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The Way The Light Bends
Winner of the SCK Award for Blurred Boundaries.
Longlisted for the BSFA Best Novel Award
"Weaves magic and mystery throughout a story that explores both the unknowable power of nature and the unfathomable depths of grief." - A.C. Wise, author of 'Wendy, Darling'
Sometimes hope is the most dangerous thing of all.
When their brother dies, two sisters lose the one thing that connected them.
But then a year after her twin’s death, Tamsin goes missing.
Despite police indifference and her husband’s doubts, Freya is determined to
find her sister. But a trail of diary entries reveals a woman she barely knew,
and a danger she can scarcely fathom, full of deep waters and shadowy myths,
where the grief that drove Tamsin to the edge of a cliff also led her into the
arms of a mysterious stranger ... A man who promised hope but demanded
sacrifice.
"Wilson's novel is rooted in a deep sense of place, beautifully evoking the history and magic of Scotland. A lovely meditation on family, grief, and healing, set against a backdrop of old magic, as two sisters struggle to find their way back to each other." -A.C. Wise, author of 'Wendy, Darling'
Longlisted for the BSFA Best Novel Award
"Weaves magic and mystery throughout a story that explores both the unknowable power of nature and the unfathomable depths of grief." - A.C. Wise, author of 'Wendy, Darling'
Sometimes hope is the most dangerous thing of all.
When their brother dies, two sisters lose the one thing that connected them.
But then a year after her twin’s death, Tamsin goes missing.
Despite police indifference and her husband’s doubts, Freya is determined to
find her sister. But a trail of diary entries reveals a woman she barely knew,
and a danger she can scarcely fathom, full of deep waters and shadowy myths,
where the grief that drove Tamsin to the edge of a cliff also led her into the
arms of a mysterious stranger ... A man who promised hope but demanded
sacrifice.
"Wilson's novel is rooted in a deep sense of place, beautifully evoking the history and magic of Scotland. A lovely meditation on family, grief, and healing, set against a backdrop of old magic, as two sisters struggle to find their way back to each other." -A.C. Wise, author of 'Wendy, Darling'
- GenresFantasy
300 pages, Paperback
Published August 2, 2022
2 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Lorraine Wilson
9 books49 followersWriter, biologist, photographer, herder of cats, drinker of tea. she/her.
A conservation scientist and third culture Scot, I live by the sea writing stories influenced by folklore and the wilderness. My books have won two SCKA awards and been finalists for British Fantasy Awards, the Kavya Prize and the Saltire Book Award, and longlisted for the British Science Fiction Awards. I have also won a British Fantasy Award for short fiction.
I have been stalked by wolves and befriended pythons, run the Rewriting The Margins mentorship scheme for marginalised writers, and can be found at https://linktr.ee/raine_clouds.
IG: @raine_clouds_writes
A conservation scientist and third culture Scot, I live by the sea writing stories influenced by folklore and the wilderness. My books have won two SCKA awards and been finalists for British Fantasy Awards, the Kavya Prize and the Saltire Book Award, and longlisted for the British Science Fiction Awards. I have also won a British Fantasy Award for short fiction.
I have been stalked by wolves and befriended pythons, run the Rewriting The Margins mentorship scheme for marginalised writers, and can be found at https://linktr.ee/raine_clouds.
IG: @raine_clouds_writes
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 15, 2022
ARC provided by Luna Press Publishing. All opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Before I get into the meat of this review, and since I've had messages from quite a few people asking about the book (clearly that gorgeous cover and the synopsis have some of my followers intrigued!) I am linking in an interview with Lorraine Wilson. Check it out and find out more about the book.
In addition, Lorraine will be making a guest appearance on a future podcast episode of Dissecting Dragons, so I will be back to amend this and add a link when I have definite dates.
Review: It will come a surprise to no one who read my review on Wilson's debut novel - This is our Undoing - that I am a fan of her work. I loved her debut novel. I've loved other pieces of her work I've been privileged to see and I really loved the Way the Light Bends. However, the two books couldn't be much more different from each other in terms of setting and theme - so don't go into this expecting near-future dystopia or anything.
On the surface (no pun intended) The Way the Light Bends is a deceptively straight forward story. After the death of their brother, Freya and Tamsin - the two viewpoint characters of the story - lose the ability to connect with each other as sisters. And then Freya realises that Tamsin is missing and what follows is a search for her sister, who it turns out she may not have known very well at all. It sounds simple, doesn't it? A neat round pond, shallow and tidy reflecting the light. And then you try dipping a toe in and find out that it's not a pond at all. It might well be the Challenger Deep.
The book's focus is on family and on the external pressures and internal constraints that can cause micro fractures; fault lines that will split open if they're hit the wrong way. It's an intensely character driven piece of writing, concerning itself with the internal journeys of both sisters, whilst not shying away from sharp and occasionally cutting observations about family units. In this instance, the variable which has widened all the fault lines in the Pettigrew family, is grief. Wilson explores the themes of loss and grieving with ruthless attention to detail and deft handling of the many layers. Of all emotional states, grief is perhaps the greatest shape-shifter - coming sometimes dressed in rage; sometimes despair; and sometimes in a weird, aching sort of tenderness where you don't want to let go because the grief is the only thing you have left of a loved one, and if you stop feeling that awful, they really will be gone. This is all captured with laser point accuracy, which occasionally makes this quiet, tension driven novel difficult to read despite the lack of dramatic, emotional pyrotechnics.
