A Sudden Light by Garth Stein
Synopsis
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 Seattle’s 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 the ailing and elderly Grandpa Samuel to a nursing home, sell off the house and property for development, divide up the profits, and live happily ever after.
But as Trevor explores the house’s secret stairways and hidden rooms, he discovers a spirit lingering in Riddell House whose agenda is at odds with the family plan. Only Trevor’s willingness to face the dark past of his forefathers will reveal the key to his family’s future.
Review
I picked this book up on a whim from the library recently without having previously heard anything about this book or even having read this authors very popular previous book. Which is pretty rare for me these days, usually I read on a recommendation. I love it when I randomly choose a book and then absolutely fall in love with it. It is like winning the reading lottery.
This book was beautiful and eloquent and a definite page turner. To say it is merely a "ghost story" doesn't do it any justice, but is in fact a ghost story in the best way possible. Ghosts, old dilapidated mansions, abandoned cottages, secret passageways and difficult family dynamics are a few of things that make this book irresistible. I loved, loved, loved this book!
In addition to an amazing story the author writes so candidly and tenderly about family and family obligations. This book was an A+ in my book. I highly recommend it. It's the perfect snuggle up and read by the fire book. This would be a really great book club read as well… there are so many great opportunities for discussion.
Other books you may like (that are kind of "ghosty" in the best possible way)…
I will have to check this one out. I loved Stein's The Art of Racing in the Rain. It's a must read!
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