stellajo's review
4.0
Mairead, having suffered tragedy and loss, wallows near suicide in grief and despair. As she suffers, a black hole wanders closer to Earth swallowing everything in its path. All seems lost. But a series of event, including an unexpected love affair, retethers Mainread to life. Now she's energised to cling desperately to the world, despite the mounting devastation. Will Mainread be one of the few who sees what lies beyond the event horizon?
Be forewarned that A Country of Eternal Light is not a light happy read. I don't recommend this book for those who've recently suffered a loss, in particular, the loss of a child. Those seeking post-apocalyptic tale of survival might also be disappointed. This novel is less about the mechanics of survival than human reactions to tremendous loss including proceeding with business as usual, hoarding resources, despair, and hope beyond reason.
However, this author has a keen sense of both the natural world and the human soul. He conveys his observations with strong, lyrical prose conveying a remote Irish island's harsh beauty and the emotional devastation wrought by the approaching end. The author conveys Mainread's inner world with truth and consistency. So though she's a mess, she's a believable mess struggling through a resplendent darkness.
Be forewarned that A Country of Eternal Light is not a light happy read. I don't recommend this book for those who've recently suffered a loss, in particular, the loss of a child. Those seeking post-apocalyptic tale of survival might also be disappointed. This novel is less about the mechanics of survival than human reactions to tremendous loss including proceeding with business as usual, hoarding resources, despair, and hope beyond reason.
However, this author has a keen sense of both the natural world and the human soul. He conveys his observations with strong, lyrical prose conveying a remote Irish island's harsh beauty and the emotional devastation wrought by the approaching end. The author conveys Mainread's inner world with truth and consistency. So though she's a mess, she's a believable mess struggling through a resplendent darkness.
shellycampbellauthor's review
5.0
Devastating poetry
A Country of Eternal Light was devastating in all the best ways. Darby left no stone unturned exploring the aching wreckage and stubborn hope and humanity of A woman dealing with the end of the world in the aftermath of her own world collapsing. Gorgeous poetic prose. Unexpected turns. Inexplicable hope. This book had it all. Mairead is tough and soft, torn between life and death and the kind of character you cannot help but love. Even when the end of the world was near, I found myself cheering for her to survive, endure and find her peace. Unforgettable read.
A Country of Eternal Light was devastating in all the best ways. Darby left no stone unturned exploring the aching wreckage and stubborn hope and humanity of A woman dealing with the end of the world in the aftermath of her own world collapsing. Gorgeous poetic prose. Unexpected turns. Inexplicable hope. This book had it all. Mairead is tough and soft, torn between life and death and the kind of character you cannot help but love. Even when the end of the world was near, I found myself cheering for her to survive, endure and find her peace. Unforgettable read.
sunyidean's review
5.0
One of the most beautiful books I've ever read, discovered through a random beta swap. I'm so pleased others will be able to read this amazing story, and I was absolutely honored when the author asked me to blurb it.
#HereIAm
#HereIAm
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