The Beauty of Impossible Things
Paperback Published on: 07/04/2022
Price: £8.99
Synopsis
'Poetic, atmospheric' Daily Mail
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Discover the perfect heatwave read, threaded with fading seaside glamour and simmering heat, from the bestselling author of The Temple House Vanishing
A summer of change. A lifetime of regret.
The summer Natasha Rothwell turns fifteen, strange dancing lights appear in the sky above her small town, lights that she interprets as portents of doom.
Natasha leads a sheltered life with her beautiful, bohemian mother in a crumbling house by the sea. As news of the lights spreads, more and more visitors arrive in the town, creating a feverish atmosphere of anticipation and dread. And the arrival of a new lodger, the handsome Mr Bowen, threatens to upset the delicate equilibrium between mother and daughter.
Then Natasha's fears seem to be realized when a local teenager goes missing, and she is called on to help. But her actions over that long, hot summer will have unforeseen and ultimately tragic consequences that will cast a shadow for many years to come...
Publisher information
- Publisher: Atlantic Books
- ISBN: 9781786499424
- Number of pages: 320
- Dimensions: 198 x 130 x 22 mm
- Languages: English
Customer Reviews
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Wonderful light read
Rachel Donohue's book The Beauty of Impossible things is a wonderful slow burn coming of age mystery book. It seems to fit in to multiple categories, but i... READ MORE
Deliciously creepy chiller
Natasha and her eccentric mother live near the sea, disliked and not accepted by the locals they keep to themselves and get by taking in the odd lodger.
Bu... READ MORE
Recommended
I read Rachel Donohue's first novel 'The Temple House Vanishing' back in early 2020 and I enjoyed it; it was an impressive debut, so I was eager to read Do... READ MORE
Amazing
The book is interesting, with the narration that I enjoy the most. Natasha is a young person, a teenager with a complicated life and the ability to see the... READ MORE
Beautifully Written
This book is a difficult one for me to review.
Natasha, just turned fifteen, lives with her mum in a small seaside town. Natasha is a gifted child who ... READ MORE
Melancholic and captivating
I seem drawn to books set by the sea of late, probably because I couldn't get to the beach during the lockdown, and so reading books with this setting is m... READ MORE
Beautifully written but lacking substance
I don't really know what to say about this book because I really wanted to like it.
I just feel like it wasn't what I expected. I wanted more from it.
... READ MORE
A masterpiece with a deeper meaning
This book was a rollercoaster. It follows a girl, Natasha, and her struggle with her own identity. Her whole life, she has pretended to be a 'normal girl' ... READ MORE
Slow but interesting
I give this book 3.5 stars but rounded up to 4. I was lucky enough to be given a copy of this book by Readers First in return for an honest review.
It was ... READ MORE
A slow burner but so good
This story is set one hot, sultry summer when a small seaside town changes forever.
Natasha and her mother live in a beautiful, old house, up on the cliff... READ MORE
Brilliant book
This is definitely a unique coming of age book that I think most people will be able to relate to it in some way as Rachel Donahue writes with so much feel... READ MORE
Very unique!
This book was completely different to what I am used to, therefore I was quite uncertain when I first laid my eyes on it, as I usually choose to read books... READ MORE
Wonderful
love the design and front cover of this book. really beautiful and eye catching. i was hooked with the first glimpse of the book itself and the blurb. i lo... READ MORE
Discomforting however beautiful
The beauty of impossible things is a book that makes you feel unease and uncomfortable but it is somehow still a beautiful piece of writing.Rachel Donohue ... READ MORE
Thoughtful, elegaic and absorbing
The Beauty of Impossible Things is not easy to classify. It relates events from a single scorching summer thirty years ago, when Natasha was fifteen and l... READ MORE
Unique book
Having read Rachel Donohue's previous book 'The Temple House Vanishing' I really enjoy her unique style of writing. The story is written from the lead char... READ MORE
Tense and vivid
I was drawn to The Beauty of Impossible Things by the absolutely gorgeous cover - a simple design which gives a little hint but nothing too concrete about ... READ MORE
Discomforting however beautiful
The beauty of impossible things is a book that makes you feel unease and uncomfortable but it is somehow still a beautiful piece of writing.Rachel Donohue ... READ MORE
A fabulous read !!
