A Gathering Light

by Jennifer Donnelly 

A Gathering Light had been lounging on my physical bookshelf for some time and I’m so glad I finally got a chance to read it. Jennifer Donnelly is a new-to-me author. This is the first book of hers I’ve read but I sincerely hope it won’t be the last.

The story is based on the real murder of a young woman in 1906, although this isn’t the sole focus of the book.

The main character, Mattie, is very likeable and will no doubt be relatable to many. Her biggest dream is to be a writer. She is absolutely obsessed with books, and words, which I love! She is the daughter of a widowed father though. A father working his fingers to the bone to manage a farm to provide for four daughters (with no mention of even considering a second wife, which I thought was quite unusual for the time). They all must muck in, and Mattie made a promise to her late mother which she feels unable to break, despite being offered a brilliant opportunity to move away and begin to realise her dreams. She has responsibilities though. Her father, and many others in their community, expect her to stay at home and do her bit for the family. I saw a review saying that she wished Mattie has stood up for herself more and had done what she wanted to no matter what anyone thought. I think that might be a valid point today but in the early nineteen hundreds!?? In my opinion this is a very authentic story. Certain things were expected back then, especially of women, whether we agree with it or not.

Mattie also has a secret. A secret connection with the murdered girl.

I really enjoyed Mattie’s story. My heart went out to her on more than one occasion, and I could totally understand her conflicting emotions.

This is a story of family love, loss, friendship, small community support, secrets, and never knowing what really goes on behind other people’s doors, as well as being a murder mystery. Ordinary people battling for a living and a life, whether it was the one they hoped for, or not. A brilliant cast of characters with a compelling tale to tell. I really enjoyed it and have added Jennifer Donnelly’s other books to my list.

An astounding novel about a girl’s coming-of-age interwoven with a real-life murder that rocked turn-of-the-century America. WINNER OF THE CARNEGIE MEDAL 2003.

‘A breathtakingly good novel’ Daily Mail

When Mattie Gokey is given a bundle of letters to burn by Grace Brown, she fully intends to do so. But when Grace is found drowned the next day, Mattie finds that it is not as easy to get rid of those letters as she had thought. And, as she reads, a riveting story emerges – not only revealing Grace’s secrets but also Mattie’s hopes and ambitions for the future and her relationships with her friends and family.

Published to widespread acclaim this part murder-mystery and part coming-of-age story is an astounding and accomplished novel.

Happy reading!