kimbacaffeinate
Written on Jul 28, 2017
- THE LIGHTKEEPER'S DAUGHTERS is Pendziwol's debut adult novel, and I found it to be atmospheric, suspenseful and skillfully woven. I loved how she brought a young, troubled teen and elderly woman together. Family, loss, misunderstanding, and art bring closure to a decade old mystery. Her characters are rich, and the tale unfolded in such a way that I quickly became caught in its snare.
- We are given multiple points of view, and the story takes place in present day and the past. In the present, we get to know Morgan and Elizabeth, who is sharp but losing her eyesight. Through her father's journals and Elizabeth's own recollection, we learn about events that took place on Porphyry Island where she spent her childhood.
- The story is touching, heart-wrenching at times and filled with slow-building suspense. The author slowly weaves the tale, hinting at things to come and creates this sense of tension all while weaving the past into the present. Each thread is well developed and equally enjoyable. The twists, vivid imagery, and the build up to the reveal satisfied.
- Elizabeth's story is based on actual journals of lightkeepers found on Porphyry Island. I think this lent to a very authentic feel. Combined with the vibrant characters, emotions and exquisite writing style it made for a memorable read.
- When there are multiple points of view I enjoy having more than one narrator. Dara Rosenberg, Dawn Harvey, and Tom Parks did a stellar job. The largest narrations belong to Dara Rosenberg and Dawn Harvey playing the roles of Morgan and Elizabeth. I loved closing my eyes and allowing them to bring the story to life.
Audio provided by the publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer