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A Sudden Light
From Garth Stein, author of the beloved bestseller The Art of Racing in the Rain—now a major motion picture!
The New York Times bestselling “witty, atmospheric” (People) story of a once powerful American family, and the price that must be paid by the heirs as they struggle for redemption: “A captivating page-turner” (Star Tribune, Minneapolis).
Twenty-three years after the fateful summer of 1990, Trevor Riddell recalls the events surrounding his fourteenth birthday, when he gets his first glimpse of the infamous 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 Seattle’s Puget Sound. Trevor’s bankrupt parents have separated, and his father, Jones Riddell, has brought Trevor to Riddell House with a goal: to join forces with Aunt Serena, dispatch the ailing and elderly Grandpa Samuel to a nursing home, sell off the house and property for development, and divide up the profits.
But as young Trevor explores the house’s hidden stairways and forgotten rooms, he discovers secrets that convince him that the family plan may be at odds with the land’s true destiny. Only Trevor’s willingness to face the dark past of his forefathers will reveal the key to his family’s future.
Spellbinding and atmospheric, A Sudden Light is rich with vivid characters, poetic scenes of natural beauty, and powerful moments of spiritual transcendence. “Garth Stein is resourceful, cleverly piecing together the family history with dreams, overheard conversations, and reminiscences…a tale well told,” (The Seattle Times)—a triumphant work of a master storyteller at the height of his power.
The New York Times bestselling “witty, atmospheric” (People) story of a once powerful American family, and the price that must be paid by the heirs as they struggle for redemption: “A captivating page-turner” (Star Tribune, Minneapolis).
Twenty-three years after the fateful summer of 1990, Trevor Riddell recalls the events surrounding his fourteenth birthday, when he gets his first glimpse of the infamous 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 Seattle’s Puget Sound. Trevor’s bankrupt parents have separated, and his father, Jones Riddell, has brought Trevor to Riddell House with a goal: to join forces with Aunt Serena, dispatch the ailing and elderly Grandpa Samuel to a nursing home, sell off the house and property for development, and divide up the profits.
But as young Trevor explores the house’s hidden stairways and forgotten rooms, he discovers secrets that convince him that the family plan may be at odds with the land’s true destiny. Only Trevor’s willingness to face the dark past of his forefathers will reveal the key to his family’s future.
Spellbinding and atmospheric, A Sudden Light is rich with vivid characters, poetic scenes of natural beauty, and powerful moments of spiritual transcendence. “Garth Stein is resourceful, cleverly piecing together the family history with dreams, overheard conversations, and reminiscences…a tale well told,” (The Seattle Times)—a triumphant work of a master storyteller at the height of his power.
Audiobook
First published September 30, 2014
About the author
Garth Stein
23 books4,578 followersGarth 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,275 reviews
February 12, 2016
Audiobook: -An outstanding walking Companion!
First off ... whomever was the voice narrator ... gets an A+ rating from me. He was
terrific. I'm just beginning to appreciate the talent a person must have to read an entire novel to hold our interest. From the get-go, the dialogue was engaging. Parts were funny to the point I laughed silly blowing leaves off of trees I passed.
There were definitely dark and mysterious moments. The descriptions in this story of the house, land, the giant trees were awesome.
I didn't know a damn thing about this novel when I started it. I just happened to see it on my library overdrive...( had seen this book 'around' in our book world), but really just took a freebie blind faith chance. ( push of an iPhone key)...
Magic: a new book to listen to while walking. I've done this dozens of times --only to send books back after 10 minutes. But this book had me eating out of the palm of the readers hands in *seconds*!
Loved the characters...
Serena...( hot gorgeous beautiful bright classy aunt to Trevor, the 14 year old narrator)... is the 'female-rock' to all the men in the story.
I loved this woman:
I'm not sure I would have wanted to be in Serena's shoes. ( the barefoot woman). She had her hands filled with her 'dad-(Sam)-gramps'- with dementia, her brother, (Jones), a little angry and resentful to say the least and precocious Trevor- her 14 year old nephew, who was drooling over her.
Aw... It's a summer to remember at the massive wooden mansion in Seattle.
Completely satisfying novel! A true surprise!!! Humor, mystery, family secrets, family challenges, .... and 'house' challenges: hidden rooms, journals found....and even the
Wooden- estate- ghost!
For those who have a special heart for the GRAMPS in the world... you just might fall in love with another. This Sam Ridell is a grouch to love.
As for Trevor: Hell, I'd be proud to have a son like him.
First off ... whomever was the voice narrator ... gets an A+ rating from me. He was
terrific. I'm just beginning to appreciate the talent a person must have to read an entire novel to hold our interest. From the get-go, the dialogue was engaging. Parts were funny to the point I laughed silly blowing leaves off of trees I passed.
There were definitely dark and mysterious moments. The descriptions in this story of the house, land, the giant trees were awesome.
I didn't know a damn thing about this novel when I started it. I just happened to see it on my library overdrive...( had seen this book 'around' in our book world), but really just took a freebie blind faith chance. ( push of an iPhone key)...
Magic: a new book to listen to while walking. I've done this dozens of times --only to send books back after 10 minutes. But this book had me eating out of the palm of the readers hands in *seconds*!
Loved the characters...
Serena...( hot gorgeous beautiful bright classy aunt to Trevor, the 14 year old narrator)... is the 'female-rock' to all the men in the story.
I loved this woman:
I'm not sure I would have wanted to be in Serena's shoes. ( the barefoot woman). She had her hands filled with her 'dad-(Sam)-gramps'- with dementia, her brother, (Jones), a little angry and resentful to say the least and precocious Trevor- her 14 year old nephew, who was drooling over her.
Aw... It's a summer to remember at the massive wooden mansion in Seattle.
Completely satisfying novel! A true surprise!!! Humor, mystery, family secrets, family challenges, .... and 'house' challenges: hidden rooms, journals found....and even the
Wooden- estate- ghost!
For those who have a special heart for the GRAMPS in the world... you just might fall in love with another. This Sam Ridell is a grouch to love.
As for Trevor: Hell, I'd be proud to have a son like him.
May 10, 2016
Well crap..I had such high hopes for this book.
Plus it starts off so very good. The 14 year old in the story is smart and funny. His voice is a breathe of fresh air-then well...It got so boring that I just couldn't do it anymore.
Trevor is with his "separated" father as he goes back to Seattle to hopefully sell the family house. One problem there is that his father (with whom dementia has supposedly set in)wants to stick to the original ancestor's request that the home and lands just be returned to the forest. Add in a crazy aunt Serena just for shits and giggles.
The first few chapters were just brilliant and then I wondered what the hell happened? Did someone else take over writing it? There is just no way in hell that a fourteen year old sounds like that. (PS for the trolls that I'm sure I will attract) I know some points were the character looking back but it's still Bullshit. No 14 year old is going to the library and look up that boring ass shit. I don't care how smart he is.
I know this author is better than this drivel.
Ok..rant over. All in all this book just wasn't for me. Don't write it off. Some people may love it.
I received an arc copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Plus it starts off so very good. The 14 year old in the story is smart and funny. His voice is a breathe of fresh air-then well...It got so boring that I just couldn't do it anymore.
Trevor is with his "separated" father as he goes back to Seattle to hopefully sell the family house. One problem there is that his father (with whom dementia has supposedly set in)wants to stick to the original ancestor's request that the home and lands just be returned to the forest. Add in a crazy aunt Serena just for shits and giggles.
The first few chapters were just brilliant and then I wondered what the hell happened? Did someone else take over writing it? There is just no way in hell that a fourteen year old sounds like that. (PS for the trolls that I'm sure I will attract) I know some points were the character looking back but it's still Bullshit. No 14 year old is going to the library and look up that boring ass shit. I don't care how smart he is.
I know this author is better than this drivel.
Ok..rant over. All in all this book just wasn't for me. Don't write it off. Some people may love it.
I received an arc copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2014
I'm probably going to become the most hated reviewer of all time, but I have to announce that I did not like this book. Not just a "eh, this isn't for me," but a "are you serious right now?! I can't believe I have to finish this thing." When I first heard about this book I thought I was going to fall in love with it. Gothic setting? Yes! Coming of age? I'm there! Ghosts? Yup! Family saga? You can't stop me from reading this! When I finally got it into my hands, I was thrilled. The first chapter sucked me in and I was quickly moving the book up my "best of 2014" list. Then chapter two hit and I thought "just a little slump before the real action takes off." Then chapter three left me thinking "okay, just give it some time." Once I slugged my way to page 225, I knew that this book was not for me.
The story follows Trevor Riddell as he joins his father in traveling from their home in Connecticut to their family's estate in the Pacific Northwest. Trevor's father has not set foot on the land since his mother died, but his separation from his wife is pushing him to return to his roots. All Trevor wants is for his parents to get back together, but that is much easier said than done. They're not at Riddell House long before strange things start happening: Trevor starts hearing noises, thinks that he's seeing someone dancing, and losing track of some of his personal items. But this oddness pales in comparison to the people he is sharing the house with: his grandfather and aunt. The grandfather is slowly losing his hold on the world around him and Trevor's aunt is taking full advantage of the situation. But these characters are not the only ones with dubious motives. Trevor stumbles upon a diary that might hold the key to the ghosts he is living with, both alive and dead.
My first complaint is that the story is cliched; it has been done before and done better. Stein's typical style does not shine through this piece. Instead, the writing feels labored and facile. There is no depth to the characters and the "mysteries" are basically solved as soon as they are introduced (i.e. Riddell House is full of riddles!). I was hoping that this was all setup for a great finish, but even that fell flat. It seemed as if Stein painted himself into a corner by the last 100 pages and just threw up his hands. In other words, he ending is one that we've seen many times before and done much better. While I always enjoy a good book with unlikeable characters, these ones didn't even interest me. The plot seemed contrived and the overall story came off as feeling like a bloated short story that was forced into a novel.
The story follows Trevor Riddell as he joins his father in traveling from their home in Connecticut to their family's estate in the Pacific Northwest. Trevor's father has not set foot on the land since his mother died, but his separation from his wife is pushing him to return to his roots. All Trevor wants is for his parents to get back together, but that is much easier said than done. They're not at Riddell House long before strange things start happening: Trevor starts hearing noises, thinks that he's seeing someone dancing, and losing track of some of his personal items. But this oddness pales in comparison to the people he is sharing the house with: his grandfather and aunt. The grandfather is slowly losing his hold on the world around him and Trevor's aunt is taking full advantage of the situation. But these characters are not the only ones with dubious motives. Trevor stumbles upon a diary that might hold the key to the ghosts he is living with, both alive and dead.
My first complaint is that the story is cliched; it has been done before and done better. Stein's typical style does not shine through this piece. Instead, the writing feels labored and facile. There is no depth to the characters and the "mysteries" are basically solved as soon as they are introduced (i.e. Riddell House is full of riddles!). I was hoping that this was all setup for a great finish, but even that fell flat. It seemed as if Stein painted himself into a corner by the last 100 pages and just threw up his hands. In other words, he ending is one that we've seen many times before and done much better. While I always enjoy a good book with unlikeable characters, these ones didn't even interest me. The plot seemed contrived and the overall story came off as feeling like a bloated short story that was forced into a novel.
