Review of The Incredible Kindness of Paper by Evelyn Skye
I have a soft spot for stories that capture the essence of human connection, so when I stumbled across The Incredible Kindness of Paper by Evelyn Skye, I knew I was in for a treat. The title itself hinted at something special, and the themes of kindness and community piqued my curiosity. I wasn’t disappointed! This book left me feeling genuinely happy, enveloped in a cozy blanket of love and warmth.
At its heart, this is a story about Chloe, a woman navigating the ups and downs of life in New York City. Following a painful layoff from her job as a school counselor, Chloe finds herself adrift. Depressed and anxious about the future, she turns to origami—a form of art that brings her solace. As she crafts yellow paper roses, she embarks on a mission of kindness, giving these delicate flowers away to random strangers. What begins as a personal coping mechanism transforms into a movement, providing hope and joy to those who receive her thoughtful messages tucked inside the blossoms.
Chloe’s journey intertwines beautifully with Oliver’s, a once-close friend who is now ensnared in the monotony of his job as a financial analyst. Oliver is burdened by responsibilities, feeling the weight of his family’s struggles on his shoulders. The contrast between his closed-off nature and Chloe’s openness is striking. As the story unfolds, we witness what happens when these two once inseparable friends are brought back together through acts of kindness and the whimsical spirit of Chloe’s roses.
Skye’s writing style is both engaging and lyrical, offering an easy flow that makes for a delightful reading experience. I found the pacing just right—a gentle build that allowed me to savor the nuances of both characters’ emotional journeys. There’s a palpable warmth that envelops each page, reminiscent of the charm found in some of my favorite Japanese and South Korean novels. It celebrates the unifying power of compassion, leading disparate individuals toward a common thread of hope and connection.
One of my favorite highlights from the book is the growing community formed around Chloe’s paper roses. It’s a testament to how even the simplest acts of kindness can create ripples, transforming lives and hearts. It struck me that in a world often overshadowed by negativity, this story serves as a reminder of the magic that exists in small gestures of love.
If you’re someone who finds joy in heartwarming narratives about community, connection, and the rediscovery of love, The Incredible Kindness of Paper is a must-read. Skye’s beautiful exploration of human emotions and relationships resonates on multiple levels, striking a chord especially for those seeking comfort and hope in their own lives. Personally, this book left me uplifted and inspired to embrace kindness in my own day-to-day life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I can’t wait to see how this story touches others, just as it did me.
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