Beautiful
The Light Keeper by Cole Morton is the most beautifully written novel that has soothed my soul. Once in a while a book comes along that has a serenely beautiful air that pervades the whole novel and I just sink into it and let the book wash over me. The Light Keeper is not a book to rush through, it is one to be savoured. There is power and understanding in the words that Cole Morton has used.
The book is a study of life and love and loss – a life that has been and a love that does not end; a life that is yet to be and a desperation that does not leave; and a love that has died but the embers remain. This is a tale that demands an emotional response on many levels.
Deep grief is found within the pages. “The white noise of grief has never stopped, only become part of the music of his life.” When life is snatched away and hope is gone, grief and love remain. “He wants to leave but she is still here.” When we are being sunk by our grief, we sometimes fear moving on in case we lose our memories and ties with our loved one.
One character mourns what she did not have – her mother died when she was just three years old but the sense of loss remains.
There is the painful subject of infertility and IVF – that desperation as hope is snatched away each month. Through the beautifully and sensitively written words we can ‘feel’ the despair and desperation.
The real life setting of Beachy Head is the focus of the novel. This is a well-known spot in England for its high cliffs and desperate people but not everyone who visits wants to jump, some merely want to escape the world for a bit.
Some books just lodge deep in your heart and soul – The Light Keeper is one such book. It is so very beautiful, almost ethereal, a work of tremendous calm and love.
The Light Keeper is a book I shall re-visit again and again as I believe that each reading will highlight something different.
I will leave you with a powerful quote:
“Love is stronger than hate. Light is stronger than darkness.”
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
JULIA WILSON