The narrative is told via diary entries from Tamsin in 2016, and third person pov sections from Freya's perspective in 2017 as she searches for her sister. One thing that struck me as especially brilliant (amongst a long list admittedly) was how Freya's literal, physical search for Tamsin, was echoed by her internal search for her sister. There are mythologies that grow up in families (and who knows who really starts them) - this sibling is the funny one, that one is the pretty one etc - and because those mythologies become embraced as truths by the family, those same siblings tend not to question them. At their worst, they can even turn into limiting beliefs. And that's the thing with family - the concept and the reality is so big it can engulf you and your world. It can be so big you literally cannot see it. So Freya searching for the sister she has filed in her head amongst the diary entries left behind, and finding out that she barely knew Tamsin, that Tamsin had quite a few things wrong about her, rings horribly true. It can take decades and plenty of will power to learn to step away and look objectively at your family and yourself. And some people never do. Being able to capture all this within a dual narrative without signposting it in the least was a masterstroke.
Let's talk about the setting. I'm always a big fan of setting being an unacknowledged extra character. In fact I will read books literally for the setting. Here, Wilson treats us to the Scottish coast, to glimpses of conservation projects in woods and stately gardens, to slices of pagan nature slipped between the cracks of the mundane and safe. Water plays a huge part here as a transformative or connecting element, whether its the wild sea, a still pond or a swimming pool. All of this is subtly rooted in folklore which is fed in so gently, you might not see it if you didn't know to look.
On the subject of folklore, there's plenty of subtle uncanny exchanges and moments here too. Don't expect big, fantasy style obvious magic because that's not the point. The magical, the uncanny, the folkloric here is old and dark and subtle but conversely accessible to anyone with enough will and the need to look. It comes from the realms of 'everyone knows those stories' but no one really knows for certain who started those folk tails in the first place. I enjoyed the way it was left open to interpretation. There was something there but the reader might never know exactly what.
As always, the story is told in Wilson's exquisite prose. I don't use that word lightly or to imply overly embellished, fanciful or purple prose. Its beauty comes as much from its accuracy and ability to hew close to the bone as from sheer gorgeousness. Like all of the author's work, The Way the Light Bends will not give up its secrets without some effort on the part of the reader. It's not so much that you need to put in work, as you need to be willing to slow down and pay attention because the narrative is always multi layered and never as simple as you initially think. It's not a slow burn novel to get into either, because pacing wise its as superbly paced and tense as masterful spy thriller, but this is definitely a book that will reward you for spending some time on it.
Finally, Wilson never (as far as I can see) hands you all the answers. There is always a conclusion, always a satisfying ending, and yet you might just leave with more questions than you came in with. Personally, I found that the excoriating depiction of loss was more than balanced by the satisfaction of both Freya and Tamsin seeking healing from it in their own ways, in the acknowledgement of love between family members and greater understanding of each other, and by the ending, which was very uplifting. If you are looking for a quiet, deep and emotionally satisfying read, I highly recommend this beautiful, multi-layered novel about love and loss.
Before I get into the meat of this review, and since I've had messages from quite a few people asking about the book (clearly that gorgeous cover and the synopsis have some of my followers intrigued!) I am linking in an interview with Lorraine Wilson. Check it out and find out more about the book.
In addition, Lorraine will be making a guest appearance on a future podcast episode of Dissecting Dragons, so I will be back to amend this and add a link when I have definite dates.
Review: It will come a surprise to no one who read my review on Wilson's debut novel - This is our Undoing - that I am a fan of her work. I loved her debut novel. I've loved other pieces of her work I've been privileged to see and I really loved the Way the Light Bends. However, the two books couldn't be much more different from each other in terms of setting and theme - so don't go into this expecting near-future dystopia or anything.
On the surface (no pun intended) The Way the Light Bends is a deceptively straight forward story. After the death of their brother, Freya and Tamsin - the two viewpoint characters of the story - lose the ability to connect with each other as sisters. And then Freya realises that Tamsin is missing and what follows is a search for her sister, who it turns out she may not have known very well at all. It sounds simple, doesn't it? A neat round pond, shallow and tidy reflecting the light. And then you try dipping a toe in and find out that it's not a pond at all. It might well be the Challenger Deep.
The book's focus is on family and on the external pressures and internal constraints that can cause micro fractures; fault lines that will split open if they're hit the wrong way. It's an intensely character driven piece of writing, concerning itself with the internal journeys of both sisters, whilst not shying away from sharp and occasionally cutting observations about family units. In this instance, the variable which has widened all the fault lines in the Pettigrew family, is grief. Wilson explores the themes of loss and grieving with ruthless attention to detail and deft handling of the many layers. Of all emotional states, grief is perhaps the greatest shape-shifter - coming sometimes dressed in rage; sometimes despair; and sometimes in a weird, aching sort of tenderness where you don't want to let go because the grief is the only thing you have left of a loved one, and if you stop feeling that awful, they really will be gone. This is all captured with laser point accuracy, which occasionally makes this quiet, tension driven novel difficult to read despite the lack of dramatic, emotional pyrotechnics.