March 24, 2023
A Sudden Light by Garth Stein is a Multi-genre Family Fiction Story!
Imagine, if you will, seeing a huge home, one the size of an old-time mansion that's constructed entirely of giant whole trees, with all the bark still attached. Trevor Riddell remembers the first time he saw Riddell House, the enormity of the sight was unforgettable and it happened in the summer of 1990, right before he turned fourteen.
The ancestral Riddell House and its enormous estate overlooks Seattle's Puget Sound and Trevor's father, Jones, brought him there with a purpose. His parents are broke, newly separated, and Jones plans to meet with Trevor's Aunt Serena to place elderly Grandpa Samuel, their father, into assisted care, then sell his estate, and split the money.
As Trevor explores the estate he magically discovers secrets about the family's long forgotten past, ones that are clearly at odds with his father's and aunt's plan for the ancestral estate...
When I began listening to A Sudden Light, the audiobook had a slow start but morphed into an amazing story. Four generations of father-son relationships in a Pacific Northwest family that's a grab-bag of genres within. It's a family story, a ghost story, a story about redemption, with magical realism and romances through the generations. It's thick with history of the region and has depth of backstory to this fictional family.
A Sudden Light has a resolution that's both shocking and uplifting and I fell in love with this well-written story. This is a book I could listen to again and I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy their fiction with a blend of genres and a mixture of likable and unlikable characters! 4.5 stars!
The author, Garth Stein, also wrote The Art of Racing in the Rain and after reading this one, I will definitely be checking that one out, too!
Imagine, if you will, seeing a huge home, one the size of an old-time mansion that's constructed entirely of giant whole trees, with all the bark still attached. Trevor Riddell remembers the first time he saw Riddell House, the enormity of the sight was unforgettable and it happened in the summer of 1990, right before he turned fourteen.
The ancestral Riddell House and its enormous estate overlooks Seattle's Puget Sound and Trevor's father, Jones, brought him there with a purpose. His parents are broke, newly separated, and Jones plans to meet with Trevor's Aunt Serena to place elderly Grandpa Samuel, their father, into assisted care, then sell his estate, and split the money.
As Trevor explores the estate he magically discovers secrets about the family's long forgotten past, ones that are clearly at odds with his father's and aunt's plan for the ancestral estate...
When I began listening to A Sudden Light, the audiobook had a slow start but morphed into an amazing story. Four generations of father-son relationships in a Pacific Northwest family that's a grab-bag of genres within. It's a family story, a ghost story, a story about redemption, with magical realism and romances through the generations. It's thick with history of the region and has depth of backstory to this fictional family.
A Sudden Light has a resolution that's both shocking and uplifting and I fell in love with this well-written story. This is a book I could listen to again and I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy their fiction with a blend of genres and a mixture of likable and unlikable characters! 4.5 stars!
The author, Garth Stein, also wrote The Art of Racing in the Rain and after reading this one, I will definitely be checking that one out, too!
September 26, 2014
2.5 This book has all the elements that draw me towards a novel: a huge old house with secret passages and rooms, a old family secret, old diaries found and a few very unusual characters. So why didn't this novel work for me?
It is narrated by a man looking back at a period in his life when his parents were separated and he met his Father's family for the first tie, encountered the house and a few ghosts but it is all narrated by his fourteen year old self. This kind of bugged me because the whole story was narrated this way, might have helped move the story along if occasionally there was a change in narration. There were times I was plainly bored, the novel seemed to really drag in places and go off in tangents in others. Never quite figured out what this novel was meant to be, maybe too much was undertaken? This is one I would put down and not really be tempted to pick it back up. I didn't hate it, I just didn't like it as much as I thought I would. I think my favorite character was the grandfather, said to be suffering from Alzheimer, his seemed the most realistic character and his dialogue seemed true. The other characters dialogue at times seemed rote or wooden.
Anyway this has gotten many good reviews so if you are curious, try it for yourself. This is just my own personal opinion and others may not agree.
ARC from NetGalley.
It is narrated by a man looking back at a period in his life when his parents were separated and he met his Father's family for the first tie, encountered the house and a few ghosts but it is all narrated by his fourteen year old self. This kind of bugged me because the whole story was narrated this way, might have helped move the story along if occasionally there was a change in narration. There were times I was plainly bored, the novel seemed to really drag in places and go off in tangents in others. Never quite figured out what this novel was meant to be, maybe too much was undertaken? This is one I would put down and not really be tempted to pick it back up. I didn't hate it, I just didn't like it as much as I thought I would. I think my favorite character was the grandfather, said to be suffering from Alzheimer, his seemed the most realistic character and his dialogue seemed true. The other characters dialogue at times seemed rote or wooden.
Anyway this has gotten many good reviews so if you are curious, try it for yourself. This is just my own personal opinion and others may not agree.
ARC from NetGalley.
September 22, 2014
I often think about what makes a book "good" for me...Is it amazing poetic prose, memorable and interesting characters, or a kick-ass story that pulls me in, shakes me up, and then spits me back out a little changed, hopefully for the better? Maybe it's some combination of the above.
After some reflection, I've come to the conclusion that the best books are the ones that leave me with something tangible, provide me a new and novel way of thinking about something even if only marginally so--like a powerful phrase that continues to roll around in my mind long after I've returned the book to its spot on the shelf, and/or a book that entertains me, either with the beauty and artistry of its prose or the value and relatability of its story or the quality of its characters.
They don't have to be perfect on every front, and rarely are, but they do have to leave me with something worthwhile.
And in my opinion, while not perfect, A Sudden Light is a damn "good" book that has much to offer.
Here's what I liked
This isn't your garden variety haunted house story...nor is it your garden variety coming of age story...nor is this your garden variety family saga...nor is this your garden variety historical fiction story...yet somehow it manages to be all of the above on some level. I imagine there are readers who may feel Stein was too ambitious...trying to weave too many stories together, but I felt as though he pulled it off.
The writing is top-notch. Stein is an incredible writer whose style is literary-accessible...the best kind as far as I'm concerned. Coupled with a great sense of humor and witty musings, Stein's strong voice makes this book a pleasure to read.
There are more than a couple memorable phrases/quotable moments...and I think that's saying something. I feel as though Stein has something meaningful to say about the human experience and says it in such a way as to make the reader take notice.
And here's what I didn't like
At times the story seems to drag on. I feel as if 100 pages could have easily been cut without impacting the storyline in the slightest.
I'm not sure the whole ghost thing as presented serves the story. After reading, I feel as though one of the underlying messages was that the people we love stay with us long after they are gone...which is a powerful and comforting thought...but more so if a belief in ghosts and an afterlife isn't part of the bargain. I guess I think this would have been stronger if the ghosts and other-worldly influences were suggested but not confirmed...similar to what Shirley Jackson does in The Haunting of Hill House. I think what makes the supernatural element in that book so intriguing is that it is somewhat ambiguous, and I feel these ghosts could have better served this story if their existence had been more uncertain.
Bottom line
All in all, a worthwhile read. In fact, I was so impressed by this story that I plan to read Stein's very popular book The Art of Racing in the Rain. I will also have my eye open for future works by this author. I'm thinking Neil Gaiman fans might like this book as there were certain elements here that reminded me of Gaiman's style.
***I was provided this book as an ARC from Netgalley. The book is scheduled for release on September 30, 2014.
After some reflection, I've come to the conclusion that the best books are the ones that leave me with something tangible, provide me a new and novel way of thinking about something even if only marginally so--like a powerful phrase that continues to roll around in my mind long after I've returned the book to its spot on the shelf, and/or a book that entertains me, either with the beauty and artistry of its prose or the value and relatability of its story or the quality of its characters.
They don't have to be perfect on every front, and rarely are, but they do have to leave me with something worthwhile.
And in my opinion, while not perfect, A Sudden Light is a damn "good" book that has much to offer.
Here's what I liked
This isn't your garden variety haunted house story...nor is it your garden variety coming of age story...nor is this your garden variety family saga...nor is this your garden variety historical fiction story...yet somehow it manages to be all of the above on some level. I imagine there are readers who may feel Stein was too ambitious...trying to weave too many stories together, but I felt as though he pulled it off.
The writing is top-notch. Stein is an incredible writer whose style is literary-accessible...the best kind as far as I'm concerned. Coupled with a great sense of humor and witty musings, Stein's strong voice makes this book a pleasure to read.
There are more than a couple memorable phrases/quotable moments...and I think that's saying something. I feel as though Stein has something meaningful to say about the human experience and says it in such a way as to make the reader take notice.
And here's what I didn't like
At times the story seems to drag on. I feel as if 100 pages could have easily been cut without impacting the storyline in the slightest.
I'm not sure the whole ghost thing as presented serves the story. After reading, I feel as though one of the underlying messages was that the people we love stay with us long after they are gone...which is a powerful and comforting thought...but more so if a belief in ghosts and an afterlife isn't part of the bargain. I guess I think this would have been stronger if the ghosts and other-worldly influences were suggested but not confirmed...similar to what Shirley Jackson does in The Haunting of Hill House. I think what makes the supernatural element in that book so intriguing is that it is somewhat ambiguous, and I feel these ghosts could have better served this story if their existence had been more uncertain.
Bottom line
All in all, a worthwhile read. In fact, I was so impressed by this story that I plan to read Stein's very popular book The Art of Racing in the Rain. I will also have my eye open for future works by this author. I'm thinking Neil Gaiman fans might like this book as there were certain elements here that reminded me of Gaiman's style.
***I was provided this book as an ARC from Netgalley. The book is scheduled for release on September 30, 2014.
January 2, 2015
Those who follow my reviews know I am a sucker for a good family secrets novel and this one had it all…secrets, spirits/ghosts, lies, deception and a great generational story. I enjoyed Stein’s book The Art of Racing in the Rain and when I saw he had a new book coming out I requested this one on Netgalley and once I started I could not put it down.
I really enjoyed this story I liked the flow of it and the writing, I felt like Trevor was telling me his story and I was completely enthralled.
My favorite character in this book was Grandpa Samuel even though he wasn���t the best father or husband or grandfather it was the little snippets he would come up with that would make me laugh or wince but truth coming from a “demented” person sometimes takes a humorous tone.
I wasn’t fond of Serena at all and she creeped me out long before anyone in the book seemed to realize how creepy she was. But I won’t say anymore because *No Spoilers*
Trevor is a 14 year old kid who just wants his parents to get back together and be happy again. When his parents separate his mother goes to England and Trevor accompanies his father, Jones, to his ancestral home North Estate a home made completely out of huge logs and a place his father hasn’t been since he was banished from the home at 16 after his mother died. Trevor is more than happy to accompany his father because he makes it his mission to fix his dad and make everything ok between his parents. But as he soon discovers there is more going on at North estate than meets the eye and it may take a lot more than he was bargaining for to help his dad. I enjoyed Trevor’s intellect and his ability to believe in things even when everyone is telling him not to.
