynamics more deeply. Nicki’s struggle resonated with me, as many readers may find themselves relating to the battle between staying true to oneself and the allure of acceptance within a façade.
Despite its flaws, Donde todo brilla isn’t without its merits. Kellen’s signature lyrical prose laced with vivid imagery brought Cape Town’s charm to life, creating a familiar yet enchanting backdrop that allowed the characters’ journeys to unfold. The warmth of secondary characters, like Vivien and Mila, further enriched the narrative and reminded me that amidst turmoil, companionship offers solace.
In conclusion, while Donde todo brilla may not eclipse Kellen’s previous works for me, it certainly provided an engaging reading experience. Fans of young adult fiction who cherish stories laced with emotional complexity and relatable characters will find much to love. Ultimately, the journey of reading this book, with its ups and downs, left me reflecting on the glittering moments and the harsh realities of growth and self-discovery. Alice Kellen’s world remains an intriguing one, and I look forward to where she takes us next.