The Bright Unknown

A coming-of-age historical novel about friendship, survival, and the will to be free

By: Elizabeth Byler Younts

Narrated by: Devon O'day

From award-winning author Elizabeth Byler Younts comes a luminous and heartbreaking historical novel about resilience, friendship, and the search for belonging--perfect for readers of Susan Meissner and Katherine Reay.

"Younts's successor to The Solace of Water (2018) has an enthralling foundation for its story, along with an appealing historical setting and themes of friendship and love amidst oppression . . . the captivating plot will engage readers." --Booklist

Brighton Friedrich has never known life beyond the walls of Riverside Home, the rural asylum where she was born in the 1940s. Raised by a nurse who keeps secrets about her past and bound to her best friend, a boy she calls Angel, Brighton dreams of freedom. Together they risk everything to escape, but the world outside is as perilous as it is beautiful. With no identities, little money, and only fragile hope, they must rely on each other and the unexpected kindness of strangers in their quest to find home.

Told with Elizabeth Byler Younts's gorgeous, lyrical prose, The Bright Unknown is a poignant story of love, loss, and redemption that will linger long after the last page. This standalone historical novel includes discussion questions, making it a great choice for book clubs and a thoughtful gift for fans of unforgettable, hope-filled fiction.

Critic reviews

A beautifully woven story of a young woman's journey to understanding that the past shapes us but does not define us, and that it is love that gives us the courage to live like we believe it. With prose that is luminous and lyrical, The Bright Unknown is a compelling read from the first page to the last.

Younts's successor to The Solace of Water (2018) has an enthralling foundation for its story, along with an appealing historical setting and themes of friendship and love amidst oppression . . . the captivating plot will engage readers.

A must read for anyone interested in mental health

This is an incredible story of the struggle of a person surviving unimaginable trauma as a child. While not knowing any other life she fights to find a "normal" life. All the while the story portrays the horror of the early mental health treatment of the early 20th century while portraying the humanity of the victims.
Anyone who has experienced long term trauma may find inspiration in the story of the journey of a woman to find a way forward through life after trauma. It is realistic too, in that even as an older adult, the issues still persist for many. So many stories try to portray quick resolution without acknowledging the life long process required to deal with such profound trauma. And still the story shows how life can still be fulfilling during the process,.

TRULY A WORK OF ART!

This story is so interesting it will keep you wanting to know what happens next! So many twists and turns and such creativity woven throughout! Bravo, Elizabeth! Your work is impressive and incredible. So many details. Brighton truly lives up to her name as she is a shining beam of hope and light within a heart wrenching story!

Not my cup of tea

Didn't keep my attention.
Not my cup of tea.
I know there are others that like it.