Title: A Sudden
Light
Author: Garth
Stein
Publisher: Simon
& Schuster
Publication Date: August
28, 2014
Genres: Fantasy,
Mystery
Reviewed by: Ellen
Fritz
Ellen’s rating: 4/5
SUMMARY
In the summer of
1990, fourteen-year-old Trevor Riddell gets his first glimpse of Riddell House.
Built from the spoils of a massive timber fortune, the legendary family mansion
is constructed of giant, whole trees, and is set on a huge estate overlooking
Puget Sound. Trevor’s bankrupt parents have begun a trial separation, and his
father, Jones Riddell, has brought Trevor to Riddell House with a goal: to join
forces with his sister, Serena, dispatch Grandpa Samuel—who is flickering in
and out of dementia—to a graduated living facility, sell off the house and
property for development into “tract housing for millionaires,” divide up the
profits, and live happily ever after.
But Trevor soon discovers there’s someone else living in Riddell House: a ghost with an agenda of his own. For while the land holds tremendous value, it is also burdened by the final wishes of the family patriarch, Elijah, who mandated it be allowed to return to untamed forestland as a penance for the millions of trees harvested over the decades by the Riddell Timber company. The ghost will not rest until Elijah’s wish is fulfilled, and Trevor’s willingness to face the past holds the key to his family’s future.
But Trevor soon discovers there’s someone else living in Riddell House: a ghost with an agenda of his own. For while the land holds tremendous value, it is also burdened by the final wishes of the family patriarch, Elijah, who mandated it be allowed to return to untamed forestland as a penance for the millions of trees harvested over the decades by the Riddell Timber company. The ghost will not rest until Elijah’s wish is fulfilled, and Trevor’s willingness to face the past holds the key to his family’s future.
REVIEW
A poignant tale of a troubled family, A Sudden Light turned out to be a
gripping, if slightly long-winded read. Fourteen-year-old Trevor Riddell is
introduced to his heritage in the form of a monstrosity of a house, a wealth of
family secrets, and a ghost who is ready and able to impart even more family
secrets in order to convince Trevor to help fulfill Elijah Riddell's wishes.
Trevor, however, only wants his parents to fix their marriage. His decisions
whether to give in to the ghost's demands will depend on the chances of it
being the key to reuniting his parents.
Although this book has a captivating beginning, it
soon becomes rather boring. Fortunately, about forty percent along the story
got its hooks into me.
Trevor, the main character, is remarkably mature for
his age. He has a sharp, witty sense of humor and an obvious desire to do the
right thing. Throughout the story he is placed before incredibly difficult
choices. Choices that may determine whether his parents stop or continue their
divorce. That his very obviously unstable aunt Serena is flaunting her
sexuality, isn't helping either.
All the other characters are skillfully and
realistically crafted. To say more about them, however, would put me in danger
of giving spoilers.
Despite the ghosts and hauntings in this novel, it is
not at all your typical scary ghost story. That Trevor isn't afraid of the
ghost and sees the whole thing, first as an adventure and later as a mission,
may be the reason for this.
This is a touching narrative of a young boy's desire
to save his parents' marriage, promises made long ago, and an old man's craving
to be cared for lovingly. It is also a tale of greed, insanity, ruthlessness
and the power that the very wealthy and influential have over the less
fortunate as well as their own children.
Though a bit lengthy, this ultimately heartwarming
book is a worthwhile and relaxing read.
ABOUT the AUTHOR
Garth Stein is the
author of four novels: the New York Times bestselling
gothic/historical/coming-of-age/ghost story, "A Sudden Light"; the
internationally bestselling "The Art of Racing in the Rain"; the PNBA
Book Award winner, "How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets"; and
the magically realistic "Raven Stole the Moon." He is also the author
of the stage play "Brother Jones." He has a dog, he's raced a few
cars, climbed a bunch of really tall trees, made a few documentary films, and
he lives in Seattle with his family. He's co-founder of Seattle7Writers.org, a
non-profit collective of 74 Northwest authors working together to energize the
reading and writing public.
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1 comment:
Great review!
I really loved Raven Who Stole The Moon so I surely want to read this one too!
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