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Janet H. (Utica, NY)
The Blind Light
This book takes us through 60 years of history, focusing not so much on the facts of the events, but the emotions these events stirred in the people living through them. It begins in the present and then goes back in time to tell the story of two families living in the years after WW2. While I struggled in the beginning to understand what was happening, after a chapter or two, the pieces began to come together and I didn't want to put it down. This book takes friendship and familial relationships, historical events, hope and despair and creates a stirring story that caused me to think about what I had read long
…more after I closed the book. (less)I enjoyed the format that Stuart Evers used to write this book. He begins with a scene in current time that implies a possible conflict and tension rooted in a past event. The he goes back 60 years to a past generation and begins a story about a young Englishman. The narrative continues with alternating voices and leap frogs years to keep the characters maturing. He often makes allusions to past events to explain a current scene. Pay attention because the plot twists and turns, but it keeps you engaged in a story that is personal, profound and immersed in a bygone event that changed and scarred the main characters.
Shirley T. (Comfort, TX)
The Blind Light
This is a "true to the times" story set in England under the threat and fear of nuclear war from post World War II up to the present. It will be very nostalgic for older readers and provides a history of the times for younger readers.
The story is told through the friendship of two men of very different social backgrounds but both are haunted by the fear of total nuclear annihilation.
The tale of Drum, Gwen and their family is very well portrayed and believable throughout this book. Each man in the friendship, Drum and Carter, deals with the other in this complex relationship and, as they age, the pact they have
…more agreed upon leads to a dramatic and satisfying ending.
This is a skillfully crafted and very emotional story which remains with the reader long after it ends. I loved the book. (less)The Blind Light is a very well written story of two families whose lives intertwine yet run parallel through a generation. The story of Drummond Moore and James Carter and their families reveal how a promise the two men make to protect and be there for each other ends up psychologically weighing on their families and shaping the outcome of each family member's life. This is a story of how fear of the unknown stunts the lives of those affected by it. I highly recommend this book.
Wendy R. (Pinehurst, NC)
Time Tested Friendship
A friendship formed over a training session, takes many different paths. From building new families, jobs and world views the story encompasses how relationships and perceptions change over time, especially when the underlying current of fear is present. I enjoyed reading this book, the characters are believable and it resonated with me how friendships between two people can change when other people enter into the picture and voice their opinions. This would be a good Book Club pick, lots of elements to discuss - history, psychological aspects, friendship and how families can change over time.
Molly O. (Centennial, CO)
The Blind Light by Stuart Evers
Living with the fear of nuclear holocaust, two families' lives are intertwined after the partriarchs – Carter and Drum – meet as young military men who witness the aftermath of the Bomb in a military simulation. This saga spans nearly 60 years in which we become intimately involved with generations as their stories are told by married couple Drum and Gwen. There is much intimacy between characters, and we get to know these two best. Because of the limited point of view, it is difficult to understand why Drum and Gwen's kids are so angry. But it is the story of Carter and Drum and their devotion to one another
…more that drives the plot. Beautifully written with well-defined settings, this is a book that begs you to slow down and enjoy it. (less)I've read many historical novels set in Britain (particularly WWI and II), but this story of two families, one well-to-do and one working class, over 6 decades still affected by post-nuclear security concerns is quite different to any other book I've read. I found the story very interesting, and couldn't help but reflect on what I remember of this period here in the U.S. I did at times feel like I was missing important events in the characters' lives by the way the book is structured. I imagine anyone who enjoys British historical novels would enjoy reading The Blind Light.
Rene M. (Colerain, NC)
A Unique Take
Since so many posted reviews have already given a synopsis of this novel I will spare you having to read it again. I will start with the reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5. It has to do with a few very distasteful scenes that were unnecessary to the characters involved. With that comment out of the way, let us move on.
Other reviewers mentioned that the author used different writing styles and techniques and it distracted from the story, chopped it up a bit, but that didn't bother me at all. In fact, I liked the way it kept my brain shifting gears and it also offered a unique take on the typical
…more historical family saga. Others also commented about how long the story was but for me it was just about right for developing all the characters and taking them through all the timelines. I would definitely recommend this book for a change of pace in your reading selections but with reservations for some of the distasteful scenes. (less)
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