Gerard Nugent

Let in the Light appealed to me as soon as I read the blurb. It's billed as a feelgood story about love and music and that's exactly what it is.

This is the story of Richie Carlisle. The first half or so of the book is told in alternating 'now' and 'then' chapters. Now Richie is working in a music shop in Edinburgh, living apart from his ex-partner and his son and generally drifting through life whilst still trying to deal with what happened to him five years earlier when he found himself becoming well known for all the wrong reasons, something that changed his life completely.

This is such a lovely read. It's uplifting and yes, feelgood, but it's also really poignant and moving at times. I loved Richie and was absolutely rooting for him all the way through. I wanted him to get over what happened and get back on his feet. It's a story that highlights how powerful music can be, and how much it reminds you of events in your life, whether good or bad. What happened to Richie is skilfully drip-fed by the author, tying together his current decisions and situation with the way things panned out back then.

I loved the beginning of the book when Richie is still unknown, singing in an Edinburgh pub, and meeting Pen, his partner, for the first time. In fact, there are so many memorable parts for me: Richie's experiences in the music industry; his friendship with Frank, the manager of the music shop; his relationship with his parents and his son, Finn; his time playing at the Friday Night Jukebox at the Flying Swan; and attending the Hope Street Songwriters' Circle and maybe finding a way to fully live his life again. I was thoroughly hooked and engrossed. I've also now found a new favourite song - Better Be Home Soon by Crowded House (you'll have to read the book to find out its significance).

Let in the Light is a gorgeous debut novel from Gerard Nugent and it will appeal to fans of Andy Jones and Mike Gayle. It's a beautifully written story of leaving the darkness behind and stepping back into the light.… (more)