A Sudden Light is a story about love, loss, regret and a ghost that spans over generations of the Riddell family. The Riddell House, where fourteen-year-old Trevor’s grandfather and aunt live – who he has never met before the summer of 1990 – has been in the family since the early 1900s when it was built by Trevor’s great-great-grandfather and is full of mystery, deception and family secrets. Feeling the weight of his parents’ ‘trial separation’ after they become bankrupt, Trevor sets out to put the story together and uncover the hidden truths of his family. As he does, he realises that they are not alone in Riddell House.

I really enjoy multi-generational stories that feel epic due to the span of time they cross and the intricacies of the characters and I love family secrets! And the other thing is I just can’t find anything wrong with this book. And I try to, you guys know that. BUT ITS BRILLIANT. Solid five stars and I’m off to find The Art of Racing in the Rain.

Garth Stein really can write beautifully, and his new book A Sudden Light is no exception.

This multi-layered, inter-generational story is filled with secrets and lies, with the 14 year old protaganist trying to make sense of it all and grow into adulthood. (There's also ghosts, but don't let that put you off if it is something that would.) Sometimes the 14 year old comes off as saying or thinking things a bit too old for his actual age, but really Stein's writing is so magical you'd forgive him anything.