Book Review: It Must Be Beautiful to Be Finished: A Memoir of My Bod… by Kate Gies
I’ll admit it: I picked up It Must Be Beautiful to Be Finished mostly because I was drawn in by the cover. Isn’t it funny how sometimes a simple aesthetic can lead you to an incredibly profound reading experience? As I flipped through the pages, I felt an immediate kinship with the author, Kate Gies, especially when I discovered she hails from Kingston—my own stomping grounds. There’s something serendipitous about stumbling upon a local author, and this chance encounter turned into one of the most affecting reads I’ve had in a long time.
Gies’s memoir dives deep into her life growing up with a congenital condition that left her without an ear. What struck me most was not just the physical struggles she faced—or the countless surgeries she underwent to ‘fix’ what was perceived as broken—but the emotional journey that came with it. Gies invites readers into her world with such honesty and clarity that I often had to pause, letting the weight of her words settle in. It’s a stark reminder of the pain that exists beneath the surface, of how our bodies can become battlegrounds in the struggle for self-acceptance.
One of the book’s key themes is the tension between societal expectations and personal identity. Gies beautifully dissects her experiences, capturing the influence of both medical professionals and strangers who commented on her appearance throughout her life. Her reflections on how these encounters shaped her perception of self are profoundly relatable, even for those of us who haven’t faced the same physical challenges. The memoir doesn’t offer neat resolutions; instead, it invites discomfort and introspection, compelling us to reflect on how we view and treat difference in ourselves and others.
The style in which Gies writes is both raw and poetic. Her prose flows effortlessly, weaving together powerful imagery and poignant anecdotes. I was particularly struck by her ability to balance the heavier moments with eloquent nuances, crafting a narrative that feels both intimate and expansive. While I was reading, I often found myself nodding along in recognition, my heart swelling with empathy, and occasionally brimming with tears. One quote that resonated powerfully with me was, “The body is more than a shell; it is the vessel of our stories.” This echoes throughout the memoir, reminding us of the embers of resilience that persist in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend It Must Be Beautiful to Be Finished to anyone who appreciates memoirs that don’t shy away from pain but rather embrace it with courage and integrity. It’s a book that will linger long after the last page is turned—a reminder of our shared humanity, our struggles, and ultimately, our strength. Whether you’re a memoir enthusiast or someone seeking a deeper understanding of difference and resilience, Gies’s story is one worth experiencing. It’s an intricate tapestry of pain and beauty, woven with threads of honesty that truly left a mark on my soul.
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