I feel like I’ve read a lot of books about death lately. Believe it or not, not all of them were super heavy reads, but this particular title certainly is. It’s made more difficult because you truly learn to love the characters, two sisters who share an unbreakable bond that stretches beyond the distance between them. The older sister, Marlowe, is a bit serious and standoffish. She hides pain behind her fierce work ethic and academic pursuits. Harper, however, is a free spirit who feels and exudes love and light with every breath despite the devastating circumstances of her life. She makes sure to correct those who improperly refer to her condition as Down syndrome, because she has Up Syndrome. She is special and rare, and she has a good heart despite the doctors telling her she needs a new one.

Though Marlowe is at a turning point that could make or break her future career, she returns to Hong Kong when she learns of her sister’s declining health. Frustrated by the sheer apathy of the health care providers who deem Harper ineligible for a heart transplant due to having Down syndrome, Marlowe goes to great lengths to ensure her sister gets the chance at a future life and happiness, even if it interferes with her own ability to obtain the same.

Marlowe makes some deeply troubling decisions out of desperation, and that was a little tough to witness as a reader. But as frustrating as she is, I could so easily understand her determination to forge ahead no matter the consequences. Her story arc truly does come full circle and she’s able to grapple with the repressed pain and trauma of the past. No matter their hard-shelled exterior, everyone is vulnerable in some way. Marlowe’s work at the university in London surrounds the butterfly. This allows Bent to weave in the butterfly as a metaphor, a fragile beauty whose life may be fleeting but leaves a powerful impression on those who share its space. Harper is that vulnerable, but perfect soul with the fragile, imperfect, perfect heart. The imperfections of her heart never diminish her capacity for love. Bent effortlessly bounces between the perspectives of both sisters. Harper’s voice is gentle, childlike, but full of more wisdom and nuance than any other character in the novel. She exudes a quiet confidence in her own worth and seems to understand her purpose while Marlowe still searches for meaning in her own life.

Truly, this is a beautiful book that’s well-written and depends almost solely on character to drive the narrative. There’s very little action, but there are moments of tension and suspense that leave the reader greedy for a conclusion. This was a surprising find for me and, though it’s tragic and heartbreaking on the surface, it’s ultimately a story of healing, resilience and growth. That makes all the difference.

Published July 28, 2021 by Wavesound Audio. ASIN B098HDN8XG. Runtime 8 hrs. 56 mins. Narrated by Irene Chen.