(Reviewed by JD Jung)
Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt offers a fascinating and deeply original perspective on death through the character of Travis Smith, who is death in human form. Rather than causing death or deciding who dies, Travis has a singular purpose: he comforts people in their final moments and gently releases them from their bodies. It’s a unique premise that immediately drew me in.
As the young, casually dressed Travis moves through a small English town, most people have no idea who he is—until their final moments arrive. Through the stories of the individuals he accompanies, we experience a wide range of human emotions, regrets, triumphs, and relationships. Athor Ben Reeves creates fully realized characters whose lives feel authentic, even when we only meet them briefly.
What makes this story especially gripping is Travis himself. Initially detached and unemotional, he views his role simply as a duty. However, his growing attachment to a neighboring family—a single mother and her two children—changes everything. When tragedy strikes, the consequences are both heartbreaking and profound.
Reeves’ lush prose enhances the story, making it a pleasure to read. While death is naturally a central theme, the story doesn’t feel overwhelmingly bleak. Instead, it mostly presents death as a compassionate transition, which is often uplifting.
As someone who tends to analyze everything, I found myself wanting more details about Travis’s origins and how his unusual role began. Nevertheless, that curiosity didn’t diminish my enjoyment. This is a beautifully written, imaginative novel that offers a fresh and memorable look at life and death.