The narrative is told via diary entries from Tamsin in 2016, and third person pov sections from Freya's perspective in 2017 as she searches for her sister. One thing that struck me as especially brilliant (amongst a long list admittedly) was how Freya's literal, physical search for Tamsin, was echoed by her internal search for her sister. There are mythologies that grow up in families (and who knows who really starts them) - this sibling is the funny one, that one is the pretty one etc - and because those mythologies become embraced as truths by the family, those same siblings tend not to question them. At their worst, they can even turn into limiting beliefs. And that's the thing with family - the concept and the reality is so big it can engulf you and your world. It can be so big you literally cannot see it. So Freya searching for the sister she has filed in her head amongst the diary entries left behind, and finding out that she barely knew Tamsin, that Tamsin had quite a few things wrong about her, rings horribly true. It can take decades and plenty of will power to learn to step away and look objectively at your family and yourself. And some people never do. Being able to capture all this within a dual narrative without signposting it in the least was a masterstroke.
Let's talk about the setting. I'm always a big fan of setting being an unacknowledged extra character. In fact I will read books literally for the setting. Here, Wilson treats us to the Scottish coast, to glimpses of conservation projects in woods and stately gardens, to slices of pagan nature slipped between the cracks of the mundane and safe. Water plays a huge part here as a transformative or connecting element, whether its the wild sea, a still pond or a swimming pool. All of this is subtly rooted in folklore which is fed in so gently, you might not see it if you didn't know to look.
On the subject of folklore, there's plenty of subtle uncanny exchanges and moments here too. Don't expect big, fantasy style obvious magic because that's not the point. The magical, the uncanny, the folkloric here is old and dark and subtle but conversely accessible to anyone with enough will and the need to look. It comes from the realms of 'everyone knows those stories' but no one really knows for certain who started those folk tails in the first place. I enjoyed the way it was left open to interpretation. There was something there but the reader might never know exactly what.
As always, the story is told in Wilson's exquisite prose. I don't use that word lightly or to imply overly embellished, fanciful or purple prose. Its beauty comes as much from its accuracy and ability to hew close to the bone as from sheer gorgeousness. Like all of the author's work, The Way the Light Bends will not give up its secrets without some effort on the part of the reader. It's not so much that you need to put in work, as you need to be willing to slow down and pay attention because the narrative is always multi layered and never as simple as you initially think. It's not a slow burn novel to get into either, because pacing wise its as superbly paced and tense as masterful spy thriller, but this is definitely a book that will reward you for spending some time on it.
Finally, Wilson never (as far as I can see) hands you all the answers. There is always a conclusion, always a satisfying ending, and yet you might just leave with more questions than you came in with. Personally, I found that the excoriating depiction of loss was more than balanced by the satisfaction of both Freya and Tamsin seeking healing from it in their own ways, in the acknowledgement of love between family members and greater understanding of each other, and by the ending, which was very uplifting. If you are looking for a quiet, deep and emotionally satisfying read, I highly recommend this beautiful, multi-layered novel about love and loss.
July 15, 2022
I read this via an ARC from the publisher/author, for Rosie Amber's Book Review Team. The fact that it was free has not affected this honest review.
An interesting and unusual book that centres around two sisters: the unconvential, wildhearted Tamsin who cannot come to terms with the death of her twin brother, Rob, and perfect Freya, the older sibling with the perfect husand and perfect job. Then, a year after Rob's death, Tamsin disappears without trace, as does her boyfriend, a curious and shadowy figure about whom nobody knows anything much at all.
The book is written in two time frames, and from two points of view - Tamsin tells her story in the first person, gradually letting the reader into the turmoil in her mind, and showing what led up to her disappearance. Freya's sections are told in the third person - these are good choices, just right for the story. Freya's account shows her own, deepening turmoil as she grieves for Rob and becomes obsessed with finding Tamsin; she feels increasingly isolated, and begins to question everything about the way her family lives.
The setting is Scotland; Perth, St Andrews and a couple of other locations. Tamsin and her friends worked in the grounds of old country house, and ran 'forest schools' for children; I loved all the detail about this. The novel is beautifully written and flows so well.
Any negatives? Sometimes I felt the descriptive passages were a little long-winded, when I wanted to get on with the story and find out what Tamsin's mysterious boyfriend was all about, and I was underwhelmed by the ending, which I thought a little wishy-washy after the build-up, but I did enjoy reading this book; much of the prose has an almost poetic, ethereal quality to it, reflecting the subject matter, and certainly the author should be proud of it.
An interesting and unusual book that centres around two sisters: the unconvential, wildhearted Tamsin who cannot come to terms with the death of her twin brother, Rob, and perfect Freya, the older sibling with the perfect husand and perfect job. Then, a year after Rob's death, Tamsin disappears without trace, as does her boyfriend, a curious and shadowy figure about whom nobody knows anything much at all.