Trevor’s dad Jones is a messed up man, something happened in this house years ago that he won’t talk about and it has affected and is still affecting his entire life but can he step up and become the father his never was?
Then there is the history of the house generations back a promise was made to a dead man that one day North Estate would be allowed to go back to the forest but the people living there today want to be rid of it and want to make boat loads of money in the process, so do you keep a promise to a dead man? Or do you do whatever you want and have the life your forefathers had before other generations squandered the fortune?
These people and stories come together in a great book that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a multi-generational family secrets story.
4 ½ Stars
Full-Disclosure: I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher for a fair and honest review.
I really enjoyed this story I liked the flow of it and the writing, I felt like Trevor was telling me his story and I was completely enthralled.
My favorite character in this book was Grandpa Samuel even though he wasn���t the best father or husband or grandfather it was the little snippets he would come up with that would make me laugh or wince but truth coming from a “demented” person sometimes takes a humorous tone.
I wasn’t fond of Serena at all and she creeped me out long before anyone in the book seemed to realize how creepy she was. But I won’t say anymore because *No Spoilers*
Trevor is a 14 year old kid who just wants his parents to get back together and be happy again. When his parents separate his mother goes to England and Trevor accompanies his father, Jones, to his ancestral home North Estate a home made completely out of huge logs and a place his father hasn’t been since he was banished from the home at 16 after his mother died. Trevor is more than happy to accompany his father because he makes it his mission to fix his dad and make everything ok between his parents. But as he soon discovers there is more going on at North estate than meets the eye and it may take a lot more than he was bargaining for to help his dad. I enjoyed Trevor’s intellect and his ability to believe in things even when everyone is telling him not to.
Trevor’s dad Jones is a messed up man, something happened in this house years ago that he won’t talk about and it has affected and is still affecting his entire life but can he step up and become the father his never was?
Then there is the history of the house generations back a promise was made to a dead man that one day North Estate would be allowed to go back to the forest but the people living there today want to be rid of it and want to make boat loads of money in the process, so do you keep a promise to a dead man? Or do you do whatever you want and have the life your forefathers had before other generations squandered the fortune?
These people and stories come together in a great book that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a multi-generational family secrets story.
4 ½ Stars
Full-Disclosure: I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher for a fair and honest review.
August 27, 2016
As of this date, 2/11/14, it's possible that I'm the only GoodReads reviewer who has actually read this book in manuscript form. It's not yet available in galley. And it's not the time to reveal anything about it other than, you're going to love it. Pure Garth Stein, for all the things you love in his work: strong voice, quirky characters, a little mysticism and magic, breathtaking settings in the Northwest, and a story that takes you by surprise, makes you laugh, then cry, then want to read it all over again.
October 19, 2014
In 1990, at the age of 14 Trevor Riddell discovers that his family were once quite wealthy. His great great grandfather Elijah Riddell had built a massive fortune on harvesting timber from the pristine forests of the Puget Sound in Washington State. Facing bankruptcy and the end of his marriage, Trevor's father Jones takes Trevor to the crumbling old family mansion in the last reserve of Pacific Northwest forest to try to talk his father Samuel into selling the land to property developers.
Trevor has never met his grandfather, Samuel or his father's sister Serena who has never left the house and looks after Samuel and Jones has never been back since leaving many years ago after his mother died. Trevor discovers that there is a ghost in the mansion who is not happy with the proposed sale, wanting the forest returned to its natural state, and helps Trevor unravel the tragic story of his family and their fall from grace.
This was a very atmospheric book with the beauty of the grounds and the remnants of the forest contrasting sharply with the crumbling, decaying mansion. The characters are all very well drawn, each with their own agenda. Trevor is a smart, candid child who forges a strong bond with his grandfather and lusts after his aunt, the manipulative and seductive Serena. The truth builds slowly but steadily, gradually revealed through 'dreams' that Trevor has and conversations with the ghost as well as diaries that he finds written by Elijah's son Ben. A beautiful story of family secrets and relationships and ultimately a boy's journey in learning to decide for himself what matters most.
Trevor has never met his grandfather, Samuel or his father's sister Serena who has never left the house and looks after Samuel and Jones has never been back since leaving many years ago after his mother died. Trevor discovers that there is a ghost in the mansion who is not happy with the proposed sale, wanting the forest returned to its natural state, and helps Trevor unravel the tragic story of his family and their fall from grace.
This was a very atmospheric book with the beauty of the grounds and the remnants of the forest contrasting sharply with the crumbling, decaying mansion. The characters are all very well drawn, each with their own agenda. Trevor is a smart, candid child who forges a strong bond with his grandfather and lusts after his aunt, the manipulative and seductive Serena. The truth builds slowly but steadily, gradually revealed through 'dreams' that Trevor has and conversations with the ghost as well as diaries that he finds written by Elijah's son Ben. A beautiful story of family secrets and relationships and ultimately a boy's journey in learning to decide for himself what matters most.
June 30, 2014
Full disclosure: I received an advance readers copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
When you're growing up, you rarely give much thought to your family history or your ancestry. In some cases, you have no idea (through no fault of your own) what your family history is, because of the myriad tensions and estrangements that characterize many families.
That is definitely the case for 14-year-old Trevor Riddell. In the summer of 1990, strained by financial problems, his parents agree to a trial separation, which sends his mother back to live with her family in England, and sends Trevor and his father, Jones, to the Pacific Northwest to visit his father's family. Trevor didn't even know the extent to which his father Jones still had a family, as Jones has been estranged from them for some time.
But when they arrive at Riddell House, the family's decrepit mansion, which is constructed of giant, whole trees, and is set on a huge estate overlooking Puget Sound, Trevor begins to understand the real reason for their trip. Jones has one mission: to convince his aging father, Samuel, who is suffering from dementia, to sign over the property rights, which will allow Jones and his sister, the enigmatic Serena, to sell the house and the property and live a life of wealth. That, however, is easier said than done, as Samuel doesn't want to leave Riddell House, because he is visited by his late wife's ghost.
And that's not the only visitor to the house. The family patriarch, ruthless timber baron Elijah Riddell, mandated that the house be allowed to return to untamed forestland, as a way of making up for the millions of trees his business killed over the years, and Trevor begins to have visions of Elijah's son, who won't rest until his single-minded agenda of carrying out Elijah's wishes is successful. Trevor holds the key, and he is torn between what might ensure his parents get back together, and fulfillment of a promise a father made to his son nearly 100 years before.
I thought A Sudden Light was a moving, beautifully written story about the powerful hold that family can have on us, and how we cannot let ourselves be destroyed by what happened in our past. This is a story about manipulation, loyalty, love, and the desperate need to do the right thing—if you can figure out what the "right thing" truly is. While the "ghost story" elements might not appeal to everyone, I found them to be an integral part of the plot, and really added to the book's appeal.
I am among the few who didn't read Garth Stein's The Art of Racing in the Rain, so this was the first time I had the opportunity to experience his writing. I enjoyed this book tremendously and found it truly an emotional, beautiful book. I know that a story about the tenuous relationships between fathers and sons would hit me hard just a little more than six weeks after losing my own father, but beyond the sap factor, I really loved this.
When you're growing up, you rarely give much thought to your family history or your ancestry. In some cases, you have no idea (through no fault of your own) what your family history is, because of the myriad tensions and estrangements that characterize many families.
That is definitely the case for 14-year-old Trevor Riddell. In the summer of 1990, strained by financial problems, his parents agree to a trial separation, which sends his mother back to live with her family in England, and sends Trevor and his father, Jones, to the Pacific Northwest to visit his father's family. Trevor didn't even know the extent to which his father Jones still had a family, as Jones has been estranged from them for some time.
But when they arrive at Riddell House, the family's decrepit mansion, which is constructed of giant, whole trees, and is set on a huge estate overlooking Puget Sound, Trevor begins to understand the real reason for their trip. Jones has one mission: to convince his aging father, Samuel, who is suffering from dementia, to sign over the property rights, which will allow Jones and his sister, the enigmatic Serena, to sell the house and the property and live a life of wealth. That, however, is easier said than done, as Samuel doesn't want to leave Riddell House, because he is visited by his late wife's ghost.
And that's not the only visitor to the house. The family patriarch, ruthless timber baron Elijah Riddell, mandated that the house be allowed to return to untamed forestland, as a way of making up for the millions of trees his business killed over the years, and Trevor begins to have visions of Elijah's son, who won't rest until his single-minded agenda of carrying out Elijah's wishes is successful. Trevor holds the key, and he is torn between what might ensure his parents get back together, and fulfillment of a promise a father made to his son nearly 100 years before.
I thought A Sudden Light was a moving, beautifully written story about the powerful hold that family can have on us, and how we cannot let ourselves be destroyed by what happened in our past. This is a story about manipulation, loyalty, love, and the desperate need to do the right thing—if you can figure out what the "right thing" truly is. While the "ghost story" elements might not appeal to everyone, I found them to be an integral part of the plot, and really added to the book's appeal.
I am among the few who didn't read Garth Stein's The Art of Racing in the Rain, so this was the first time I had the opportunity to experience his writing. I enjoyed this book tremendously and found it truly an emotional, beautiful book. I know that a story about the tenuous relationships between fathers and sons would hit me hard just a little more than six weeks after losing my own father, but beyond the sap factor, I really loved this.
August 23, 2014
In October of 2010, I read Stein’s much talked-about novel, The Art of Racing in the Rain. Even as a dog-lover, I think the hype over-reached the book’s actuality. But, the premise of his latest novel - a crumbling family home just outside of Seattle, set in 1990 with a fourteen year old protagonist - is an intriguing one. So hopeful that my previous disappointment related more to the high expectations, I look forward to reading this one. Unfortunately, it too is rather disappointing. While the majority of the novel does take place in 1990, the perspective of “Clever” Trevor never feels like an authentic, coming-of-age type story as its a retrospective perspective of this life-changing summer. Trevor reflects back on the summer and relays the story through the filter of his modern, adult eyes, which stops the immediacy of the narrative and considerably slows down the overall pacing. Plus, there are some verb tense discrepancies that are genuinely distracting.
And the dialogue... almost all of it feels completely false. It never feels natural. Yes, there are clever bits of banter, but it is hard to imagine these sentences truly coming out of the characters’ mouths (with the exception, perhaps, of Grandpa Samuel). The plot follows predictable paths and the only character who ever feels remotely realistic and sympathetic is Grandpa Samuel. “Simply” Serena as well as Trevor’s mother are the flimsiest characters - their motivations are weak and neither woman feels real. But, the book is entertaining enough to finish, I suppose. As for the ghost story element - well, don’t expect to be spooked. It’s a profoundly benign haunting.
And the dialogue... almost all of it feels completely false. It never feels natural. Yes, there are clever bits of banter, but it is hard to imagine these sentences truly coming out of the characters’ mouths (with the exception, perhaps, of Grandpa Samuel). The plot follows predictable paths and the only character who ever feels remotely realistic and sympathetic is Grandpa Samuel. “Simply” Serena as well as Trevor’s mother are the flimsiest characters - their motivations are weak and neither woman feels real. But, the book is entertaining enough to finish, I suppose. As for the ghost story element - well, don’t expect to be spooked. It’s a profoundly benign haunting.
