Book Review: All We Lost Was Everything by Sloan Harlow
When I first stumbled across the captivating cover of All We Lost Was Everything by Sloan Harlow, I couldn’t help but feel an immediate connection. Harlow’s previous release, Everything We Never Said, had me emotionally invested, and I was eager to dive into this new tale, hoping for another tear-jerker that would leave me reflecting on life long after the final page. As luck would have it, I received an ARC from NetGalley, and though my experience with this latest offering was bittersweet, I still found plenty to appreciate.
At the heart of the novel is sixteen-year-old River Santos, who faces the unimaginable: a devastating house fire that not only claims her home but costs her father his life. Harlow adeptly explores themes of loss, resilience, and the search for identity in the tumultuous years after a tragedy. River’s journey is at once heart-wrenching and relatable, and I was deeply moved by her grief. I felt her pain as if it were my own. Yet, as I turned the pages, I was quietly hoping for a few more tears to shed, perhaps because the emotional depth I craved wasn’t fully met.
The relationship between River and Logan Evans is central to the story—but, honestly, it left me with mixed feelings. On the one hand, their connection is intriguing, especially since both characters grapple with profound losses. They form an unlikely bond over shared struggles, even bonding over their mutual care for a stray cat named Tigery. But the romantic scenes felt juvenile at times, and some moments—like Logan’s odd habit of licking River’s ears—caught me off-guard. I mean, am I alone in thinking that’s just a smidge too strange? While their chemistry had its moments, it felt overshadowed by these quirky, and frankly, uncomfortable interactions.
What I did appreciate was Harlow’s knack for weaving in shocking twists and turns that had me gasping. Several moments truly caught me off guard, making my reading experience feel like a rollercoaster ride. The mystery surrounding an anonymous $2 million donation to River’s GoFundMe was another compelling subplot that kept me engaged. Lines such as, “It’s not blood money—it’s a lifeline. Just take it and say thank you" truly encapsulate the blend of hope and despair River navigates throughout the book.
All in all, All We Lost Was Everything is a poignant story that balances grief and resilience with a dash of mystery. While not evoking the tears I had hoped for, it did manage to surprise me with its twists and the emotional evolution of its characters. I would recommend this novel to those who enjoy contemporary fiction with a touch of romance and an exploration of loss. Despite my reservations about the romance, I know many readers will find their hearts touched by River’s journey. So, do yourself a favor—mark your calendars for May 6th, 2025, to dive into this evocative tale. I certainly won’t be turning my back on Sloan Harlow anytime soon; this mid-read hasn’t deterred me from wanting more from her in the future. Happy reading, everyone!
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