The book is written in two time frames, and from two points of view - Tamsin tells her story in the first person, gradually letting the reader into the turmoil in her mind, and showing what led up to her disappearance. Freya's sections are told in the third person - these are good choices, just right for the story. Freya's account shows her own, deepening turmoil as she grieves for Rob and becomes obsessed with finding Tamsin; she feels increasingly isolated, and begins to question everything about the way her family lives.
The setting is Scotland; Perth, St Andrews and a couple of other locations. Tamsin and her friends worked in the grounds of old country house, and ran 'forest schools' for children; I loved all the detail about this. The novel is beautifully written and flows so well.
Any negatives? Sometimes I felt the descriptive passages were a little long-winded, when I wanted to get on with the story and find out what Tamsin's mysterious boyfriend was all about, and I was underwhelmed by the ending, which I thought a little wishy-washy after the build-up, but I did enjoy reading this book; much of the prose has an almost poetic, ethereal quality to it, reflecting the subject matter, and certainly the author should be proud of it.
August 3, 2022
A beautiful and powerful fantasy novel exploring siblings; grief and all told within an enthralling mystery as to where a young woman has gone to. This book cements for me Wilson as an author to watch
Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...
Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...
August 7, 2022
4.5 stars.
This book is like nothing I've read before, I've really taken my time with it and took it all in.
Tamsin has always felt like the black sheep of the family. So when her twin brother Rob dies, she feels alone in her journey of grief. When she meets Wells, a mysterious guy at work, she allows him to lead her on a path of understanding and hope, leaving her family behind.
Freya, the older sister of the twins can no longer pretend to cope with the loss of both of her siblings; and as time goes on, she realises her sisters disappearance is hurting her more than she would ever imagine. Freya then gives everything she can to find out where her sister has gone.
The Way The Light Bends deeply explores sibling resentment, loss and grief.
The writing is so beautiful and vivid, it's easy to slot yourselves into the headspace of the characters.
With the dual timelines of Tamsins diaries for the year following Robs death and leading to her disappearance, alongside Freyas account of searching for her sister, we get a solid understanding of both characters.
The mystery around Wells, the paganism and fantastical elements all add weight to the story keeping the reader hooked. They strangely made sense to me, because its easy to understand how a grieving mind could search for hope wherever possible.
Even though the ending is left quite ambiguous, I think that suits the whole story well, and I like that's its left open to interpretation by the reader.
Overall I loved this book and would highly recommend it to anyone. Thank you @instabooktours for having me on the tour, and the author and @lunapresspublishing for allowing me to read this novel.
This book is like nothing I've read before, I've really taken my time with it and took it all in.
Tamsin has always felt like the black sheep of the family. So when her twin brother Rob dies, she feels alone in her journey of grief. When she meets Wells, a mysterious guy at work, she allows him to lead her on a path of understanding and hope, leaving her family behind.
Freya, the older sister of the twins can no longer pretend to cope with the loss of both of her siblings; and as time goes on, she realises her sisters disappearance is hurting her more than she would ever imagine. Freya then gives everything she can to find out where her sister has gone.
The Way The Light Bends deeply explores sibling resentment, loss and grief.
The writing is so beautiful and vivid, it's easy to slot yourselves into the headspace of the characters.
With the dual timelines of Tamsins diaries for the year following Robs death and leading to her disappearance, alongside Freyas account of searching for her sister, we get a solid understanding of both characters.
The mystery around Wells, the paganism and fantastical elements all add weight to the story keeping the reader hooked. They strangely made sense to me, because its easy to understand how a grieving mind could search for hope wherever possible.
Even though the ending is left quite ambiguous, I think that suits the whole story well, and I like that's its left open to interpretation by the reader.
Overall I loved this book and would highly recommend it to anyone. Thank you @instabooktours for having me on the tour, and the author and @lunapresspublishing for allowing me to read this novel.
April 5, 2024
The Way The Light Bends is a lovely elegiac portrait of grief and exploring how those left behind can keep living, as well as a page-turning and ever more mysterious fantasy thriller. The subject matter ought to make it a difficult read, but Lorraine's deft touch kept me fixed to just one more chapter, just one more page even while navigating a splintering family riven by loss, prejudice and the usual things that prevent blood relatives from understanding one another until it's too late - as well as some very unusual things that have the same effect. This is a fantasy, but one that is deeply, convincingly real
August 2, 2022
The story:
Rob Pettigrew has died, and one year on, his twin sister Tamsin has gone missing. Rob was the family’s sunshine, Tamsin their wild child. So where does their absence leave elder sister Freya, the sensible one, the one who always copes?
Embarking on a quest to find her missing sister, Freya begins to retrace Tamsin’s life over the year since the loss of her twin, in the hope that her sister’s diary will offer the answers she so desperately needs.
My thoughts:
Set in a rainswept, atmospheric Scotland, “The Way the Light Bends” is a wonderfully written novel about loss, and magic, and how people can possibly cope when someone they love is gone.