November 17, 2014
3.75 stars: The sins of our fathers…must we pay the debt??? That is the main story line behind Stein’s new novel, “A Sudden Light”. Written in first person, it’s Trevor Riddell’s story, as he tells it as an adult. In Trevor’s recollection, it’s during his 14th year, when he and his father, Jones, go back to Jones’s family home in Washington. Jones has driven his family into bankruptcy due to poor financial responsibility. Trevor’s mother, who is from England, goes back to England, while Trevor and his father go to the Riddell Estate to clear up some mysterious business.
Because Trevor is telling this story as an adult, he makes his youthful self seem very precocious. In fact, it’s fairly unbelievable that a 14-year-old boy would have the wisdom and emotional depth that the adult Trevor gives his self. But, if you told a story of your 14-year-old self, you would most likely embellish yourself as well. While reading the novel, I had to constantly remind myself that Trevor is telling this story as an adult, as Mr. Stein uses the present tense in the telling. My favorite exchanges are between Trevor and Dickie (when Trevor first meets Dickie), and between Trevor and his Grandfather, Sam. Garth shines in his dialogue exchanges.
Stein gets a bit mystical in this story. If you cringe at ghost stories, or the belief in spirits, this may not be a book for you. It’s very readable and engrossing given the above caveats. It’s not in the league of his previous novel, “The Art of Racing in the Rain”, but it’s a good read.
Because Trevor is telling this story as an adult, he makes his youthful self seem very precocious. In fact, it’s fairly unbelievable that a 14-year-old boy would have the wisdom and emotional depth that the adult Trevor gives his self. But, if you told a story of your 14-year-old self, you would most likely embellish yourself as well. While reading the novel, I had to constantly remind myself that Trevor is telling this story as an adult, as Mr. Stein uses the present tense in the telling. My favorite exchanges are between Trevor and Dickie (when Trevor first meets Dickie), and between Trevor and his Grandfather, Sam. Garth shines in his dialogue exchanges.
Stein gets a bit mystical in this story. If you cringe at ghost stories, or the belief in spirits, this may not be a book for you. It’s very readable and engrossing given the above caveats. It’s not in the league of his previous novel, “The Art of Racing in the Rain”, but it’s a good read.
September 26, 2014
(I got an ARC courtesy of NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.)
A book that started well in my opinion, yet lost momentum along the way.
I liked its stifling setting, how the characters were isolated in that huge, derelict house, the feeling of entrapment (mostly through Serena, who had stayed there for her whole life and never travelled or did the things she wanted to do). Riddell House was permeated with a strong atmosphere of oppressive memories, between ghosts that may or may not exist and memories weighing heavily on everyone. Secret rooms and passages, hints at family secrets, letters and trinkets appearing in unexpected places... Basically, the setting was really what fascinated me here.
The writing style was beautiful, too, befitting the poetic aspects of the nature outside the house (I'm positive the Thoreau-like vibes I got from it were totally on purpose).
On the other hand, what worked in descriptions didn't work in dialogue, and unfortunately, this left a stain on my enjoyment of the novel. The characters in general had a tendency to talk "like in a book"—meaning I constantly felt that they had rehearsed their speech beforehand. Of course, the narrator not being the 14-year-old Trevor, but an older Trevor, might account for that; however, the effect it caused still remained a problem for me. Perhaps filtering the story through the older Trevor's voice wasn't the best choice here; perhaps I would have liked it more if it had been unadultered. It's hard to tell. Serena especially had a weird way of talking, going into soliloquies at times, as if performing for an audience, and her speech patterns definitely sounded unnatural.
In general, I found the mystery lacking in depth. The ghost aspect of the novel was nothing exceptional (if you're looking for something spooky, you won't find it here), although I must say I liked Harry's and Benjamin's story, and the way it ended. The family secrets were somewhat to be expected, as well as the characters' motivations. I also thought the novel crammed a lot of elements together (ghosts, lost loves, illness, madness...), yet went on tangents that made it drag, resulting in a paradoxical narrative that was both too short and too long.
Not uninteresting, but I expected much more out of it, and didn't get it in the end.
A book that started well in my opinion, yet lost momentum along the way.
I liked its stifling setting, how the characters were isolated in that huge, derelict house, the feeling of entrapment (mostly through Serena, who had stayed there for her whole life and never travelled or did the things she wanted to do). Riddell House was permeated with a strong atmosphere of oppressive memories, between ghosts that may or may not exist and memories weighing heavily on everyone. Secret rooms and passages, hints at family secrets, letters and trinkets appearing in unexpected places... Basically, the setting was really what fascinated me here.
The writing style was beautiful, too, befitting the poetic aspects of the nature outside the house (I'm positive the Thoreau-like vibes I got from it were totally on purpose).
On the other hand, what worked in descriptions didn't work in dialogue, and unfortunately, this left a stain on my enjoyment of the novel. The characters in general had a tendency to talk "like in a book"—meaning I constantly felt that they had rehearsed their speech beforehand. Of course, the narrator not being the 14-year-old Trevor, but an older Trevor, might account for that; however, the effect it caused still remained a problem for me. Perhaps filtering the story through the older Trevor's voice wasn't the best choice here; perhaps I would have liked it more if it had been unadultered. It's hard to tell. Serena especially had a weird way of talking, going into soliloquies at times, as if performing for an audience, and her speech patterns definitely sounded unnatural.
In general, I found the mystery lacking in depth. The ghost aspect of the novel was nothing exceptional (if you're looking for something spooky, you won't find it here), although I must say I liked Harry's and Benjamin's story, and the way it ended. The family secrets were somewhat to be expected, as well as the characters' motivations. I also thought the novel crammed a lot of elements together (ghosts, lost loves, illness, madness...), yet went on tangents that made it drag, resulting in a paradoxical narrative that was both too short and too long.
Not uninteresting, but I expected much more out of it, and didn't get it in the end.
October 2, 2014
There is so much to love in A Sudden Light that is becomes difficult to review the novel without unabashed gushing. It is one of those rare novels that has it all – a spooky house, ghostly presences, an amazing background, intriguing characters, a well-executed plot, and the emotional connections necessary for any story about family. The supernatural element is never a distraction but rather enhances the ties that bind Trevor to Riddell House and his grandfather. The whole novel makes for one of those unforgettable reading experiences filled with intensity and reflection, high emotion, and a general escape from reality.
Every family has its share of quirky characters and skeletons hiding in closets, and the Riddell family is no different. Grandpa Samuel may appear to be exhibiting signs of dementia, but there is something else bothering him. Aunt Serena is a bit too sultry to be an ordinary aunt. Serena and Jones are hiding something from both Trevor and Samuel. All of this while Trevor is experiencing visits from beyond the grave. To add to the cast of characters are the long-dead relatives – the lumber baron who built the family fortune, the lumber baron’s son who lost the family fortune, and the other son who died suddenly and young. Trevor soon discovers that no where is the idea that family is forever more apparent than at Riddell House.
The declining house and the looming forest add to the spooky atmosphere of the story and ultimately become characters in their own right. So much of the novel explores one’s responsibility to nature that the trees become personified during Trevor’s quest to decipher right from wrong. Similarly, as a silent witness to all of the family drama, Riddell House takes on a life of its own, protesting through creaks, groans, and other eccentricities of a house falling into ruins. Together, they enhance the ominous feel of everything occurring within Trevor’s life and capture a reader’s imagination.
In A Sudden Light, Garth Stein confirms his powers of observation and skill at capturing the human emotional experience. His descriptive scenes are exquisite and alive. His characters are complex and real. His story taps into the very heart of the intricacies of family bonds. It is a stunning story of love and forgiveness that one would be remiss to ignore.
Every family has its share of quirky characters and skeletons hiding in closets, and the Riddell family is no different. Grandpa Samuel may appear to be exhibiting signs of dementia, but there is something else bothering him. Aunt Serena is a bit too sultry to be an ordinary aunt. Serena and Jones are hiding something from both Trevor and Samuel. All of this while Trevor is experiencing visits from beyond the grave. To add to the cast of characters are the long-dead relatives – the lumber baron who built the family fortune, the lumber baron’s son who lost the family fortune, and the other son who died suddenly and young. Trevor soon discovers that no where is the idea that family is forever more apparent than at Riddell House.
The declining house and the looming forest add to the spooky atmosphere of the story and ultimately become characters in their own right. So much of the novel explores one’s responsibility to nature that the trees become personified during Trevor’s quest to decipher right from wrong. Similarly, as a silent witness to all of the family drama, Riddell House takes on a life of its own, protesting through creaks, groans, and other eccentricities of a house falling into ruins. Together, they enhance the ominous feel of everything occurring within Trevor’s life and capture a reader’s imagination.
In A Sudden Light, Garth Stein confirms his powers of observation and skill at capturing the human emotional experience. His descriptive scenes are exquisite and alive. His characters are complex and real. His story taps into the very heart of the intricacies of family bonds. It is a stunning story of love and forgiveness that one would be remiss to ignore.
September 15, 2014
Hands down, five stars. Garth Stein doesn't pump them out, but when he does he makes sure it was worth waiting for. Well, I love a good ghost story. At least, if it's done right. This one is done right. Make that more than done right. The 14-year-old narrator, Trevor, is bright, cogent, yet has enough naivete to be believably a young teen. He has feelings that he needs to have, especially if he is to accomplish his mission: get his parents back together. At least, he starts out thinking that is his mission. But things change...Definitely, read this book. When you're done, I'll bet you will want to read -- or, as in my case, reread -- THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN.
October 30, 2017
A Sudden Light is a sublimely written novel that demands your full attention, it's not something to be rushed, and in return it reveals it's magic to you, the reader. I had seen very mixed reviews of this book so went in to it quite open minded, often that way is best.
The book has some simply incredible scenes and moments in it that capture the imagination and stir the emotions. On the other hand it also has some rather dull and drawn out moments that inspire a touch of boredom, those were however, not that often thankfully. But this is not a rapid page turner, rather a piece of fiction to delve into, coming up for air now and then, then diving back in for more.
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.
Trevor, is 14 going on 21, some may argue that he thinks and talks like an adult, this could somewhat be because a lot of the book is written from the adult version of Trevor remembering these years and times. I like to think that he is just a clever young man, a man who seeks truth and sees things others don't, not a frivolous boy. A serious young man. By golly, I liked him a huge amount as a character. Brilliantly done.
His parents have "separated" although nobody is calling it that and his mother is in London, whilst he travels to the home of his father's upbringing and family ancestors. A rambling, huge home with a history that speaks from the very walls themselves.
But it's a manipulative purpose, Trevor's father has teamed up with his sister Serena (I will get to her in a minute) to try to "encourage" Grandpa Samuel to hand over power of attorney, the end goal being to sell of this house and it's history to developers wanting to whack modern housing on it. Grandpa Samuel is not going down without a fight. He's a brilliant old man portrayed in the grip of Alzheimer's, but with moments of such lucid brilliance, you can't help but like him. Young Trevor quickly connects and cares for Grandpa Samuel.
