The Lighthouse by Christopher Parker
Enchanting, mysterious, and deeply romantic, The Lighthouse follows a young woman's breathtaking journey far from home to discover where she truly belongs. Something strange is happening in Seabrook. The town's lighthouse-dormant for over thirty years and famously haunted-has inexplicably started shining, and its mysterious glow is sparking feverish gossip throughout the spooked community. Amy Tucker is only visiting for the night and has no plans to get caught up in the hysteria, but that changes when she meets Ryan, the loyal, hard-working son of a ranch owner who lives on the outskirts of town. Their chance encounter turns into an unforgettable weekend, and against the backdrop of the lighthouse-obsessed town, the two of them forge a deep connection, opening their hearts, baring their souls, and revealing secrets long kept hidden. But as they grow closer, and as the lighthouse glows ever brighter, a startling discovery about Ryan leaves Amy questioning everything she thought she knew. To uncover the truth about her new friend, Amy will need to enter Seabrook's ominous tower, where waiting inside she will not only find the reason why fate has brought them together... but a shocking secret that will change the course of their lives forever. "...an astonishing, unputdownable debut... the best novel I have read this year." - NZ Booklovers "...smart, suspenseful and briskly paced work... Parker offers plenty of heart, including messages about how love can conquer the unknown." - Kirkus Reviews "Bloody amazing." - Tina Shaw, author of The Children's Pond "A meditative look at moving through grief." - Booklife "The emotional arc is strong and clear, not forgotten in the twists and turns of an ambitious story." - Kete Books Editorial Reviews 10/04/2021 Parker's debut novel is a work of character-driven magical realism dealing with themes of filial love, grief, and existence in the liminal space between life and death. The story follows two young protagonists: Amy, who has recently lost her mother to a car crash, and Ryan, a young rancher who is struggling with his farm's failing finances and his father's failing health. The two develop a close relationship after Ryan finds Amy in the bathtub, having overdosed on sleeping pills, and saves her. While both must face their own personal troubles, they also find themselves caught up in the mystery of the town's old lighthouse, which somehow, as a local puts it, lights "up the sky like a torch from heaven"--despite having no lamp. What follows is a genuinely surprising twist that will leave readers aching for all the characters involved. Ryan and Amy are sympathetic characters whose grief makes them relatable, and their tender, supportive relationship is the story's heart. Still, Parker does not shy away from highlighting the ways trauma and loss can change a person's personality for the worse. Parker also proves adept at crafting a moody, possibly haunted milieu, as his leads live among vicious winter storms, miles of forlorn farmland, and of course the lonely lighthouse, on its "outcrop of jagged rocks," to which Ryan and Amy find themselves drawn. Several exciting revelations come at the novel's end, but the beginning and the middle of the story by comparison at times lacks momentum. Some subplots are dropped or not fully realized, such as Amy's father's detective work. The Lighthouse is not a full-fledged fantasy, yet does contain magical and spiritual elements, which can be tricky to balance. For some readers, there may not be enough magic, and for others, there might be too much. Still, readers who follow its mysterious light will be rewarded with intriguing twists and lovable characters. Takeaway: A mysterious lighthouse, compelling surprises, and a meditative look at moving through grief. Great for fans of: Erin Morgenstern's The Starless Sea, Erin A Craig's House of Salt and Sorrows. Production grades Cover: A- Design and typography: A Illustrations: N/A Editing: A- Marketing copy: B - BookLife Reviews "...an astonishing, unputdownable debut. The Lighthouse is a beautifully written novel that is emotionally compelling but ultimately an uplifting tale of love and hope. The characters are exceptionally well-drawn, the setting is unforgettable, and it takes you on an incredible journey of loss and love to a pitch perfect ending. This is the best novel I have read this year." - NZ Booklovers "This smart, suspenseful, and briskly paced work will keep readers guessing. ...a haunting but hopeful work of supernatural fiction that comes to a satisfying conclusion. ...seriously fun..." - Kirkus Reviews "Parker's debut novel is a work of character-driven magical realism dealing with themes of filial love, grief, and existence in the liminal space between life and death. Readers who follow its mysterious light will be rewarded with intriguing twists and lovable characters." - Booklife "Bloody amazing. The Lighthouse will have you laughing then weeping. I couldn't put it down" - Tina Shaw, author of The Children's Pond "[Amy and Ryan's] relationship is compelling - and a powerful center for the narrative's development." - Foreword - From the Publisher
Publication Details
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Binding: Paperback
Published by: Beacon Press Limited: , 2023
Edition:
ISBN: 9780995149502 | 099514950X
368 pages.
Book Condition: Very Good
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