Susan Meissner's Only the Beautiful has garnered mixed reviews. Positively, readers commend its lyrical prose and evocative storytelling, capturing complex emotions effectively. However, some critics find the plot predictable and characters underdeveloped. Overall, the novel resonates with those seeking heartfelt narratives despite its flaws.

Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner will captivate readers who appreciate poignant historical fiction with deep emotional resonance. Fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale and Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See will be drawn to its compelling narrative, rich character development, and evocative portrayal of human resilience.

Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner follows Rose, a young orphan with synesthesia who is institutionalized for her condition, forced to give up her daughter, and strives to improve her life. Meanwhile, her friend Helen faces the horrors of World War II, returns home, and seeks to reunite Rose with her child. Descriptions of eugenics and sterilization without consent are included.

Emotional / Bittersweet / Contemplative / Melancholic / Heartwarming

Susan Meissner

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

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Before You Read Only the Beautiful | SuperSummary

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Overview

Get ready to explore Only the Beautiful and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Only the Beautiful Summary and Study Guide

Background

Only the Beautiful Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Rosanne”

Part 1, Chapters 1-10

Only the Beautiful Part 1, Chapters 1-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 11-20

Only the Beautiful Part 1, Chapters 11-20 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Helen”

Part 2, Chapters 21-28

Only the Beautiful Part 2, Chapters 21-28 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapter 29-Epilogue

Only the Beautiful Part 2, Chapter 29-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Only the Beautiful Character Analysis

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Themes

Only the Beautiful Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Only the Beautiful Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Only the Beautiful Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Only the Beautiful Essay Topics

Book Club Questions

Only the Beautiful Book Club Questions

Only the Beautiful

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Only the Beautiful?

Reading Age

Book Details