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Title:	Hello Beautiful
Authors:	Napolitano, Ann
Genre:	Fiction
Pages:	383
Year:	2023
Publisher:	Penguin Random House
Language:	English
Description:	In their Italian American neighbourhood in Chicago, the Padavano sisters - Julia, Sylvie, Cecilia and Emeline - are regarded as inseparable, but do not remain so with the addition to the family of Julia's husband William. In the years that follow their 1982 marriage, it is William's past that will determine just how close-knit the sisters will remain. With a nod to Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, and encompassing the universal themes of love, grief and forgiveness this is a perceptive and complex family saga.
Categories:	Fiction, Literary, Family Saga, Literature oriented, Love Story, Relationships, USA, Popular Fiction, Staff Pick, Just Added, 2026 Titles, New Adult

Reviews

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By: MAST 019		2026-02-18 10:43:36

We all really enjoyed this book. Initially we thought it could be too schmaltzy, but that certainly was not the case. The characters were deep and credible. It inspired discussions about inter-generational family trauma and negelect. We would have loved more information about what happened next for the main characters, perhaps there will be a sequel? We also appreciated the parallels to the original "Little Women".

By: HAMIL 074		2025-10-08 09:32:58

We really enjoyed this unfolding story. Such intertwining lives.

By: BLENH 003		2025-07-31 14:46:01

Group was split - some thought a little long (needed editing) but thought character development was strong.

By: CHCH 537		2025-06-16 10:41:01

The majority loved the book but a couple found it slightly unrealistic. An easy read.

By: MTMA 012		2025-05-07 13:48:46

Our group found this more of a challenge to read. The characters were difficult to relate to. The writing style was heavily focused on what each character thought about each other, and became repetitive. It was interesting to see the dynamic working relationships of four sisters throughout their lives. Some good themes, i.e. mental health, depression, societal expectations which played out realistically in the male characters' lives. A good attempt at displaying how trauma can jump from one generation to the next.