Book Review: Before We Arrived

Reviewed by Jaylynn Korrell

A transformative novel set in a beautiful animal sanctuary, where healing isn’t only for the animals

Three adults with vastly different backgrounds and perspectives join together in an idyllic New England animal sanctuary to try to heal from their own brutal circumstances.

As the major characters work toward common goals together, they also build a community that provides a great deal of good to people. At the sanctuary, meals are shared in a common location, the workload is dispersed evenly, and they tend to animals with intentional care. I started and ended this book wanting to sign up to join this magical place. And while I was initially interested in the overall environment, it was the characters and their emotional stories that kept me going. These personal stories are sure to stick with readers long after finishing.

Trauma is one of the biggest things that these characters have in common. For Henry, a man with a heartbreaking past riddled with loss, the sanctuary seems like it could be the fresh start he’s been looking for. Here, he’ll meet people who show him true kindness and what it means to be part of a community. Jayce is trying to cope after Vietnam. Rivka suffers from multiple abusive relationships that left her unsure of her own judge of character. Their stories will rock you.

Trauma can come in various forms: generational, death and loss, sexual abuse, war, murder, and beyond. Pine treads lightly on these sensitive subjects, addressing them directly but with immense care, making these heavy topics more approachable.

The main characters are all dealing with familial issues that have followed them into adulthood. With this baggage, the characters have the opportunity to heal and clear their own path. The characters are so open with each other—a great example of what is possible when you surround yourself with good people. And in so doing, it brings to mind the idea of what constitutes a good person. There are more than a few characters in this book that would describe themselves as unworthy or not good enough, but through healing, they grow into the people they want to be. Before We Arrived is an inspiring journey of self-acceptance and human nature.

Speaking of nature… Pine describes the natural surroundings of New England beautifully. Having lived there briefly, it was nice to be transported back to places like the Finger Lakes and towns throughout Massachusetts. The natural setting also plays a big part in the healing necessary, so this is an important aspect to get right. And Pine surely does it. The simplicity of nature as medicine is so sweet to read and be reminded of.

The structure of the dialogue can be distracting though. It’s set up almost in the style of a text, using bullet points going back and forth in conversation, but with no real mention of who is talking. You get used to it after a while, but it does take time.

After reading Before We Arrived, I’m planning my trip back to New England as we speak. I’m just hopeful I can find a commune anywhere near as wonderful as this one when I get there.

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