This beautifully written, lyrical almost poetic story hooks you and keeps you in its thrall. It is so atmospheric, at times it’s eerie and spooky, a bit Go... READ MORE
meandering and ultimately unengaging
I suppose I shouldn’t try to pigeonhole a book but it’s hard to see what the author was hoping for....
Natasha looks back on a summer 30 years ago when she... READ MORE
Not for me
Thank you to Readers First for my advanced copy of this book. I was looking forward to this read with anticipation especially as I'd read some other revie... READ MORE
enticing
The beauty of impossible things is an extremely good book that I myself found to be really enjoyable to read. It kind of has a gothic vibe to the story whi... READ MORE
stunning
I have not read this whole book yet unfortunately, but what i have read from the description has captivated me and i’d really like to read on.I love how th... READ MORE
I really liked it
I think this book was written beautifully. The dialog is just right and fits perfect, I'm excited to read more. I love books like this, it had me hooked by... READ MORE
Haunting....
The Beauty of Impossible Things was a melancholic and haunting novel, with some absolutely beautiful writing and a pervading sense of unease throughout.
N... READ MORE
Atmospheric and entrancing coming-of-age tale with a pervading sense of doom.
The follow-up to Rachel Donohue’s assured debut novel is an atmospheric coming-of-age tale set over the course of an intense summer in the seaside town whe... READ MORE
Hauntingly melancholic.
As she reflects on a tragic summer of thirty years earlier, a time when she had been described by some as ‘open to powers from beyond … a dark ingénue’, f... READ MORE
Disapointing
I was able to receive a preview of this book via readers first.
The cover of the book is beautiful, its a burnt orange colour with hold detailing, then bla... READ MORE
A beautiful book of mystery
In the introduction to this book, Natasha Rothwell is relating how her therapist is helping her make sense of strange and dramatic events which occurred in... READ MORE
Haunting
This is a haunting and atmospheric book that will stay with me for a long time to come. The main mystery leaves a lot to the readers interpretation, and mu... READ MORE
Captivating and Elegant
This book follows a summer experienced by Natasha aged 15. This is very much a coming of age story and is so beautifully written. The writing flows wonderf... READ MORE
Fantastic book
When I first saw this book and starting reading the blurb, I really did not think it was for me. But the further I read on, the more I was intrigued to kno... READ MORE
different
the book is narrated by the main character - Natasha Rothwell. The story is from thirty years ago when she was only fifteen and and follows the gift she ha... READ MORE
Intriguing Novel
The Beauty of Impossible Things is Rachel Donohue's second novel. It follows Natasha, talking through the events of a summer, 30 years previously, when she... READ MORE
Stranger Things
Natasha Rothweil lives with her mother, who is known for her exceptional beauty and bohemian ways, in a rather dilapidated guest house by the sea which ope... READ MORE
seductive and enticing
As soon as I saw the synopsis I knew this was a book for me to sink my teeth into and with its pessimistic yet dark humor, I knew my teeth would be stuck f... READ MORE
Teen Mystery
I really like the plot and the overarching characteristics of the main character that added to the story, I love mystery plot line and the writing did a go... READ MORE
great
This book was amazing I created an intense and calming atmosphere feels indescribable and I would really can I recommend it to everyone especially the olde... READ MORE
I definitely recommend!
I am obsessed with this beautiful book and I am desperate to read the rest!
The cover is so aesthetically pleasing to the eye and I think the colours rea... READ MORE
Love it!