Serena!, where do we start with Serena. What a character I loved to hate. Vile, manipulative and cruel one moment, then cloying, seductive and demonstrative the next. I seriously began to wonder if she has a personality disorder (or three). BUT, very cleverly written, she sheds a dark shadow over this house with her eyes cast on selling it off, no matter what Grandpa Samuel wants and making a lot of money. Hideous woman. What a very special flawed and well written character however, even if you don't like her.
There are some ghostly encounters in the house, young Trevor explores the house and finds things in secret places, hidden journals and sees the ghosts that his Grandpa Samuel also sees, like that of his Grandmother, dancing at night in the ballroom. Ghosts? The dead? Do they see them or do they not? It's not clear. But don't be fooled into thinking this is a creepy ghost story, that is not what it's about ultimately, this is a very clever piece of fiction tackling the complexities and dynamics of family and relationships.
Trevor believes if he helps his father convince Grandpa to sign over power of attorney that he will be rich and therefore his mother will come back and all will be well. He is like any young child facing this situation, he's thinking of the happy ever after, the reality is kept from him unfortunately which feeds his fantasies of a whole family. God bless you Trevor, you deserved better.
The magic of this book is in the writing, the clever interactions between family members, the very subtle reveals that make you gasp as they sneak up on you, then it makes so much sense. There is questions of proper relationship between brother and sister, the historical truth of family members that were homosexual in an era when it had to be hidden at all costs, there are lies, manipulations and deep, dark secrets. Young Trevor uncovers much of the darkness and shines light on the dark places.
The plot is slow, almost lulled me to sleep a bit in the middle, especially the flashbacks to times long ago, but I could not stop reading, you have to keep going, it had a magical lilt to it, a way of weaving words into my imagination, I was right there in that huge house, seeing the characters and watching their subtle interactions that carried a million mixed messages.
The book leads to a dramatic and highly unexpected conclusion, nothing I saw coming from the beginning and it left me feeling quite numb, then I felt good, then I felt sad. I pondered a bit on all of that. Sometimes you have to read a book and not look for thrills, chills and pace, sometimes you have to read a book that has you look carefully at what is being said, finding the message in the book. I can't describe it fully, but it's as though the words in this novel weaved around me like a fine mist. Too theatrical? Yeah, probably. It was cleverly written and I liked it. There, better?
There are huge environmental and historical reasons why Grandpa Samuel doesn't want this grand, but decaying home sold, bulldozed and modern housing built on the land. The book takes you on that historical journey through the eyes of Trevor and his discoveries about his ancestors and their story.
I am on the team that likes this book, I think many will not, it might be whether you get it or not, or even if you simply have the patience for it. I found it fascinating because I find human beings very interesting and love seeing complex dynamics at work in my books. It's a challenge. You may like it too for reasons of your own. Enjoy the clever reveals and truths as they surface, decide yourself if you like the characters or not (I wanted Grandpa Samuel to be MY grandpa). It's up to you now.
Sigh. Wistful sigh. A pleasing book that took me on a fascinating and special journey. For that, I am thankful. I give this book 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book has some simply incredible scenes and moments in it that capture the imagination and stir the emotions. On the other hand it also has some rather dull and drawn out moments that inspire a touch of boredom, those were however, not that often thankfully. But this is not a rapid page turner, rather a piece of fiction to delve into, coming up for air now and then, then diving back in for more.
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.
Trevor, is 14 going on 21, some may argue that he thinks and talks like an adult, this could somewhat be because a lot of the book is written from the adult version of Trevor remembering these years and times. I like to think that he is just a clever young man, a man who seeks truth and sees things others don't, not a frivolous boy. A serious young man. By golly, I liked him a huge amount as a character. Brilliantly done.
His parents have "separated" although nobody is calling it that and his mother is in London, whilst he travels to the home of his father's upbringing and family ancestors. A rambling, huge home with a history that speaks from the very walls themselves.
But it's a manipulative purpose, Trevor's father has teamed up with his sister Serena (I will get to her in a minute) to try to "encourage" Grandpa Samuel to hand over power of attorney, the end goal being to sell of this house and it's history to developers wanting to whack modern housing on it. Grandpa Samuel is not going down without a fight. He's a brilliant old man portrayed in the grip of Alzheimer's, but with moments of such lucid brilliance, you can't help but like him. Young Trevor quickly connects and cares for Grandpa Samuel.
Serena!, where do we start with Serena. What a character I loved to hate. Vile, manipulative and cruel one moment, then cloying, seductive and demonstrative the next. I seriously began to wonder if she has a personality disorder (or three). BUT, very cleverly written, she sheds a dark shadow over this house with her eyes cast on selling it off, no matter what Grandpa Samuel wants and making a lot of money. Hideous woman. What a very special flawed and well written character however, even if you don't like her.
There are some ghostly encounters in the house, young Trevor explores the house and finds things in secret places, hidden journals and sees the ghosts that his Grandpa Samuel also sees, like that of his Grandmother, dancing at night in the ballroom. Ghosts? The dead? Do they see them or do they not? It's not clear. But don't be fooled into thinking this is a creepy ghost story, that is not what it's about ultimately, this is a very clever piece of fiction tackling the complexities and dynamics of family and relationships.
Trevor believes if he helps his father convince Grandpa to sign over power of attorney that he will be rich and therefore his mother will come back and all will be well. He is like any young child facing this situation, he's thinking of the happy ever after, the reality is kept from him unfortunately which feeds his fantasies of a whole family. God bless you Trevor, you deserved better.
The magic of this book is in the writing, the clever interactions between family members, the very subtle reveals that make you gasp as they sneak up on you, then it makes so much sense. There is questions of proper relationship between brother and sister, the historical truth of family members that were homosexual in an era when it had to be hidden at all costs, there are lies, manipulations and deep, dark secrets. Young Trevor uncovers much of the darkness and shines light on the dark places.
The plot is slow, almost lulled me to sleep a bit in the middle, especially the flashbacks to times long ago, but I could not stop reading, you have to keep going, it had a magical lilt to it, a way of weaving words into my imagination, I was right there in that huge house, seeing the characters and watching their subtle interactions that carried a million mixed messages.
The book leads to a dramatic and highly unexpected conclusion, nothing I saw coming from the beginning and it left me feeling quite numb, then I felt good, then I felt sad. I pondered a bit on all of that. Sometimes you have to read a book and not look for thrills, chills and pace, sometimes you have to read a book that has you look carefully at what is being said, finding the message in the book. I can't describe it fully, but it's as though the words in this novel weaved around me like a fine mist. Too theatrical? Yeah, probably. It was cleverly written and I liked it. There, better?
There are huge environmental and historical reasons why Grandpa Samuel doesn't want this grand, but decaying home sold, bulldozed and modern housing built on the land. The book takes you on that historical journey through the eyes of Trevor and his discoveries about his ancestors and their story.
I am on the team that likes this book, I think many will not, it might be whether you get it or not, or even if you simply have the patience for it. I found it fascinating because I find human beings very interesting and love seeing complex dynamics at work in my books. It's a challenge. You may like it too for reasons of your own. Enjoy the clever reveals and truths as they surface, decide yourself if you like the characters or not (I wanted Grandpa Samuel to be MY grandpa). It's up to you now.
Sigh. Wistful sigh. A pleasing book that took me on a fascinating and special journey. For that, I am thankful. I give this book 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2014
While I really enjoyed The Art of Racing in the Rain, I don't think that lightning struck twice for this author with this book.
What's the book about? It's a ghost story,it's a man's story, it's environmentalism,it's Jane Eyre. And what do I mean by all this?
It's a ghost story. It seems that lately there are lots of books around that are trying to update the gothic, and here it's done in the Pacific Northwest. Riddell House (yes, it's that obvious) was built over one hundred years ago, and it has secrets, and it has ghosts.
The environmentalism was actually my favorite part of the book. We get to read about young men climbing as high as they can into the tops of tall trees for the joy of it. The author harkens back to John Muir and his love of nature, and I think he's quite effective at it. He's done his historical homework about the timber industry and the legacy of environmentalists past, and I think I would have liked the book just fine if we'd kept to that.
But it's also a man's story, told in a weirdly inconsistent tone. We go from modern colloquialism to stilted formality and back again in the writing style, and I just can't quite figure out what the author was going for there. It's almost like the narrator just dreamt of Manderly again, but then suddenly he hits his head-pow!- on a beam. The more distant tone seems kind of prissy and overly sentimental, and I preferred the more informal voice which sometimes popped up. What else do I mean by a man's story? This is a book populated by men. We have an absent mother who we learn about through the occasional phone call. We have the narrator's dead grandmother, who may or may not appear and dance in a ghostly fashion in Riddell House's dusty abandoned ballroom. And we have Simply Serena, the narrator's aunt.
And Serena was simply the biggest problem I've got with the book. Spoilers follow:
Serena- what the hell kind of character was she supposed to be? She was Rebecca, she was Mr. Rochester, she was a child, a siren, a victim. As the only female who made a physical appearance in the book, she was a sad disappointment. She tries to vamp our teenage narrator, she's in love with her brother, she gaslights her dad, she's every dangerous woman wielding sexuality as a weapon you've ever read about. And why? This was what I could not get. Yes, her mother died young. Yes, her brother then left for school immediately. Yes, she's a caretaker for her father. But what broke her so utterly? I guess it doesn't matter. When it comes down to it, she's the madwoman in the attic who makes the plot run, and it doesn't really matter why- women be crazy, amirite?
Also, apropos of nothing: Serena had blue nail polish on her toes. We sure hear about that a lot. And in the early nineties, when the book is set, highly unlikely. Fashions were for brights reds and pinks, fading into neutrals, back then. The current trend for funky nail polish was not around yet. It reminded me of the whole "scrunchy" thing with Sex and the City (you either know what I mean by this, or don't need to bother finding out- no big thing).
So, no female characters with agency who weren't also crazy because plot, a haunted house burned down in the end by a madwoman, a narrator sadly looking back upon his tragic youth. Frankly, I didn't need any of that plot. I wanted to hear more about Ben and Harry, the young men who had fallen in love but who were caught in a society that didn't acknowledge their love and a family who expected a dynasty to continue. I wanted to read about their adventures in the forest, their love of building something beautiful, and their hope of preserving what was best about the land. But this wasn't that book.
What's the book about? It's a ghost story,it's a man's story, it's environmentalism,it's Jane Eyre. And what do I mean by all this?
It's a ghost story. It seems that lately there are lots of books around that are trying to update the gothic, and here it's done in the Pacific Northwest. Riddell House (yes, it's that obvious) was built over one hundred years ago, and it has secrets, and it has ghosts.
The environmentalism was actually my favorite part of the book. We get to read about young men climbing as high as they can into the tops of tall trees for the joy of it. The author harkens back to John Muir and his love of nature, and I think he's quite effective at it. He's done his historical homework about the timber industry and the legacy of environmentalists past, and I think I would have liked the book just fine if we'd kept to that.
