I recently read Emily Henry’s most recent book, Great Big Beautiful Life, and I thought it was a fascinating mix of historical fiction, romance, and mystery. The book revolves around the competition between Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Hayden Anderson and journalist Alice Scott to write the biography of the Margaret Ives. The story takes place on the Little Crescent Island and follows the two authors as they compete for the rights to Margaret’s story over the course of a month long trial.
What stood out to me most was how well the characters were written. Hayden is quiet and guarded because of his own struggles, while Alice is hopeful and shaped by what she’s been through. I think their growing connection filled with both rivalry in their work and a bit of romance adds depth to the story. Margaret Ives, the private woman they’re writing about, has a long, complicated life full of secrets and sacrifices that surprise them both. The island where the story takes place feels vivid and alive, adding even more to the book’s atmosphere.
I do have some criticisms of the book though. The story seems to lose steam at some points in the middle. And, although the two timelines enhance the story, they occasionally cause you to feel emotionally detached from events in Margaret’s history. I think the story could be improved upon with more development of a few characters,.
In the end, I think Great Big Beautiful Life shows how much Emily Henry has grown as a writer. Even though this book is a bit braver than her past ones, it still has the strong emotions and deep characters that readers love. If you like stories that mix love, family, and the secrets people keep, this is a great book to read.
