Gail Carson Levine’s A Ceiling Made of Eggshells was a step outside my comfort zone, but I still found it enjoyable. I instantly felt a deep connection to Paloma, especially in her dream of becoming the perfect mother. The novel draws readers in with its tender moments, like Paloma’s bond with a litter of kittens and the quiet intimacy of her kissing Haimi’s hands as she watches him with them, a glimpse of the love she longs to give. At the same time, the tension between her and her brother Yuda adds an emotional edge, making their strained relationship just as compelling as her dreams of warmth and belonging.

Unfortunately, the story does drag on and get quite boring at times. And as her relationship with Belo (her grandfather who is powerful figure in their Jewish community in 15th-century Spain) develops, it kind of made me uncomfortable at times. He plays a crucial role in shaping Paloma’s journey, taking her with him on his travels as he works to protect their people amid rising persecution. While Belo loves Paloma, his expectations for her often conflict with her own desires, forcing her to navigate the tension between duty and personal longing. His influence is a major driving force in the novel, shaping both the plot and Paloma’s growth.

The moral of A Ceiling Made of Eggshells revolves around resilience, sacrifice, and the weight of responsibility. However, as meaningful as this book was meant to be, the way it panned out and the conclusion was insanely frustrating. The novel had a lot more potential in the first 70 pages, but after that I didn't find much of it interesting. I was already attached to little Loma though, so I had to keep reading.