But it's also a man's story, told in a weirdly inconsistent tone. We go from modern colloquialism to stilted formality and back again in the writing style, and I just can't quite figure out what the author was going for there. It's almost like the narrator just dreamt of Manderly again, but then suddenly he hits his head-pow!- on a beam. The more distant tone seems kind of prissy and overly sentimental, and I preferred the more informal voice which sometimes popped up. What else do I mean by a man's story? This is a book populated by men. We have an absent mother who we learn about through the occasional phone call. We have the narrator's dead grandmother, who may or may not appear and dance in a ghostly fashion in Riddell House's dusty abandoned ballroom. And we have Simply Serena, the narrator's aunt.
And Serena was simply the biggest problem I've got with the book. Spoilers follow:
Serena- what the hell kind of character was she supposed to be? She was Rebecca, she was Mr. Rochester, she was a child, a siren, a victim. As the only female who made a physical appearance in the book, she was a sad disappointment. She tries to vamp our teenage narrator, she's in love with her brother, she gaslights her dad, she's every dangerous woman wielding sexuality as a weapon you've ever read about. And why? This was what I could not get. Yes, her mother died young. Yes, her brother then left for school immediately. Yes, she's a caretaker for her father. But what broke her so utterly? I guess it doesn't matter. When it comes down to it, she's the madwoman in the attic who makes the plot run, and it doesn't really matter why- women be crazy, amirite?
Also, apropos of nothing: Serena had blue nail polish on her toes. We sure hear about that a lot. And in the early nineties, when the book is set, highly unlikely. Fashions were for brights reds and pinks, fading into neutrals, back then. The current trend for funky nail polish was not around yet. It reminded me of the whole "scrunchy" thing with Sex and the City (you either know what I mean by this, or don't need to bother finding out- no big thing).
So, no female characters with agency who weren't also crazy because plot, a haunted house burned down in the end by a madwoman, a narrator sadly looking back upon his tragic youth. Frankly, I didn't need any of that plot. I wanted to hear more about Ben and Harry, the young men who had fallen in love but who were caught in a society that didn't acknowledge their love and a family who expected a dynasty to continue. I wanted to read about their adventures in the forest, their love of building something beautiful, and their hope of preserving what was best about the land. But this wasn't that book.
November 1, 2019
Book on CD performed by Seth Numrich.
I read and loved The Art of Racing in the Rain . This is a VERY different book.
Fourteen-year-old Trevor Riddell wants nothing so much as for his parents to be reunited. His parents’ marriage is stressed by his father’s business failing; they’ve lost their home and his mother has gone to England to see her relatives. Meanwhile, Trevor accompanies his father to the home where Dad grew up – the extraordinary Pacific Northwest mansion, Riddell House – to help Grandpa Sam who is ill. What Trevor finds in the house, though cannot be readily explained by his grandfather’s apparent dementia.
This is a ghost story, an historical novel, a coming-of-age story, and a tale of dysfunctional families and long-held secrets that MUST COME OUT. I found it very atmospheric and liked the way Stein handled the paranormal elements.
I loved Trevor who is obviously curious, but definitely still clinging to a hope that somehow, he can fix what is wrong with his parents’ relationship. He’s a keen observer and while the adults are keeping secrets (and even sometimes purposefully misdirecting him), he continues his explorations of the many nooks, crannies, secret compartments, and locked cabinets in the mansion that has seen better days. What he discovers helps him piece together not only the answers to what happened in the past, but a clear understanding of what is really going on in the present.
There were some elements that I found rather unbelievable, but for the most part I was ready to suspend disbelief and go along for the ride.
Seth Numrich did a fine job narrating the audiobook. He set a good pace and has the skill as a voice artist to give the many characters sufficiently unique voices. His interpretation of Trevor’s Aunt Serena is downright chilling.
I read and loved The Art of Racing in the Rain . This is a VERY different book.
Fourteen-year-old Trevor Riddell wants nothing so much as for his parents to be reunited. His parents’ marriage is stressed by his father’s business failing; they’ve lost their home and his mother has gone to England to see her relatives. Meanwhile, Trevor accompanies his father to the home where Dad grew up – the extraordinary Pacific Northwest mansion, Riddell House – to help Grandpa Sam who is ill. What Trevor finds in the house, though cannot be readily explained by his grandfather’s apparent dementia.
This is a ghost story, an historical novel, a coming-of-age story, and a tale of dysfunctional families and long-held secrets that MUST COME OUT. I found it very atmospheric and liked the way Stein handled the paranormal elements.
I loved Trevor who is obviously curious, but definitely still clinging to a hope that somehow, he can fix what is wrong with his parents’ relationship. He’s a keen observer and while the adults are keeping secrets (and even sometimes purposefully misdirecting him), he continues his explorations of the many nooks, crannies, secret compartments, and locked cabinets in the mansion that has seen better days. What he discovers helps him piece together not only the answers to what happened in the past, but a clear understanding of what is really going on in the present.
There were some elements that I found rather unbelievable, but for the most part I was ready to suspend disbelief and go along for the ride.
Seth Numrich did a fine job narrating the audiobook. He set a good pace and has the skill as a voice artist to give the many characters sufficiently unique voices. His interpretation of Trevor’s Aunt Serena is downright chilling.
January 7, 2018
Oh, dear. This book was a mess. While I liked the underlying message about the importance of conservation, and the interconnectedness of everything, this unconvincing ghost story did not satisfy.
This is an attempt at a grandiose multigenerational story of guilt. Guilt over acquiring a timber fortune through ruthlessness, guilt over parental failings, guilt over unkept promises. But the transitions to the different eras are clunky, and the narration jarringly switches from the voice of our narrator at 14 to a later incarnation without warning.
I was also put off by the lack of coherence of the character of Aunt Serena, and overly sexual descriptions of both her and Trevor’s mother, Rachel. I guess this was meant to convey the 14-year-old mindset, but it felt overdone on Serena’s part, and weird in Rachel’s. The term “male gaze” leapt to mind. These women were not fully rounded characters, and the absence of motive for Serena’s actions is both misogynistic, and poor storytelling.
And, the ending was telegraphed.
Disappointing.
This is an attempt at a grandiose multigenerational story of guilt. Guilt over acquiring a timber fortune through ruthlessness, guilt over parental failings, guilt over unkept promises. But the transitions to the different eras are clunky, and the narration jarringly switches from the voice of our narrator at 14 to a later incarnation without warning.
I was also put off by the lack of coherence of the character of Aunt Serena, and overly sexual descriptions of both her and Trevor’s mother, Rachel. I guess this was meant to convey the 14-year-old mindset, but it felt overdone on Serena’s part, and weird in Rachel’s. The term “male gaze” leapt to mind. These women were not fully rounded characters, and the absence of motive for Serena’s actions is both misogynistic, and poor storytelling.
And, the ending was telegraphed.
Disappointing.
September 27, 2019
Puget Sound - 1990
This a story of the Riddell Family - four generations to be exact.
In the current generation, we have Serena, Jones and Trevor. Serena and Jones are sister and brother and Trevor is Jones' son. Trevor and Jones have come to Riddell House to fulfill old promises. Serena has been taking care of her father there since her mother's death.
Samuel is the father of Jones and Serena. He misses his wife, Isadora. He is old and perhaps senile.
Abraham is Samuel's father and long dead.
Abraham had a brother Ben, who though dead has a large part in this story. Ben has loved Riddell House and the North Estate since he was born. He would like to see the house removed and the land returned to nature. He has stayed to see that his wish materializes. He enlists Trevor in his plan.
The father of Ben and Abraham is Elijah. He has started this dynasty in the North Estate and is, of course, dead too.
So a generational story (kind of!!). Serena and Jones would like to see the land sold and developed. Of course, this is contrary to Ben's plan. Much tension between these desires is the meat of this book.
Garth Stein is well known for his book The Art of Racing in the Rain. While that was a fine book, I liked this one better. As I mentioned, the tension makes the book, and anticipating the resolution of the mystery is what kept me going. The story is told from Trevor's perspective. He is a 14 year old boy, but his narration is VERY mature. Perhaps because he is telling the story from the perspective of a married man with two daughters.
Thank you, Elyse, for bringing this book to my attention. Loved it!!
5 stars
This a story of the Riddell Family - four generations to be exact.
In the current generation, we have Serena, Jones and Trevor. Serena and Jones are sister and brother and Trevor is Jones' son. Trevor and Jones have come to Riddell House to fulfill old promises. Serena has been taking care of her father there since her mother's death.
Samuel is the father of Jones and Serena. He misses his wife, Isadora. He is old and perhaps senile.
Abraham is Samuel's father and long dead.
Abraham had a brother Ben, who though dead has a large part in this story. Ben has loved Riddell House and the North Estate since he was born. He would like to see the house removed and the land returned to nature. He has stayed to see that his wish materializes. He enlists Trevor in his plan.
The father of Ben and Abraham is Elijah. He has started this dynasty in the North Estate and is, of course, dead too.
So a generational story (kind of!!). Serena and Jones would like to see the land sold and developed. Of course, this is contrary to Ben's plan. Much tension between these desires is the meat of this book.
Garth Stein is well known for his book The Art of Racing in the Rain. While that was a fine book, I liked this one better. As I mentioned, the tension makes the book, and anticipating the resolution of the mystery is what kept me going. The story is told from Trevor's perspective. He is a 14 year old boy, but his narration is VERY mature. Perhaps because he is telling the story from the perspective of a married man with two daughters.
Thank you, Elyse, for bringing this book to my attention. Loved it!!
5 stars
November 19, 2014
I loved The Art of Racing in the Rain so when I came across this book by Garth Stein, I opted to read it although the synopsis didn’t wow me…and neither did the book. Fourteen-year old Trevor Riddell accompanies his dad Jones Riddell to the Pacific Northwest, the objective being to sort out Jones’ personal and family issues – and there are aplenty, including his sister Serena, his dad Samuel, unsettled family ghosts and the sprawling Riddell House with its eerie, creaky, dusty and cavernous secret passageways and hidden rooms. The story focuses on Trevor as the main character who tries to hold the family together and solve the mystery of the strange happenings at Riddell House. Stein’s attempt to weave the storyline of family relationships, ghostly suspense and environmental consciousness falls short. Unfortunately, this is no comparison to The Art of Racing in the Rain – that’s a book I would highly recommend, not this one.
July 28, 2014
Fourteen-year-old Trevor Riddell and his father arrive at the ancient family home, Riddell-House. For Trevor it's the first time at this place and also the first time he meets his grandfather and his aunt, Serena, who still live there. The purpose of the visit is to persuade Trevor's grandfather to leave the house and sell it so that the rest of the family will receive some badly needed money.
The Riddell family once was one of the big-shots in the wood and timber business in Washington state. Riddell house is a gigantic mansion in the middle of the woods. It's rotting and almost falling apart.
