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A review by foiblesandfiction
A Letter to the Luminous Deep by Sylvie Cathrall
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Thank you to the publisher for a review copy!
This book came to me at a time when I really needed it - something that is both cozy and grief-filled. A novel of manners and whimsy. I have a weakness for such duality, and I really enjoyed it in this book.
A Letter To The Luminous Deep follows the emotional journey of two characters who are corresponding with each other through letters in an attempt to explore their grief from the mysterious and sudden loss of their siblings. We, the readers, are voyeuristically reading their letters and following their developing friendship as well as reading their siblings’ letters and journal entries and following their developing romance. Its an epistolary journey with dual timelines, light academia, and a touch of mysterious magic.
Some of my favorite parts of this book were the queer-normative society as well as the representation of OCD and mental health. Both were consistently present in the story and contributed to the progression of the plot.
But beware! This is just the first book in a series and it does end with some major loose threads. The ending left me with my mouth open in shock that there wasn't more resolution to the story.
Recommended for those who appreciate 18th century grammar (random noun capitalization for everyone!), the most loveable characters, and an unsolved mystery.
This book came to me at a time when I really needed it - something that is both cozy and grief-filled. A novel of manners and whimsy. I have a weakness for such duality, and I really enjoyed it in this book.
A Letter To The Luminous Deep follows the emotional journey of two characters who are corresponding with each other through letters in an attempt to explore their grief from the mysterious and sudden loss of their siblings. We, the readers, are voyeuristically reading their letters and following their developing friendship as well as reading their siblings’ letters and journal entries and following their developing romance. Its an epistolary journey with dual timelines, light academia, and a touch of mysterious magic.
Some of my favorite parts of this book were the queer-normative society as well as the representation of OCD and mental health. Both were consistently present in the story and contributed to the progression of the plot.
But beware! This is just the first book in a series and it does end with some major loose threads. The ending left me with my mouth open in shock that there wasn't more resolution to the story.
Recommended for those who appreciate 18th century grammar (random noun capitalization for everyone!), the most loveable characters, and an unsolved mystery.