Built by Anna Wright is a meticulously crafted exploration of the emotional and psychological dimensions of architecture, intertwining human narratives with the concrete and glass of urban landscapes. Wright, who originally trained as an architect, brings a deep understanding of structural design together with a novelistic sensitivity to human desires, fears, and joys. The result is a book that is as much about the spaces we inhabit as it is about the lives that populate those spaces.

From the outset, Wright sets out to demolish the often stiff, clinical view of buildings as mere physical entities, reconceptualizing them as living, breathing organisms that play a pivotal role in the narratives of our lives. Each chapter of the book takes a different building as its focus, from iconic skyscrapers in New York City to quaint cottages in the English countryside, analyzing not only the architectural styles and materials used in their construction but also the impact these buildings have on the lives of those who inhabit them.

One of the book’s strengths lies in Wright’s ability to draw vivid characters whose lives are profoundly shaped by their surroundings. For instance, in a chapter about a modernist house in Los Angeles, she tells the story of a screenwriter whose creativity seems sparked and sustained by the clean lines and open spaces of his home. Yet, as the narrative unfolds, Wright delves deeper, revealing how the house also serves as a fortress, shielding him from the chaos of the outside world and, ultimately, stifling his emotional expression.

Wright’s writing style is elegant and evocative, rich with descriptions that paint vivid images of both interiors and exteriors. Her attention to detail does not stop at architectural elements; she is equally perceptive about the human conditions. This dual focus is beautifully balanced and makes Built particularly compelling. Wright's prose not only sketches the buildings but also imbues them with a sense of history and personality—much like a careful architect considering both the structure and the people who will inhabit it.

The narrative structure of Built is intelligently organized, with each building’s story flowing seamlessly into the next, although each chapter can stand alone as a short story. This modular design mimics architectural plans and speaks to the interconnectedness of space and human experience. Furthermore, the inclusion of photographs and architectural drawings adds a rich visual layer to the text, enhancing the reader’s understanding and appreciation of both architectural concepts and their narrative significance.

An especially poignant chapter is set in a small village where a centuries-old church is facing demolition. Wright uses this setting to explore themes of memory, community, and the often contentious relationship between old and new. The church, with its sagging beams and worn stones, is depicted not just as a building but as a repository of collective memory, its impending destruction a metaphor for the fading of community bonds in the face of modernity. Through this narrative, Wright challenges the reader to consider the ways in which our environments shape and reflect our collective identity.

Critically, Wright does not shy away from the darker sides of construction and urbanization, such as environmental degradation and the displacement of communities. In one chapter, she narrates the construction of a massive commercial complex and its impact on a nearby low-income neighborhood. Here, her tone shifts effectively from the descriptive to the critical, urging a reflection on the ethics of urban planning and development.

In conclusion, Built by Anna Wright is an important and enthralling work that opens up the world of architecture in a way that is accessible to both experts and lay readers alike. It encourages a deeper understanding of the buildings around us—not just as physical spaces but as vital components of our psychological and social landscapes. For anyone interested in architecture, psychology, or just wonderful storytelling, Built offers an enriching and enlightening journey through the spaces we create and inhabit. It’s a reminder that buildings, like the human heart, are complex and capable of profound influence on our lives—it just depends on how we build and inhabit them.