Trevor hardly knows anything about his family and their history. At Riddell house he soon gets involved in the many secrets this place holds - and its ghosts, some real, others not so. Trevor tries to solve the riddles (I'm sure the double meaning is intended) and becomes ensnarled much deeper than he ever thought he would...
A Sudden Light is a very enjoyable read: it is part ghost story, part detective story, interlarded with historical and environmental topics and of course a coming-of-age book. There are lots of twists and turns, some expected, some very sudden.
What I particularly liked about this book was that it uses a combination of paranormal and coming-of-age story, something quite common at the moment in YA-literature. But at the same time the solving of the family secret is the central topic of the story. There is no teenage love story, something I'm really tired of.
4 to 4.5 stars.
(I received a free digital copy via Netgalley.)
The Riddell family once was one of the big-shots in the wood and timber business in Washington state. Riddell house is a gigantic mansion in the middle of the woods. It's rotting and almost falling apart.
Trevor hardly knows anything about his family and their history. At Riddell house he soon gets involved in the many secrets this place holds - and its ghosts, some real, others not so. Trevor tries to solve the riddles (I'm sure the double meaning is intended) and becomes ensnarled much deeper than he ever thought he would...
A Sudden Light is a very enjoyable read: it is part ghost story, part detective story, interlarded with historical and environmental topics and of course a coming-of-age book. There are lots of twists and turns, some expected, some very sudden.
What I particularly liked about this book was that it uses a combination of paranormal and coming-of-age story, something quite common at the moment in YA-literature. But at the same time the solving of the family secret is the central topic of the story. There is no teenage love story, something I'm really tired of.
4 to 4.5 stars.
(I received a free digital copy via Netgalley.)
September 30, 2014
REVIEW: A SUDDEN LIGHT by Garth Stein
I had never before read any of Garth Stein 's novels, though I own a Kindle copy of THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN. From the first pages of A SUDDEN LIGHT I was enraptured, fascinated, and engrossed. This is a very special novel, an exceptional one. With a plethora of delicately peeled character studies, a multiply hot-button plot, and the ease with which history intertwines with contemporary, and Supernatural with consensus reality--not to mention truly Faulknerian overtones--A SUDDEN LIGHT is a colossus of a novel: not in length but in status--definitely one of the BEST books of 2014.
I had never before read any of Garth Stein 's novels, though I own a Kindle copy of THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN. From the first pages of A SUDDEN LIGHT I was enraptured, fascinated, and engrossed. This is a very special novel, an exceptional one. With a plethora of delicately peeled character studies, a multiply hot-button plot, and the ease with which history intertwines with contemporary, and Supernatural with consensus reality--not to mention truly Faulknerian overtones--A SUDDEN LIGHT is a colossus of a novel: not in length but in status--definitely one of the BEST books of 2014.
August 14, 2014
Read this review on my blog
The main character in “A Sudden Light” is Trevor, a fourteen-year-old boy, who spends the summer in his family’s giant estate. His father and aunt are trying to convince their ailing father to sell it, since it’s very valuable and they’re poor. However, the house is haunted by the ghost of Ben, the son of the family’s patriarch, Elijah Riddell. Here’s the thing: Ben believes that the North Estate ought to be returned to nature after the family stops living there, and he won’t move on with his life (well, afterlife), until after his wish is fulfilled.
The novel has beautiful prose, which manages to convey the dark and disturbing setting very effectively. I actually took the time to highlight some passages I thought were exceptionally good, which is not something I do very often.
The family dynamics and the secrets were well crafted and intriguing, and the author managed to make the supernatural elements fit in quite nicely. Some of the chapters of this book were wonderful, worthy of a five stars rating.
A pity that a good chunk of the novel, especially in the beginning and in the middle, was quite boring.It took several pages for the action to start and around fifty percent, I noticed the novel had become quite repetitive. Most of the novel follows this formula:
Trevor has convenient dreams-hallucinations that explain Ben’s life story.
Trevor wakes up and Ben creepily whispers his name and then vanishes.
Trevor lusts after his crazy aunt Serena.
Trevor goes exploring and finds a convenient info-dumping diary or letter. Good thing everybody writes down everything that happens to them (even their deepest secrets) and is rubbish at hiding their writings.
Trevor reflects on how Progress Is Bad and We Are One (picture “Circle of Life” from the Lion King playing in the distance).
Trevor talks to his demented grandfather.
Trevor’s father tries to get Grandpa Samuel to give up the house and fails. During this, Trevor’s thoughts process goes like this: “If we sell the estate, Mom and Dad will get back together! But Ben won’t be pleased. But I’ll be happy! But Ben!”
Trevor goes to sleep.
Rinse and repeat.
This routine it made me want to give up on the book. Thankfully, I didn’t, otherwise I would have missed the truly excellent final chapters.
The plot is pretty straightforward and I could see most of the twists coming from miles away, also because the author uses foreshadowing extensively. There was one instance where I was surprised, which I appreciated.
The book has a rather strong message, which sometimes takes the forefront, relegating the plot to the backseat. As it’s a novel and not an essay, this should not happen. Plot and character development come first and the message ought to be conveyed subtly to the reader. In this case, the reader gets metaphorically smacked over the head with it over and over again. Also, the book takes a simplistic approach to its own theme. In the end, it all comes down to good versus evil. Everything is black and white, with no shades of gray. This lack of complexity makes the message feel unrealistic, causing it to fall flat. In "A Sudden Light", progress is depicted as something negative, because of the effects it has on nature. What the book fails to acknowledge is that progress is what gives humans the possibility to spend time concerning ourselves with love, the meaning of live and the arts. Without progress, we'd have to spend our lives fighting for survival, instead. At one point, Ben critiques the building of sewers. Sewers, that improved the living conditions in cities greatly, and diminished illnesses. I really wish that the positive aspects of progress were acknowledged in the novel next to its negative consequences. It would have made it much more interesting, and the message would have been more powerful and realistic.
There are also some issues with the dialogues, as they are often awkward. We have a saying in Italy: “parlare come un libro stampato”. It literally means “to talk like a printed book”. That’s how the people in this novel talk. Never, at any point, do they express themselves as actual people do. If it was one or two characters who did this, I wouldn’t mind. It’d chalk it to them having a particular voice. But everyone does that.
Oh wait, no, I remembered. The main character’s daughter, who only appears in the epilogue and has roughly two lines, talks like a real human being. But she's the only one.
“A Sudden Light” had a lot of potential. It truly might have been a wonderful book, one of the best I have read this year. As it is, I liked it, but nothing more that that.
I received this book as an eARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The main character in “A Sudden Light” is Trevor, a fourteen-year-old boy, who spends the summer in his family’s giant estate. His father and aunt are trying to convince their ailing father to sell it, since it’s very valuable and they’re poor. However, the house is haunted by the ghost of Ben, the son of the family’s patriarch, Elijah Riddell. Here’s the thing: Ben believes that the North Estate ought to be returned to nature after the family stops living there, and he won’t move on with his life (well, afterlife), until after his wish is fulfilled.
The novel has beautiful prose, which manages to convey the dark and disturbing setting very effectively. I actually took the time to highlight some passages I thought were exceptionally good, which is not something I do very often.
The family dynamics and the secrets were well crafted and intriguing, and the author managed to make the supernatural elements fit in quite nicely. Some of the chapters of this book were wonderful, worthy of a five stars rating.
A pity that a good chunk of the novel, especially in the beginning and in the middle, was quite boring.It took several pages for the action to start and around fifty percent, I noticed the novel had become quite repetitive. Most of the novel follows this formula:
Trevor has convenient dreams-hallucinations that explain Ben’s life story.
Trevor wakes up and Ben creepily whispers his name and then vanishes.
Trevor lusts after his crazy aunt Serena.
Trevor goes exploring and finds a convenient info-dumping diary or letter. Good thing everybody writes down everything that happens to them (even their deepest secrets) and is rubbish at hiding their writings.
Trevor reflects on how Progress Is Bad and We Are One (picture “Circle of Life” from the Lion King playing in the distance).
Trevor talks to his demented grandfather.
Trevor’s father tries to get Grandpa Samuel to give up the house and fails. During this, Trevor’s thoughts process goes like this: “If we sell the estate, Mom and Dad will get back together! But Ben won’t be pleased. But I’ll be happy! But Ben!”
Trevor goes to sleep.
Rinse and repeat.
This routine it made me want to give up on the book. Thankfully, I didn’t, otherwise I would have missed the truly excellent final chapters.
The plot is pretty straightforward and I could see most of the twists coming from miles away, also because the author uses foreshadowing extensively. There was one instance where I was surprised, which I appreciated.
The book has a rather strong message, which sometimes takes the forefront, relegating the plot to the backseat. As it’s a novel and not an essay, this should not happen. Plot and character development come first and the message ought to be conveyed subtly to the reader. In this case, the reader gets metaphorically smacked over the head with it over and over again. Also, the book takes a simplistic approach to its own theme. In the end, it all comes down to good versus evil. Everything is black and white, with no shades of gray. This lack of complexity makes the message feel unrealistic, causing it to fall flat. In "A Sudden Light", progress is depicted as something negative, because of the effects it has on nature. What the book fails to acknowledge is that progress is what gives humans the possibility to spend time concerning ourselves with love, the meaning of live and the arts. Without progress, we'd have to spend our lives fighting for survival, instead. At one point, Ben critiques the building of sewers. Sewers, that improved the living conditions in cities greatly, and diminished illnesses. I really wish that the positive aspects of progress were acknowledged in the novel next to its negative consequences. It would have made it much more interesting, and the message would have been more powerful and realistic.
There are also some issues with the dialogues, as they are often awkward. We have a saying in Italy: “parlare come un libro stampato”. It literally means “to talk like a printed book”. That’s how the people in this novel talk. Never, at any point, do they express themselves as actual people do. If it was one or two characters who did this, I wouldn’t mind. It’d chalk it to them having a particular voice. But everyone does that.
Oh wait, no, I remembered. The main character’s daughter, who only appears in the epilogue and has roughly two lines, talks like a real human being. But she's the only one.
“A Sudden Light” had a lot of potential. It truly might have been a wonderful book, one of the best I have read this year. As it is, I liked it, but nothing more that that.
I received this book as an eARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2015
A special thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Master storyteller and filmmaker, Garth Stein delivers his latest novel, A Sudden Light, a haunting family saga, set in Puget Sound (love this area), near Seattle, in the Pacific Northwest. Centered around The Riddell House, a 100-year-old mansion (falling apart), and acres of forest, narrated by the voice of smart, 14 yr. old Trevor Riddell, a boy seeking desperately to save his parent’s marriage, while uncovering a family history of dark secrets.
In 1990, Jones Riddell and his 14-year-old son, Trevor, move to the estate, following the failure of Jones’s business and his separation from Trevor’s mother. Jones is here to help his younger sister, Serena (wacko), persuade their Alzheimer’s-afflicted father, Samuel to sell the family land, which is worth a fortune, to real estate developers. (oops….and send him to an elderly living facility).
However, the ghost of family patriarch Elijah wants the land returned to wilderness to make amends for the millions of trees harvested by the Riddell Timber Company of the past. The mansion was built by Trevor's great-great-grandfather, a ruthless timber baron, surrounded by forested acreage.
