Reviewed by Manik Chaturmutha for Readers' Favorite

Splenditude by Eileen T. Lynch follows Deirdre Collins, a young woman living in Chicago who is trying to move forward while grappling with her past. Deirdre finds herself torn between her desire for creative fulfillment and her need for stability. Her relationship with Hugh, a carpenter, reflects this inner conflict. Throughout the story, Deirdre encounters various people who challenge her to question what she truly wants, from her artistic friends to those who are more grounded in everyday life. Her struggles with mental health add layers to her quest for meaning. Chicago itself pulses in the background, vibrant and flawed, becoming almost a character on its own. The open-ended conclusion offers a sense of moving on and finding hope.

Lynch's writing captures the feeling of trying to find your place when life keeps pulling you in different directions. She paints scenes that feel real, from noisy street corners to quiet moments of reflection. The characters are well-drawn, especially Deirdre. Her flaws make her feel human. She isn't perfect or always easy to understand, but that's what makes her story believable. Lynch doesn't shy away from showing her struggles. There's honesty in how Deirdre processes love, loss, and ambition. The people she meets along the way are just as compelling. Each of them leaves an impression, whether they're challenging her ideas or supporting her growth. The plot is steady and thoughtful. It moves at a pace that lets readers sit with the characters and their choices. The balance between Deirdre's journey and the wider world around her works well. Lynch's writing style is poetic without being dense. Her words flow naturally, giving weight to even small moments. One of the book's strengths is how it explores creative ambition alongside personal struggles. Deirdre's pursuit of meaning is both inspiring and grounded. Readers who enjoy stories about self-discovery and creativity will appreciate how Lynch handles these themes. The ending suggests growth without forcing a tidy conclusion. Its portrayal of mental health is sensitive and thoughtful, adding depth to the story. Splenditude by Eileen T. Lynch is a good pick for readers who like literary fiction with a focus on personal growth.