The cast of characters highlights the vast differences between Tamsin and Freya — Tamsin with her eclectic and creative friends who work in gardens and fields, Freya with her husband and parents, working for a high street clothing company. Their partners also couldn’t be more different — the mysterious Wells (described by the author as ‘fey’, which I find a brilliantly evocative word!) and serious, sensible Rufus, Freya’s doctor husband.
The story is told over two timelines — in the immediate aftermath of Rob’s death from Tamsin’s perspective, and one year on as Freya searches for her sister. It is a tale about loss, and also guilt — the guilt of being the one left behind, of not coping the way you ought to. As Freya immerses herself in myths, legends and magic in the hope of bringing Tamsin home, she shows how far she is prepared to go to find her sister, but also that they are perhaps not so different after all.
Overall, I found this a great read, and I really enjoyed the mixture of realism and magical folklore. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a book on grief, love and hope (and with some magic too!).
- -
I’m delighted to join the #blogtour of “The Way the Light Bends” by @raine_clouds_writes. Many thanks to the @instabooktours team, publishers @lunapresspublishing and of course the author for organising the tour and gifting me the book.
#thewaythelightbends #lorrainewilson #instabooktours #bookreview #fantasybooks #supernatural #gifted
Rob Pettigrew has died, and one year on, his twin sister Tamsin has gone missing. Rob was the family’s sunshine, Tamsin their wild child. So where does their absence leave elder sister Freya, the sensible one, the one who always copes?
Embarking on a quest to find her missing sister, Freya begins to retrace Tamsin’s life over the year since the loss of her twin, in the hope that her sister’s diary will offer the answers she so desperately needs.
My thoughts:
Set in a rainswept, atmospheric Scotland, “The Way the Light Bends” is a wonderfully written novel about loss, and magic, and how people can possibly cope when someone they love is gone.
The cast of characters highlights the vast differences between Tamsin and Freya — Tamsin with her eclectic and creative friends who work in gardens and fields, Freya with her husband and parents, working for a high street clothing company. Their partners also couldn’t be more different — the mysterious Wells (described by the author as ‘fey’, which I find a brilliantly evocative word!) and serious, sensible Rufus, Freya’s doctor husband.
The story is told over two timelines — in the immediate aftermath of Rob’s death from Tamsin’s perspective, and one year on as Freya searches for her sister. It is a tale about loss, and also guilt — the guilt of being the one left behind, of not coping the way you ought to. As Freya immerses herself in myths, legends and magic in the hope of bringing Tamsin home, she shows how far she is prepared to go to find her sister, but also that they are perhaps not so different after all.
Overall, I found this a great read, and I really enjoyed the mixture of realism and magical folklore. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a book on grief, love and hope (and with some magic too!).
- -
I’m delighted to join the #blogtour of “The Way the Light Bends” by @raine_clouds_writes. Many thanks to the @instabooktours team, publishers @lunapresspublishing and of course the author for organising the tour and gifting me the book.
#thewaythelightbends #lorrainewilson #instabooktours #bookreview #fantasybooks #supernatural #gifted
August 9, 2022
I loved this book! I felt like Wilson did an amazing job of adding a hint of fantasy and magic into such an emotive story around grief. I was gripped instantly from the first chapter and constantly wanted to read this book. I found the characters easy to connect with and empathised with all of them. It was interesting to watch how each character dealt with grief differently and how it impacted them and their lives. I also loved the way in which Wilson effortlessly switched between characters and times throughout, whilst still keeping the whole story flowing. I really enjoyed the mystery, the magic, the emotional story of the family at the core, it was connected so beautifully and made for a very enjoyable read. Would highly recommend!
July 28, 2022
Grief is a powerful feeling. It can make us sad, angry, confused and guilty. Each of us reacts in a different way, as we try to process that which was taken from us.
The Way the Light Bends looks at how grief affects families. Told from the viewpoints of two very different sisters, we see how the girls have tried to come to terms with the death of their brother.
It’s extremely relatable. As one of three siblings, the relationships shift over time and you invariably become closer to one and then the other throughout your childhood. Yet with twins, the bond is different. For Tamsin – the twin left behind – it is as if she has lost a part of herself, whereas for Freya – the older sibling- Rob’s death pushes her further away from her younger sister.
It’s beautifully written and perfectly captures the range of emotions associated with death. The scenery where Tamsin works is exquisitely described and offers a tranquil escape from her reality. Freya’s world, in contrast, is organised and regimented.
With elements of folklore, this book is unique with a story that is powerful and evocative, diving deep into our own psyche as we empathise with the girls. Flicking between present day and the past, we are given the same clues as Freya, as she tries to piece together what has happened to her sister.
While the ending is not entirely satisfactory and a little confused, it may be that the author has done this deliberately, asking readers to decide what it is they believe in, and allowing them to choose for themselves what has happened to Tamsin…
The Way the Light Bends looks at how grief affects families. Told from the viewpoints of two very different sisters, we see how the girls have tried to come to terms with the death of their brother.
It’s extremely relatable. As one of three siblings, the relationships shift over time and you invariably become closer to one and then the other throughout your childhood. Yet with twins, the bond is different. For Tamsin – the twin left behind – it is as if she has lost a part of herself, whereas for Freya – the older sibling- Rob’s death pushes her further away from her younger sister.