Strong forces (spirits) stand in the way of the deal as Trevor begins to see ghosts and experience visions. While researching the Riddell history, a ton of dark shocking secrets began to surface—and the more Trevor dives into his ancestors' history, the more he learns of ghosts, incest, sexual secrets and even madness. (scandalous)!
A multi-generational historical saga, full of mystery, intrigue, love, ghosts, bit of paranormal, and suspense with flashbacks by an older Trevor. A family confronts long-buried secrets as it struggles for forgiveness and redemption with superb writing, well developed characters, and mixed with humor.
Fascinating! Would be nice for all authors to take the time to develop a similar rendition, and research, which pulls you into the story! As you can see by this array of topics, you are in for a real treat; a complex multi-layered novel— a house with a history, ghosts and family secrets from the past, and then you have the land which brings about environmental and moral issues. A mix of wacky, poetic, intriguing, mysterious, and beautiful.
I love reading stories about mysterious family’s secrets and intriguing old mansions, rich in history! Look forward to reading Garth Stein's The Art of Racing in the Rain, as this was my first book by this talented author.
Often I read not for the story, plot, or characters; however, read for the pleasure of engaging prose . . . Stein delivers; the other is just an added bonus.
JDCMustReadBooks
Master storyteller and filmmaker, Garth Stein delivers his latest novel, A Sudden Light, a haunting family saga, set in Puget Sound (love this area), near Seattle, in the Pacific Northwest. Centered around The Riddell House, a 100-year-old mansion (falling apart), and acres of forest, narrated by the voice of smart, 14 yr. old Trevor Riddell, a boy seeking desperately to save his parent’s marriage, while uncovering a family history of dark secrets.
In 1990, Jones Riddell and his 14-year-old son, Trevor, move to the estate, following the failure of Jones’s business and his separation from Trevor’s mother. Jones is here to help his younger sister, Serena (wacko), persuade their Alzheimer’s-afflicted father, Samuel to sell the family land, which is worth a fortune, to real estate developers. (oops….and send him to an elderly living facility).
However, the ghost of family patriarch Elijah wants the land returned to wilderness to make amends for the millions of trees harvested by the Riddell Timber Company of the past. The mansion was built by Trevor's great-great-grandfather, a ruthless timber baron, surrounded by forested acreage.
Strong forces (spirits) stand in the way of the deal as Trevor begins to see ghosts and experience visions. While researching the Riddell history, a ton of dark shocking secrets began to surface—and the more Trevor dives into his ancestors' history, the more he learns of ghosts, incest, sexual secrets and even madness. (scandalous)!
A multi-generational historical saga, full of mystery, intrigue, love, ghosts, bit of paranormal, and suspense with flashbacks by an older Trevor. A family confronts long-buried secrets as it struggles for forgiveness and redemption with superb writing, well developed characters, and mixed with humor.
Check out Garth Stein’s Website! http://www.garthstein.com/ and view the artist’s rendition of The North Estate, the central location of the novel, and hover over items for more information and relevant topics in the novel:
Paranormal, spirituality, spiritualism, GLBT, Seattle History, The Timber Barons, Tree Climbing, USFS National Parks and Grandpa Samuel’s Barn.
Fascinating! Would be nice for all authors to take the time to develop a similar rendition, and research, which pulls you into the story! As you can see by this array of topics, you are in for a real treat; a complex multi-layered novel— a house with a history, ghosts and family secrets from the past, and then you have the land which brings about environmental and moral issues. A mix of wacky, poetic, intriguing, mysterious, and beautiful.
I love reading stories about mysterious family’s secrets and intriguing old mansions, rich in history! Look forward to reading Garth Stein's The Art of Racing in the Rain, as this was my first book by this talented author.
Often I read not for the story, plot, or characters; however, read for the pleasure of engaging prose . . . Stein delivers; the other is just an added bonus.
JDCMustReadBooks
July 7, 2014
When Jones Riddell goes bankrupt and loses his house, he and his wife have a trial separation. Rachel returns to her home in England, while Jones takes his son, Trevor, back to the Riddell family home: North Estate and the Riddell House on Puget Sound, just outside Seattle proper. At the turn of the 20th century, Riddell House was an amazing mansion, built with the proceeds from exploiting the old growth timber that covered the Pacific Northwest. Now it’s termite eaten and unkept up; there is no money for repairs and barely enough to live on; and only Jones’s sister Serena and their father Samuel live in it. The crux of the story is that Serena and Jones want to sell the house and property to developers, so they can have the money they ‘deserve’, but Samuel, who has Alzheimer’s, refuses to do so. Years ago, an ancestor tried to make it so the property would eventually be returned to nature as a park, and this has created a conflict in the family for years.
The story is told by Trevor, looking back from adulthood to events that happened when he was barely 14, as he seeks to find the truth about what is going on in the house at that point- and digging into the past that formed it. He finds that there are a lot of secrets in the Riddell family and no one seems to want them dug up. There is a gay great-great (I think that’s right- I had a lot of trouble keeping the family linage straight) uncle and his soulmate; there is the medicine that Serena gives her father; there are hidden passages and stairwells everywhere; there is the maneuvering to get Samuel to sign a power of attorney; and there are ghosts. Lots of ghosts. Oh, and the family is seriously dysfunctional. Samuel comes closest to normal, and he’s got dementia. Jones abandons all parental care as soon as they enter Riddell House to wallow in his own problems- not that, it turns out, he hadn’t already been doing that for years. Serena is the creepiest aunt/sister/daughter ever.
I couldn’t put this book down. I couldn’t wait to find out what Trevor would discover next. But the book is not without its flaws. Trevor is altogether too calm when confronted with ghosts. What 14 year old meets a ghost for the first time and doesn’t have *some* kind of emotional reaction? Even if they aren’t scared, there would have to be at least some excitement. Likewise, all his other emotions seem damped down. This could be the result of the story being told from an adult perspective, but I thought it took a lot of the excitement out of the book. Still, four and a half stars for the way the book wouldn’t let me go.
The story is told by Trevor, looking back from adulthood to events that happened when he was barely 14, as he seeks to find the truth about what is going on in the house at that point- and digging into the past that formed it. He finds that there are a lot of secrets in the Riddell family and no one seems to want them dug up. There is a gay great-great (I think that’s right- I had a lot of trouble keeping the family linage straight) uncle and his soulmate; there is the medicine that Serena gives her father; there are hidden passages and stairwells everywhere; there is the maneuvering to get Samuel to sign a power of attorney; and there are ghosts. Lots of ghosts. Oh, and the family is seriously dysfunctional. Samuel comes closest to normal, and he’s got dementia. Jones abandons all parental care as soon as they enter Riddell House to wallow in his own problems- not that, it turns out, he hadn’t already been doing that for years. Serena is the creepiest aunt/sister/daughter ever.
I couldn’t put this book down. I couldn’t wait to find out what Trevor would discover next. But the book is not without its flaws. Trevor is altogether too calm when confronted with ghosts. What 14 year old meets a ghost for the first time and doesn’t have *some* kind of emotional reaction? Even if they aren’t scared, there would have to be at least some excitement. Likewise, all his other emotions seem damped down. This could be the result of the story being told from an adult perspective, but I thought it took a lot of the excitement out of the book. Still, four and a half stars for the way the book wouldn’t let me go.
June 6, 2014
Absolutely amazing. This was a fantastic read that I devoured in two days. Garth Stein has written a brilliant story that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Trevor Riddell was taken to the Riddell House by his father one summer after his parents had separated. His father had recently lost his job and as a result they were losing their house. Trevor's mother decided to spend the summer in England with her family, while Trevor and his dad went to his father's childhood home to take care of his ailing father and settle things on the estate.
Trevor is quickly introduced to his grandfather Samuel Riddell who has Alzheimer's disease. His Aunt Serena has been trying to convince Samuel to sign over his power of attorney so that the house can be demolished and the land sold. Trevor and his father have joined Serena in this journey as their family desperately needs the money so Trevor's parents can get back together.
Not long after being in the Riddell house, Trevor begins to learn the damaging history of the Riddell family and what has led up to this point where his grandfather is suffering from something that appears to be Alzheimer's. Trevor spends the summer navigating through hidden rooms in the Riddell House while trying to discern exactly what is going on there.
This story was very enjoyable. I've never read anything by this author before but I'm so thankful that I got the chance to read this book. It was fantastic. There was just enough of a paranormal edge to keep you feeling tense while reading most of the chapters while also doing a fantastic job of incorporating more than just the typical heterosexual couple as main characters.
Definitely have to give this a 5/5.
Trevor Riddell was taken to the Riddell House by his father one summer after his parents had separated. His father had recently lost his job and as a result they were losing their house. Trevor's mother decided to spend the summer in England with her family, while Trevor and his dad went to his father's childhood home to take care of his ailing father and settle things on the estate.
Trevor is quickly introduced to his grandfather Samuel Riddell who has Alzheimer's disease. His Aunt Serena has been trying to convince Samuel to sign over his power of attorney so that the house can be demolished and the land sold. Trevor and his father have joined Serena in this journey as their family desperately needs the money so Trevor's parents can get back together.
Not long after being in the Riddell house, Trevor begins to learn the damaging history of the Riddell family and what has led up to this point where his grandfather is suffering from something that appears to be Alzheimer's. Trevor spends the summer navigating through hidden rooms in the Riddell House while trying to discern exactly what is going on there.
This story was very enjoyable. I've never read anything by this author before but I'm so thankful that I got the chance to read this book. It was fantastic. There was just enough of a paranormal edge to keep you feeling tense while reading most of the chapters while also doing a fantastic job of incorporating more than just the typical heterosexual couple as main characters.
Definitely have to give this a 5/5.
November 2, 2014
There are so many reasons why I enthusiastically recommend reading A SUDDEN LIGHT. The prose of this novel is enchanting and matches the dream like state of Riddell House. The plot, which blends historical fiction, ghost story and family saga, is riveting as the Riddell family secrets are slowly unraveled to us through a series of old letters, diary entries and dreams. Finally, the multi-dimensional characters cause you to have an emotional attachment to them and you will be sorry to see them go when you close the last page of the book. I suggest that you quickly finish whatever book you are reading now and follow Trevor through his journey in A SUDDEN LIGHT by Garth Stein.
Read my full review here: http://thebookbindersdaughter.com/201...
Read my full review here: http://thebookbindersdaughter.com/201...
September 12, 2014
“Garth Stein has given us a masterpiece. This beautiful story takes readers on a thrilling exploration of a family estate brimming with generations of riveting Riddell family ghosts and secrets. This is a true exploratory novel, taking readers through secret passageways, hidden rooms, and darkened corridors that engage all of the senses.”
Whitney Gayle, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT
Whitney Gayle, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT
January 25, 2015
Such a great writer, Garth Stein weaves a tale of family, heartbreak, ghosts and more into a coming of age story about a very smart 14 year old boy on a trip to see meet his father's family for the first time, and see the mansion where he grew up.
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