Only the Beautiful Summary
Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner is a poignant and heartbreaking story of love, loss, and the lengths a mother will go to keep her child safe. With the dual timeline narrative set in California in 1938 and Austria in 1947, this novel takes readers on a journey through two very different yet interconnected stories.
The story starts with sixteen-year-old Rosanne, who loses both of her parents in a tragic accident. She is taken in by the Calverts, the owners of the vineyard where she has lived her whole life as the vinedresser's daughter. Rosie has a secret, though - she has synesthesia, a condition where she sees colors when she hears sound. She promised her mother never to reveal her ability to anyone, but her isolation and grief become too much to bear. In a moment of desperation, she lets down her guard and becomes pregnant. The Calverts, unable to bear the scandal, banish her from their home, believing she is destined for a home for unwed mothers.
But Rosie's fate takes a darker turn when she is instead sent to a place far worse than she could have ever imagined. Austria, 1947, after witnessing the brutality of Adolf Hitler's pursuit of hereditary purity, Helen Calvert, Truman's sister, returns to her brother's peaceful vineyard after decades working abroad. But her arrival comes with a shock - she discovers what happened nine years earlier to the vinedresser's daughter, a girl whom she had befriended. Helen is determined to find Rosie and uncovers terrifying battles fought at home after the war had been won in Europe.
The novel's themes revolve around motherhood, love, and sacrifice. Susan Meissner portrays the fierce love of a mother who will do anything to keep her child safe. The novel also explores how the scars of the past can affect the present and how people can work through them to create a better future. The author's portrayal of the post-war period in Europe is vivid, and the horrors of the Nazi regime are depicted with sensitivity and respect.
The characters are well-developed and compelling, with their flaws and vulnerabilities making them feel realistic and relatable. Rosie, in particular, is a character who will tug at your heartstrings. Her struggles and the obstacles she must overcome will leave you rooting for her until the end.
The audiobook is narrated by Xe Sands and Jorjeana Marie, who bring the characters to life with their engaging performances. The two narrators complement each other perfectly, and their voices are easy to listen to, making the audiobook a pleasurable experience.
In conclusion, Only the Beautiful is a moving and thought-provoking novel that will stay with readers long after they have finished listening to it. Susan Meissner's writing is powerful, and her characters will linger in your mind long after the final page. The audiobook is highly recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction, family dramas, and stories about the unbreakable bond between mothers and their children.