It’s beautifully written and perfectly captures the range of emotions associated with death. The scenery where Tamsin works is exquisitely described and offers a tranquil escape from her reality. Freya’s world, in contrast, is organised and regimented.
With elements of folklore, this book is unique with a story that is powerful and evocative, diving deep into our own psyche as we empathise with the girls. Flicking between present day and the past, we are given the same clues as Freya, as she tries to piece together what has happened to her sister.
While the ending is not entirely satisfactory and a little confused, it may be that the author has done this deliberately, asking readers to decide what it is they believe in, and allowing them to choose for themselves what has happened to Tamsin…
November 21, 2022
THE WAY THE LIGHT BENDS by Lorraine Wilson is a stunning book. A beautifully written and insightful story of grief, family and self. Achingly familiar, from characters’ smallest gestures to their deeper conflicts. Wilson has such empathy and understanding, and it shows in her writing. The light touch of fantasy and folklore is so believable because it is rooted in such a convincing story. Brilliant.
August 14, 2022
Lorraine Wilson guested on the Dissecting Dragons podcast to promote this book and it is that episode's recommendation of the week. The episode delves into the subject of folklore, which is very present in 'The Way the Light Bends'.
As with her previous novel, 'This Is Our Undoing', Wilson's descriptions are fascinating and vivid. Whether she's depicting a pool, a room or a moment, the words seep off the page and surround the reader. Throughout the story, there is tension as we wait for the resolution. And you learn that you may not get the ending you want or the ending you expect, but it will be the best ending. Wilson doesn't do final endings, as she discusses on the DD episode, because stories never really end. There is a relief, though, a hopeful and satisfying ending.
Whether you know a lot about folklore or have glimpsed something strange and wild that you can't quite put behind you, folklore is a big part of any culture. From deep history to minuscule superstitions, it's always effects us in some way. 'The Way the Light Bends' draws on the folklore of its Scottish setting. The lore lends eerie, unsettling reality to the story and the characters. It's a wonderful window through which to illustrate grief, distance and love, being dark and old and endless. If this book catches hold of you, it is likely to linger.
Here's the DD episode where three folklore-lovers discuss why it still effects us (plus some near-death experiences):
https://dissectingdragons.podbean.com...
As with her previous novel, 'This Is Our Undoing', Wilson's descriptions are fascinating and vivid. Whether she's depicting a pool, a room or a moment, the words seep off the page and surround the reader. Throughout the story, there is tension as we wait for the resolution. And you learn that you may not get the ending you want or the ending you expect, but it will be the best ending. Wilson doesn't do final endings, as she discusses on the DD episode, because stories never really end. There is a relief, though, a hopeful and satisfying ending.
Whether you know a lot about folklore or have glimpsed something strange and wild that you can't quite put behind you, folklore is a big part of any culture. From deep history to minuscule superstitions, it's always effects us in some way. 'The Way the Light Bends' draws on the folklore of its Scottish setting. The lore lends eerie, unsettling reality to the story and the characters. It's a wonderful window through which to illustrate grief, distance and love, being dark and old and endless. If this book catches hold of you, it is likely to linger.
Here's the DD episode where three folklore-lovers discuss why it still effects us (plus some near-death experiences):
https://dissectingdragons.podbean.com...
July 30, 2022
The story is told from two points of view. Through Tamsin's diary entries and in the third person for Freya. Freya is the 'good' child. The one who has always done what was expected of her and has her life mapped out in front of her. Tamsin finds it difficult to fit into the mould her family expect. She had wanted to go to art school but her parents made it clear they did not view this as a proper career path. I think her parents did not disapprove of Tamsin, but were puzzled by her reluctance to follow a similar path to Freya.
The death of Tamsin's twin, Rob, sends shockwaves through the whole family. He had been the bridge between the two sisters and perhaps between Tamsin and her parents too. The authors portrayal of grief is achingly realistic. The rituals of death, funeral, visits to the grave, seem to give comfort to his parents in particular. But Tamsin is lost without her twin and seeks him in the shadows.
Freya gradually falls apart in the aftermath of her brothers death and her sisters disappearance. She reads Tamsin's diary and tries to follow in her footsteps. Convinced she is in danger although her family and the police do not agree.
This is a wonderfully written book, filled with almost poetic descriptions and an atmosphere of mystery and shadows. It makes you wonder what is real and what is a result of the sisters grief. The pagan elements are both fascinating and puzzling and fitted seamlessly into the story. The ending is left open which is both frustrating and perfect. I highly recommend this moving and beautiful book.
Thank you to @instabooktours, @lunapresspublishing and @raine_clouds_writes for my e-book, received in return for a fair and honest review.
The death of Tamsin's twin, Rob, sends shockwaves through the whole family. He had been the bridge between the two sisters and perhaps between Tamsin and her parents too. The authors portrayal of grief is achingly realistic. The rituals of death, funeral, visits to the grave, seem to give comfort to his parents in particular. But Tamsin is lost without her twin and seeks him in the shadows.
Freya gradually falls apart in the aftermath of her brothers death and her sisters disappearance. She reads Tamsin's diary and tries to follow in her footsteps. Convinced she is in danger although her family and the police do not agree.
