“The Stars Are Not Yet Bells” by Hannah Lillith Assadi

The story begins. Poor Elle. She must be in advanced stages of dementia. But her visions are so beautiful! Poetic. Perfect. Sad. This is going to be a hard read — following Elle to her end.

But, wait. Who are all these characters? The prose is still breathtaking, but I need to start paying attention. What all is going on? Clearly there is way more to this novel. Yes, it’s sad, but nuanced, layered, subtle. Wonderful.

I didn’t know what to expect from “The Stars are Not Yet Bells”. I knew that Hannah Lillith Assadi is a 5 Under 35 recipient and a Bingham Prize finalist, but I hadn’t read “Sonora”. I know that Riverhead is my favorite publisher and has never steered me wrong.

I was right about ‘Poor Elle’, but for reasons far more complex than I had first assumed. This story is so rich and beautifully told. The settings are evocatively described in all their beauty, mystery, and despair. The characters are plausible, some amazing, others terrifying. There is wonder and pain, mysticism and delight. But the language is the most memorable of all. It is simply stunning from beginning to end.

“The Stars Are Not Yet Bells” is a must read for all fans of lyrical fiction. Bravo Ms. Assadi. I’m off to buy “Sonora” and can’t wait for your next jewel.

Thank you to Riverhead Books and NetGalley for the eARC.