Review of All We Lost Was Everything by Sloan Harlow
From the moment I laid my eyes on the stunning cover of All We Lost Was Everything, a chill of excitement surged through me. I absolutely loved Sloan Harlow’s debut novel, Everything We Never Said, and I couldn’t wait to dive into her sophomore work. With its promise of heart-wrenching themes and deep emotional currents, I was ready to be swept away—and perhaps shed a few tears along the way. While All We Lost Was Everything indeed offers a rich tapestry of loss, love, and resilience, I found myself swaying between deep empathy and slight disappointment.
The story revolves around River Santos, a character who has navigated unimaginable grief after a devastating fire claims her home and her father, Jay. The narrative explores themes of survival, the complexities of grief, and the often painful journey toward healing. What’s compelling is how Harlow unfolds River’s transformation, revealing layers of vulnerability and strength that many can relate to. The development of River’s relationship with Logan Evans, a fellow worker at Gertie’s diner, serves as both a light and a source of tension amidst her sorrow. Logan, with his mix of kindness and cruelty, embodies the complications of young love and unresolved pain.
The writing style struck me as approachable yet poignant. Harlow has a way with words that allows you to feel the weight of sorrow without drowning in it. I appreciated the pacing throughout the narrative; Harlow keeps it engaging with some truly shocking twists and turns that left me gasping—not quite the tears I expected, but still impressive in their impact. Yet, the romantic aspects of the story were, for me, a bit of a frayed thread. The make-out scenes felt out of place and, if I’m honest, more juvenile than the weighty backdrop of loss warranted. Phrases like "lick the inside of someone’s ear" left me wondering if we had crossed into the realm of strange rather than seductive.
What truly resonated with me were the moments of clarity and insight peppered throughout the book, such as “It’s not blood money—it’s a life line.” This line perfectly captures the struggle many face when grappling with the intersections of love and loss. Another poignant quote, “My mom is gone. My dad is dead. And my life will never be the same,” is a haunting reminder of the weight of grief that stays with us.
Despite some reservations about the romantic dynamics, I genuinely believe this story will find an audience eager to uncover its layers. Harlow’s ability to weave in a compelling mystery surrounding a million-dollar GoFundMe makes for an intriguing subplot that kept me turning pages. While All We Lost Was Everything was a bit of a mid-read for me, it’s clear that many readers will find solace and connection through River’s journey.
So to fellow book lovers, if you enjoy stories of resilience wrapped around threads of mystery and emotional complexity, don’t let my hesitations deter you from checking out this book. Mark May 6th, 2025, in your calendars and add this title to your TBR—it’s a story that, while it may not leave you sobbing, will certainly keep your heart engaged and your mind guessing. I can’t wait to see what Sloan Harlow has in store for us next!
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