This is a wonderfully written book, filled with almost poetic descriptions and an atmosphere of mystery and shadows. It makes you wonder what is real and what is a result of the sisters grief. The pagan elements are both fascinating and puzzling and fitted seamlessly into the story. The ending is left open which is both frustrating and perfect. I highly recommend this moving and beautiful book.
Thank you to @instabooktours, @lunapresspublishing and @raine_clouds_writes for my e-book, received in return for a fair and honest review.
August 1, 2022
Would give 3.5 stars if I could. It wasn't quite what I expected going in, but it was a beautiful story about loss and "coping" with grief.
The language flows nicely and it almost seems poetic in some sections. I loved the way each member of the family dealt with losing Rob in a different way. Also, I enjoyed seeing the journey from both Freya and Tamsin's viewpoint - how completely lost Tamsin was without her twin, and how Freya was discovering a whole new sister along the way. It's a very touching story and I really felt for Freya throughout.
I felt the ending was confusing and a bit of a let down given the build up. I think it's left more to the reader, but I prefer some closure. Wells is still an enigma and I have no idea what he was supposed to be? I also couldn't stand Rufus and don't believe he has the capacity for empathy or understanding.
Overall, a lovely tale of the pain and grieving process people can go on after losing a loved one - I just wish it had chosen to stay either firmly in the real world or go full on into the fantasy one.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from InstaBookTours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The language flows nicely and it almost seems poetic in some sections. I loved the way each member of the family dealt with losing Rob in a different way. Also, I enjoyed seeing the journey from both Freya and Tamsin's viewpoint - how completely lost Tamsin was without her twin, and how Freya was discovering a whole new sister along the way. It's a very touching story and I really felt for Freya throughout.
I felt the ending was confusing and a bit of a let down given the build up. I think it's left more to the reader, but I prefer some closure. Wells is still an enigma and I have no idea what he was supposed to be? I also couldn't stand Rufus and don't believe he has the capacity for empathy or understanding.
Overall, a lovely tale of the pain and grieving process people can go on after losing a loved one - I just wish it had chosen to stay either firmly in the real world or go full on into the fantasy one.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from InstaBookTours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 8, 2022
A beautiful fantasy full of complicated relationships , soul numbing grief and path towards healing.
“Sometimes hope is the most dangerous thing of all”. This sentence from the blurb was what caught my attention and needless to say I am fully satisfied to have read this book now.
The story revolves around two sisters. The death of their brother is the only connection the wild hearted Tamsin and perfect Freya (the elder sister) had in common. Then on the anniversary of her twin’s death, Tamsin goes missing.
Despite all the hurdles and doubts, Freya is determined to bring her sister home. A mystery of shadowy myths and trial of diary entries shows that she hardly knew her sister and the dangers that awaits her.
The story is written in two timelines, one from Tamsin’s and one from Freya’s point of view, which makes it fast paced and easier to read. Both timelines shows individual characters grief and turmoil of their past actions and their family bonds. The obsession to find the answers and their journey is quite thrilling and well done. It’s a beautiful story which shows the history of magical Scotland and the hope that burns the heart.
“Sometimes hope is the most dangerous thing of all”. This sentence from the blurb was what caught my attention and needless to say I am fully satisfied to have read this book now.
The story revolves around two sisters. The death of their brother is the only connection the wild hearted Tamsin and perfect Freya (the elder sister) had in common. Then on the anniversary of her twin’s death, Tamsin goes missing.
Despite all the hurdles and doubts, Freya is determined to bring her sister home. A mystery of shadowy myths and trial of diary entries shows that she hardly knew her sister and the dangers that awaits her.
The story is written in two timelines, one from Tamsin’s and one from Freya’s point of view, which makes it fast paced and easier to read. Both timelines shows individual characters grief and turmoil of their past actions and their family bonds. The obsession to find the answers and their journey is quite thrilling and well done. It’s a beautiful story which shows the history of magical Scotland and the hope that burns the heart.
August 4, 2022
I was kindly gifted this book from @instabooktours, @raine_clouds_writes and @lunapresspublishing in exchange for a review and my honest opinion.
I love the way this book is written, it was written beautifully! I especially loved the povs from both sisters in different timelines. Even though it's written a year apart they both blend well together. The book takes you on a journey of loss, grief, mystery and a family finding themselves after the death of a loved one. The ending was different, it has been left to the reader's interpretation, although I would have preferred it to be wrapped up.
I love to read books based on Scotland! This is my first book by this author and ill be looking out for future books.
I love the way this book is written, it was written beautifully! I especially loved the povs from both sisters in different timelines. Even though it's written a year apart they both blend well together. The book takes you on a journey of loss, grief, mystery and a family finding themselves after the death of a loved one. The ending was different, it has been left to the reader's interpretation, although I would have preferred it to be wrapped up.
I love to read books based on Scotland! This is my first book by this author and ill be looking out for future books.
August 5, 2022
Thank you to Luna Press Publishing and Insta Book Tours for sending me a copy of this book.
