A Certain Slant of Light

4.5 stars

I'm ashamed to admit that I almost stopped reading this book. Chapter 1 just did not draw me in. But something–possibly a spirit named Helen with an affinity for literature–pushed me forward. And from Chapter 2 onward, I never wanted to stop reading.

The points of view in this book were so interesting–how we saw Jenny's life from Helen's point of view and Billy's life from James' point of view. It gave us some teenage drama without completely engulfing us in the woes of adolescence.

And what a beautifully written book. Each description felt intentional and meaningful. I adored how the characters threw themselves into their love [and their lust] with such reckless abandon. The pace of their relationship might have felt unrealistic in another story, but their ‘circumstances' just made it even more romantic.

EDIT: I wrote this review at 1am as soon as I finished the book, and twenty minutes later, I already feel like it's vague, awkward, and doesn't fully capture my feelings, but I'm gonna leave it stand until I write something better.

I adored this book, and read it extremely quickly (for me). It fits a lot into 200-ish pages, and has some truly gorgeous writing, and yet still felt streamlined and efficient.

This is an odd review for me because, on the surface there are quite few things about this novel that shouldn't work, and it feels strange to be writing 5-star review mentioning what might be considered flaws, but something about this book was more than the sum of its parts, and everything that worked and and spoke to me outweighed any quibbles I might have had.

There are definitely some parts of this book that could have valid criticism laid against it. Some may find certain messages a bit heavy handed, and there could be a lot said about consent and bodily autonomy, and while I didn't need some of the messy ends to be tied up, I can see it bothering others. I think these grey areas were handled in such a way that reading those parts felt appropriately and intentionally uncomfortable, though maybe a little easily dismissed. But overall, it all hung together just so, for me personally.

The supporting characters around Helen were written with varying degrees of depth and complexity, but given the economy of the book's length, they all served their purpose. James was likeable, but was kept at enough of a distance that I was never 100% sure of his intentions, which I thought was quite well done and clever, and really served to add to the build of tension. But, Helen herself was wistful and charming, and her observations of her hosts in particular were bittersweet and heartfelt.

Ultimately, I thought it was a beautiful story, and it's ruminations on loneliness and grief touched me in particular.

My head is still reeling from re-reading this book (yes I said re-reading) and so I'll write in as logical a fashion as I can! I promise not to ramble too badly.

Seers of Light is truly beautiful. Honestly if I could only describe it in one word, that would be it: beautiful. Jennifer has crafted a world where everything is completely different, and yet so enticing. Seers of Light is a story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page, and you will find yourself sighing at the fact that there is no more left to read.

Remember that I have said many times before that characters are my thing? If the characters are great, I am invested in the story. On that note, I find the need to applaud Jennifer for her character development of epic proportions! I loved EVERY character, down to the smallest supporting ones. The fact that I still remember Mrs. Bridget Cavanaugh who makes but a brief, albeit very memorable, visit into the story amazes me! Truly, the characters of Seers pop off the page with their unique personalities!

Interjection here to say that I adore Lily. She is the perfect example of a strong female protagonist and I am in awe of her. Pair that with interactions with sweet, stubborn Christian and deliciously snarky William and you have one amazing storyline! Able to make you laugh out loud at one point, and make your toes curl in delight at another? Jennifer, you are a masterful writer.

Emotion is also a very important piece of loving a book for me. Reading this story was emotionally exhausting in the best way possible. Bristling with anger and annoyance, tearing up at touching moments, feeling empathy in the highest degree, I never felt that there was a dull moment. In fact, I found myself wanting to read well past the bookmarks I had set for myself so that I wouldn't stay up too late! Reading past midnight although you know you have to be up early the next morning? That is a good story.

There are so many other things I could say about how amazing this book is! However then I would be rambling and you would probably all just shake your head and walk away. I do not exaggerate my friends when I say that this is one of my absolute new favorite books. After purchasing and reading this in e-book format, I now know that I must own a bound copy. Stat.

Give this a read! If you enjoy emotional roller coasters, love triangles, some of the deepest and most beautiful love imaginable...and the list goes on, you'll fall in love with this book too.