WOW! What can I say, this book is truly a wonderful journey. I wont give too much away on what is is about but what I will most importantly say is that any... READ MORE
Unusual and beautifully written
The Beauty of Impossible Things is around the events that happened in a sea side town in England one summer and is narrated by Natasha, who is now in her m... READ MORE
Interesting but bland?
From the little that I know from the cover, blurb and description, I'm undoubtedly looking forward to reading this book. Although, I am worried that it won... READ MORE
Enchanting
thought I'd got it all worked out, something else came along and totally blew what I was thinking completely out of the water! Clever original thought out ... READ MORE
Good story, rocky dialogue
I wish there was a half star option because I think this book is more realistic allh a 3.5 star read rather than four, but the prise won me over so I round... READ MORE
Lyrical
I don't think this book was really for me. There is nothing wrong with it, just not my kind of read. I like books with a bit of action and a gripping stor... READ MORE
Hauntingly beautiful
The story is so hauntingly beautiful... It is very vivid and descriptive with how it is written it is not my usual type of genre for a book but I found tha... READ MORE
Hauntingly beautiful
The story is so hauntingly beautiful... It is very vivid and descriptive with how it is written it is not my usual type of genre for a book but I found tha... READ MORE
Beautifully written
This is such an interesting book and I really enjoyed it. I did not really know what to expect from this book, it was quite unlike any I have read before. ... READ MORE
Enjoyable
I enjoyed this book, the story was thought provoking whilst still being a fairly easy read. The cover is beautiful and does a good job of making you want t... READ MORE
Compelling and original
This tells the story of a long, tragic summer thirty years ago in a seaside town when Natasha Rothwell, our narrator, is fifteen. Natasha has precognition,... READ MORE
A haunting coming of age tale
The Beauty of Impossible Things is a melancholic recounting of a tragic summer. Natasha is seeing a therapist to try to uncover her repressed identity and ... READ MORE
A glorious and ethereal book.
This glorious book has an ethereal quality that is completely addictive -I loved it and was so invested in the characters that I couldn’t put it down until... READ MORE
Dark and creepy...
Natasja Rothwell and her socially misfit mother are locally considered a little eccentric.
Blessed or cursed with strange premonitions Natasha has weird fe... READ MORE
Loved it
Has a gothic theme throughout the book but isn’t all dark and gloomy, beautifully written, the main character is a loveable character in the way that you c... READ MORE
Well written but left me unsatisfied
Natasha Rothwell lives with her mother in the big house on the cliffs overlooking the sea. She is blessed/cursed with being able to foresee events. The mai... READ MORE
I really liked it!
I received a copy from readers first.
The Beauty of Impossible Things follows Natasha who has a gift which allows her to predict things. One summer myster... READ MORE
Not engaged
The Beauty of Impossible Things
I really tried. I really wanted to like this book but I just didn’t seem to be able to fully engage with it.
I didn’t like... READ MORE
Philosophical and profound
To avoid spoilers: I shall be laconic.
As the title says, this book is both philosophical and profound, with a nostalgic, almost rose tinted tone that I ab... READ MORE
Stunning cover
I have not read this whole book yet unfortunately, but what i have read from the description has captivated me and i’d really like to read on.I love how th... READ MORE
captivating
I have not read this whole book yet unfortunately, but what i have read from the description has captivated me and i’d really like to read on.I love how th... READ MORE
cool
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I loved!
I loved the book I feel like it really spoke to me, the way the author wrote it and the way they presented the book. From the very start you can see the bo... READ MORE
Absolutely amazing!!!
This is such an amazing first look and i personally felt such a connection to the 15 year old girl as i felt as i got to know how she felt about everything... READ MORE
I'm obsessed-
This is such an incredible first look, and I personally felt a strong bond with the 15-year-old girl as I quickly learned how she felt about it. I think th... READ MORE
So cool!
