Ten years ago, Nora Glass started writing essays about being a single mother of a six-year-old daughter. Her weekly column made her a household name, and over the years, her fans have watched Ellie grow from a toddler to a teenager.
But now Nora is facing a problem that can’t be overcome. Diagnosed with a devastating disease that will eventually take away who she is, she is scared for herself, but even more frightened about what this will mean for her sixteen-year-old daughter.
Now Nora has no choice but to let go of her hard-won image as a competent, self-assured woman, and turn to the one person who has always relied on her: her twin sister, Mariana. Nora and Mariana couldn’t be more different from one another, and they’ve always had a complicated relationship. But now the two sisters will have to summon the strength to help them all get through a future none of them could have ever imagined, while uncovering the joy and beauty that was always underneath. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)
I received Splinters of Light as a prize from a book giveaway over at The Book Sage. I was told by Lloyd that I could choose one of his favorite books to be sent to me. He had been recommending Splinters for quite some time, so I was curious to check it out. As soon as it arrived, it went into my five-book pile. I recently had the chance to devour it over my holiday break, and devour it I did! I have recommended several authors to Lloyd and he adds all their books to his TBR once he likes one. I feel like doing this with Rachael Herron now, as well.
While the reviewer at my book blog didn’t like the interludes where excerpts from Nora’s book were featured, I happened to really enjoy those parts. I liked how Nora and Ellie had certain holiday traditions and rituals and then seeing how they changed in the present, whether it was due to age or Nora’s diagnosis (or a mix of both), or even some other factors. What also worked well for me was the genuine and honest dialogue. The characters didn’t hold back in what they needed to say. I felt like I was right in the middle of an argument sometimes.
I really liked Ellie best from all the characters, but I tend to flock to teenagers in books. Even if the novels are intended for adults, if there is a strong teen protagonist, it totally enhances the story. Ellie had a strong voice and a compelling narrative.
What drew me in the most was imagining the unimaginable (pardon the Hamilton reference). I know I forget things a lot of the time, especially if I don’t write it down right away. However, I still remember where I live, how to read, what day it is, etc. Seeing Nora’s memory gradually deteriorate just over the span of a year was unsettling in a “watching a train wreck” sort of way. I didn’t like that it was happening to her, but I couldn’t abandon her either. I had to know what was going to happen. However, the story ended at the end of that tumultuous year, and now I need to know what happens after the end of the story. I’m hoping Rachael will someday give us another year with the characters. Maybe five years down the road, when Ellie is on the cusp of finishing college and becoming an adult herself. Is she going to ever find out if she’s a carrier of the gene that causes Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease? What is Mariana up to now? Has Nora completely succumbed to her memory loss, or was she able to hold on a few years longer? The book needs a sequel!
However, what I wouldn’t want to see in a sequel (should there ever be one) is all the sentimentality and symbolism. I felt like the sea glass and even the computer game analogies were used way too much. And while I love my children (and sister), I don’t wrap my affections into a pretty package every time I tell them so. I felt like I was reading a Hallmark card at times. Also, I would ask that Rachael stays consistent within the narratives of each character. There were many times, especially during Ellie’s narrations, that Nora would go from “her mother” to “Mom” or Mariana would go from “her aunt” to “Auntie.” (Ex. “She was mad at her mother” and then “she wanted to give Mom a hug”.)
Overall, I was very impressed with this novel and still can’t stop thinking about it!
This would make for an incredible movie, and here's who I would cast.
Nora: Rosemarie DeWitt
Mariana: Carla Gugino
Ellie: Hana Hayes
Luke: Michael Trucco
Harrison: Brian d'Arcy James
More by Rachael Herron:
Disclosure of Material Connection:
Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
2 comments:
I'm glad you liked it. And I can understand your concerns. In this case, those issues you had with the book didn't bother me at all. Every reader sees something different. For example, the whole country liked The Girl on the Train. And, yet, I didn't connect with any of the characters. Was it just me? Doesn't matter. Most importantly, you liked it a lot. All of us who highly recommend a book to someone hope that our recommendee at least agrees with us to some extent. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
This book sounds intriguing. It would be interesting to see how Ellie handles being a possible carrier for early onset Alzheimer's disease.
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