Tag: ContemporaryFiction

Book Review: The Fragility of Light

A novel that poignantly delves into the complexities of generational trauma and its effects on mental health

The Fragility of Light – Book Cover

Book: The Fragility of Light

Author: Heather Lonczak

Genre: Contemporary fiction, Literary Fiction, Novels

Review copy: BookSirens

Available at: Amazon.in

Recommended: Must read

Trigger warning: Mental health, mental illness

A novel that poignantly delves into the complexities of generational trauma and its effects on mental health.

In Heather S. Lonczak’s contemporary novel, The Fragility of Light, generational trauma and the fragile state of mental health cast their shadows over the life of Sylvia “Sunny” Zielinski. Sunny’s picture-perfect introverted existence takes a harrowing turn when she starts experiencing psychotic episodes.

Lonczak masterfully portrays mental illness, but not before immersing us in the wholesome experiences of youth—promising careers, love in the air, and a wedding on the horizon. Through her poetic prose, Lonczak transports us to a world steeped in charm and nostalgia, where the scent of lilies mingles with sun-warmed tomatoes still clinging to the vine. Sunny’s encounter with Joshua ignites an idyllic love, and their future seems vibrant.

As Sunny introduces Joshua to her gentle and wholesome family, the foundations of their new life appear unshakable. Yet, lurking in the past are shadows that resurface tragically, rocking their boat. Cracks emerge, and the once sweet and tender narration takes on gray overtones, plunging Sunny and all who love her into a nerve-wracking deluge.

Lonczak intricately weaves Sunny’s story with the perspectives of Joshua and Peter, her father. Both men grapple with the heart-wrenching realization that the one they love dearly is suffering, yet they find themselves powerless to alleviate her pain. Lonczak’s portrayal of their struggle captures the complexities of love and helplessness in the face of mental illness. Despite the recurring nature of shared experiences in the storyline, delving into Joshua and Peter’s tribulations remains relevant. Both men must bear the consequences: Joshua faces a crumbling present, and the future appears fraught with fear. Meanwhile, Peter’s past wounds resurface, raw and bleeding. Their intertwined struggles provide essential context, revealing the impact of generational trauma on their lives.

Lonczak’s novel is crucial to comprehend the impact of grief-stricken depression and the role of genetics in mental health. In brief lucid moments, Sunny glimpses her downward spiral, but the psychotic episodes remain beyond her control. Within her fragile mind, she carries the storm of genetic and generational trauma, unable to prevent the destruction it unleashes.

Skillfully delving into the complexities of trauma and its lingering effects, Lonczak invites readers to discover whether Sunny can battle her demons and whether Joshua’s love and devotion can withstand the searing trial. This novel, with its close exploration of matters of the mind and heart, leaves a lasting impression. Fans of literary fiction will find much to admire in this thought-provoking and emotionally resonant work with strong writing.

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Book Review: Inauspicicous

Book: Inauspicious

Author: Renée L. K. Eastabrooks

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Review Copy: Reedsy

Available at: Amazon.com

Some aspects of our society and cultural mores are so horrifying that we strive to keep them under wraps. It takes someone with courage, compassion, and empathy to bring forth depraved secrets so that the evil can be ripped apart at the roots. Renée L. K. Eastabrooks pens down the true story of a young widow in Rajasthan, who miraculously escapes the burning pyre of Sati, and goes on to search for a new life across continents. Easterbrook’s novel – Inauspicious – contains insights from her month-long trip to northern India where she worked with widows and street children.

Sati, the practice of burning alive a widow on the pyre of her dead husband, is illegal in India. However, in the hinterlands, the widow is a financial and social burden, and an entire custom is perpetuated to get rid of her while crowning her with divinity. In this horrifying landscape, a young widow, Triti, escapes a lit pyre and through sisterhood and kindness, and the power of her dreams and forte attempts to rewrite her destiny. The novel is gripping from the start and has the reader rooting for the protagonist.

The writer is invested in the local landscape and heritage. The book contains verses, local lullabies, songs, and a few colloquial dialogues. Amidst the sorrow and the depravity, the descriptions of colors, bazaars, spices, jewelry, bring out the visual vibrancy for which Rajasthan is well-known. Eastabrook’s writing is evocative and the observant narrative fills the pages of an otherwise troubling story.

Initially, it seems Triti’s recovery and journey to Delhi and then to New York is not only swift but convenient. A quarter into the book, the 18 years old, Triti, has changed her identity and moved out of the country, only to discover the smoke and mirrors in the world. Her trysts are yet to unfold.

This is a story of sheer grit and the desire to survive, against all odds. From small towns and impoverished societies rise some of the strongest souls who become an inspiration. Triti’s story, even in adversity, speaks of the power of serendipity and the inner strength that can pave the path for redemption and healing if ever there is for those who have experienced the darkest depths of society.