See the Stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Is there anything better than a book that seems to grab your attention from the first page? This is one of them!

The plot follows Alice, an overworked and overstressed Fiancé, who collapses outside of her workplace. Realising that her job and lifestyle are not what she needs right now, she reluctantly heads home to Yorkshire. Here, she meets new friends, old loves and comes face to face with memories that sculpted the person she has become.

The premise of this book is intriguing, and the dual timelines really captivated me as a reader. Alice is a complex human (as we all are) and her decisiveness is something I came to envy. She knew exactly what she needed and wouldn’t take no for an answer. Her avoidance of the past, and her uncompleted PHD in astrophysics is a massive hurdle she must face, as well as deciding where she wants to go in her life.

The side characters play such an excellent role in making this story entertaining. Berti is exquisite, he is headstrong, passionate and has the confidence I wish you could teach. Berti and Zelda are characters that are described and articulated with such care, and it was a joy to read all about them, their families and representation of people on the spectrum through the book. It also brought to light the struggles that they may face and how their world is so very different.

As much as the romance is in the book, there is no spice, but plenty of passion. Emotion will be drawn out of you, as will laughter and smiles. I highly recommend this book - thank you Netgalley & the author for providing me this copy to read and review.

Unfortunately this novel did not appeal to me at all. There was nothing original about the assembled characters who all seemed somewhat cliched: the burnt-out executive, the lovely but unloved boyfriend, the autistic boy, his hippy mother, the wounded army veteran, none of whom really came to life or was particularly endearing. This, coupled with a predictable plot, meant that I was glad to finish.

See the Stars by Eleanor Ray is a heartwarming, uplifting novel that spoke to me on a personal level. It’s about Alice Thorington, a woman who, despite having what looks like a perfect life—a steady job, a comfortable relationship, and a beautiful flat, realises she’s been living for everyone else’s expectations, not her own. As someone who’s experienced burnout and the feeling of being stuck in a life that doesn’t quite match your dreams, I could relate to Alice’s journey. Her breakdown on the streets, which forces her to confront her true feelings, felt raw and authentic.

Returning to her childhood home in Yorkshire, Alice has to untangle complicated family dynamics while rediscovering her passion for stargazing. This part of the book was particularly moving for me, there’s something so comforting about the idea that, no matter how lost we feel, the stars are always there, guiding us. Her rediscovery of this simple joy made me reflect on how easy it is to forget what truly brings us happiness when we’re too focused on external pressures.

The new characters she meets also add depth to the story. Berti, the boy who struggles to connect with people but can count stars, was a character I felt a lot of empathy for. His quiet and introspective nature reminded me of how some people, like myself, find solace in solitude. Then there’s Matt, Alice’s brother’s best friend, who brings a touch of nostalgia and unspoken tension. Their shared history made the relationships in the book feel so real, and I could easily imagine the lingering feelings Alice might have had for Matt as they navigated life together again.

The way the stars became a symbol for all the characters searching for meaning in their lives resonated with me. The novel explores the idea that we often need darkness to truly appreciate the stars, which I think is a beautiful metaphor for how we grow through hardship. It’s a reminder that, even in tough times, something beautiful always can emerge.

I really enjoyed this book, it was both a comforting and thought-provoking read. It’s the kind of story that makes you take a step back and reconsider your own life choices. If you’re looking for a book that will leave you feeling inspired and remind you that it’s never too late to change direction, See the Stars is exactly that. I finished it feeling a renewed sense of hope and a desire to reconnect with the things that truly matter.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

What a beautiful book! I’ve always been fascinated by the stars and love the whole concept of the stars in the darkness bringing light to others. I could relate so much to what our MC is going through. It was so nice to follow her journey and the people she meets along the way amongst the stars.