This was definitely not what I was expecting; I was thinking this book was going to be a contemporary/thriller/mystery read but what I got was a story of grief and losing yourself and your loved ones beautifully interwoven with folklore.
The book is told from two points of view in two different timelines; Tamsin’s POV is set in 2016, following her grief in the months after the death of her twin while Freya’s are set in 2017, searching for Tamsin after she’s gone missing.
The journey was fascinating, I was constantly wondering what was going to happen so the more open ending left me feeling a twinge of disappointment, but at the same time, I think it’s very fitting for this book to leave it in such a way.
A beautifully written book that I enjoyed.
This was definitely not what I was expecting; I was thinking this book was going to be a contemporary/thriller/mystery read but what I got was a story of grief and losing yourself and your loved ones beautifully interwoven with folklore.
The book is told from two points of view in two different timelines; Tamsin’s POV is set in 2016, following her grief in the months after the death of her twin while Freya’s are set in 2017, searching for Tamsin after she’s gone missing.
The journey was fascinating, I was constantly wondering what was going to happen so the more open ending left me feeling a twinge of disappointment, but at the same time, I think it’s very fitting for this book to leave it in such a way.
A beautifully written book that I enjoyed.
July 19, 2022
The Way The Light Bends is an interesting book that is about two sisters trying to find their way back to each other. The story is told from both Tamsin and Freya, giving the reader a great understanding of what they each are going through and it really does bring everything together. It's an emotional read. It deals with grief, family, loss and healing. I loved the touch of folklore added to the mystery! It's a beautifully written novel that I truly enjoyed reading! Thank you InstaBook Tours and Lorraine Wilson for sharing this adventure with me!
April 28, 2023
A beautiful, compelling, and moving novel set in Scotland, with lovely and subtle nods to folklore and the fantastical. I listened to the audiobook and it drew me in with the rich storytelling, and had me hooked as the mystery unfolded. Lovely pacing and I found myself becoming really connected to Tamsin and Freya's complex journeys throughout. An easy 5 star read. Can't wait to read the Lorraine Wilson's next book.
August 21, 2022
A powerful, throat-achingly sensitive and beautifully observed and written exploration of the pain and dislocation of the grief of untimely death, and the myriad and desperate extents to which folk - friends and family - go to in their attempts to come to terms with it while continuing with the rest of their lives.
November 27, 2022
The most gorgeous, sensitive examination of sibling relationships.
We all grieve differently and loss can pull us together or drive us apart.
The Way the Light Bends is a fable for our times, written in such lyrical prose that I challenge you not to swept away by the magic that is Dr Wilson's solid sterling hallmark.
We all grieve differently and loss can pull us together or drive us apart.
The Way the Light Bends is a fable for our times, written in such lyrical prose that I challenge you not to swept away by the magic that is Dr Wilson's solid sterling hallmark.
June 13, 2023
Lorraine paints a heartbreaking story of not knowing what you’ve got til it’s gone, grief, and finding yourself while searching for someone you’ve lost.
The prose is beautifully poetic, the characters pain is so real, and the allusions to the fantastic so subtle, you’ll wonder if they are real, or all in the characters heads.
The prose is beautifully poetic, the characters pain is so real, and the allusions to the fantastic so subtle, you’ll wonder if they are real, or all in the characters heads.
November 8, 2022
beautiful, haunting, lyrical
Another gorgeous novel by Lorraine Wilson- haunting and lyrical, it will break your heart with its own weight of sadness and let you find your path back, however it may be.
Another gorgeous novel by Lorraine Wilson- haunting and lyrical, it will break your heart with its own weight of sadness and let you find your path back, however it may be.
August 5, 2022
4.5 stars
A haunting tale of grief with a bit of the supernatural/ fantasy thrown in, I really enjoyed the writing and the dual pov really moved things along.
A haunting tale of grief with a bit of the supernatural/ fantasy thrown in, I really enjoyed the writing and the dual pov really moved things along.
January 19, 2024
Not quite what I was expecting and a little slow at some points, but still a quiet yet beautiful and moving exploration of family ties complicated by grief
February 14, 2024
A story on the boundary between fantasy and reality about love and loss and the unknowableness of our nearest and dearest told in beautiful atmospheric prose.
October 10, 2024
It wasn’t my thing. Just too much going on about nothing and I got really bored listening to it. The story was nice but it should have been like half as long.
November 11, 2024
I only kept listening to see if it got better. There was no plot. It was so slow.
December 1, 2022
The way the light bends is a beautifully melancholy grief story of three siblings who realise all too late that they love each other the most of all.
This book is written poetically with lines that leave your heart bleeding and give you goose bumps.
There are elements of paganism, Celtic folklore and references to the Celtic other world.
Though the book really shines on taking you on a heart wrenching tale of loss and what it means to never be quite whole again.
Tell those who are important to you that you love them whilst they are still here to hear it.
This book is written poetically with lines that leave your heart bleeding and give you goose bumps.
There are elements of paganism, Celtic folklore and references to the Celtic other world.
Though the book really shines on taking you on a heart wrenching tale of loss and what it means to never be quite whole again.
Tell those who are important to you that you love them whilst they are still here to hear it.
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