A Sudden Light
Garth Stein
Simon & Schuster, Sep 30 2014, $26.95
ISBN: 9781439187036
As he nears his fortieth birthday, Jones Riddell
separates from his wife Rachel. For the
first time since his father exiled him after the teenager’s mother Isobel died over
two decades ago back in 1967, Jones, accompanied by his fourteen years old son
Trevor, heads to his family mansion, Riddell House in Washington State; Trevor arrives
for the first time. Financially strapped
Jones and his sister Serena want to sell the estate, but first they must remove
their uncooperative father Samuel to a nursing home. Though he is not mentally what he once was,
Samuel refuses to leave his home where generations of Riddell’s have resided
since they made a fortune in timber.
Trevor hopes his parents reconcile as he misses
having both parents. Meanwhile, fascinated
by the estate and his ancestry, the teen learns about his paternal family when
he finds the diary of his late great-Uncle Ben’s lover Harry and of the curse
that began with Samuel’s avarice grandfather Elijah.
A Sudden Light is a fascinating family drama that
looks closely at several generations of Riddell’s still residing, some as
ghosts, in the mansion as told by Trevor assisted by timely spirits’
soliloquys. Although at times Trevor’s
narration seems to mature and accepting for his youth (in spite of a coda
explanation) more insight into the hauntings would be welcome. This is an
intriguing epic.
2 comments:
I have read three out of four of Garth Stein's books (still have Raven Steals the Moon to read) and I think this is by far his best book yet. The story takes one on so many twists and turns that it keeps you turning the pages wondering where the tale will take you next. Stein certainly doesn't write by predicable formulas like so many other well-known authors.
Mica
Air Conditioning Service Richardson
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