I haven’t read this book yet and I have only read the preview but oh my god this book is too good! At first I wasn’t sure since the description was quite l... READ MORE
Not my style
The cover is absolutely beautiful and is one of my favourite book covers. I love the detail of it and how it links with the story without being obviously l... READ MORE
Haunting
The Beauty of Impossible Things tells the story of Natasha, who lives with her bohemian mother in a crumbling house by the sea; close by is a small town, w... READ MORE
Beautiful book
I loved this book and would definitely recommend. Such beautiful written word and story was lovely.
Hauntingly beautiful
The story is so hauntingly beautiful... It is very vivid and descriptive with how it is written it is not my usual type of genre for a book but I found tha... READ MORE
atmospheric and descriptive writing
Firstly I would comment on the cover, I know you should never judge by this but in this case I feel the cover sets the tone of the book. The colours and si... READ MORE
A Beautiful Tale
The Beauty of Impossible Things has pulled off a remarkable feat; Rachel Donohue’s second book is even better than her impressive debut, The Temple House V... READ MORE
Captivating
First of all the cover of the book is beautiful and bold the orange with gold text suggests wealth and is very eye catching because it would stand out from... READ MORE
The Beauty of Impossible Things
I really enjoyed The Temple House Vanishing, this author's debut, when I read it a while back so I had high hopes for this book. Although not quite reachin... READ MORE
Mixed emotions
Firstly the cover of this book is absolutely beautiful and the size of the book is perfect, hardbacks can often be too big and unwieldy. This was perfect f... READ MORE
Meditative and dreamy
The Beauty of Impossible Things is a slow-paced and dreamy book, following teenager Natasha through a summer in her faded seaside town as she experiences v... READ MORE
Intriguing and beautifully written
I loved this book. It's brilliantly atmospheric, evoking a hot summer in a seaside town. The oppressive heat lending itself to the brooding, contemplative ... READ MORE
Strange lights
The Beauty of Impossible things is a haunting novel, essentially a coming-of-age story about one strange summer in the life of a fifteen year girl, Natasha... READ MORE
Atmospheric coming of age steeped in regret.
Misfit teenager Natasha claims to tell the future, but people look upon her as attention seeking. That is, until strange lights appear over her seaside tow... READ MORE
Beautiful, elegiac and evocative
'Slow' is often a criticism levelled at books, as if 'slow' is a bad thing. The Beauty of Impossible Things is slow, and it very definitely is not a bad th... READ MORE
Haunting and lyrical
It was a sticky, languid summer in a small seaside town. Above The Ridge, strange blue lights appear. Local girl Natasha, has a gift. She sees the future, ... READ MORE
Beautiful coming of age story with a twist
This only took me 2 days to read. I really loved it.
It's a coming of age story about a girl who sees lights in her town and believes that bad things are c... READ MORE
A compelling and original novel !
The beauty of impossible things is a novel about a girl named Natasha Rothwell, who is fifteen. It is set thirty years ago in a seaside town. Natasha has a... READ MORE
Haunting
Fifteen year old Natasha lives with her mother in a decaying house just outside a seaside resort. The relationships between the locals and the summer visi... READ MORE
Beautifully written
I couldn’t put this book down! It is very easy to read and to get lost in the story, the chapter lengths are perfect which made me want to continue reading... READ MORE
I loved it
This was a great book I was expecting great things from reading the title alone it really captivates a potential reader, the story itself is very summer go... READ MORE
Absorbing and atmospheric
I very much enjoyed The Beauty of Impossible Things. Truthfully I was drawn to this book by the beautiful cover but also because of the author as I have re... READ MORE
Conjures an enjoyable sense of unease
Im not sure "enjoyed" is the right word for this book as it invoked a sense of unease and foreboding throughout which, I feel, reflects the skill of the w... READ MORE
Supernatural coming of age tale
This book opens to a boiling hot summer in a seaside town. Natasha is 15 and it's the time when her best friend could be more than just a friend if she'd l... READ MORE
A spellbinding coming of age tale
The Beauty of Impossible Things delivers its story with a dream-like quality, much like gently tipping into sleep lying in a warm patch of sunshine. It's a... READ MORE