Synopsis

When their brother dies, two sisters lose the one thing that connected them. But then a year after her twin’s death, Tamsin goes missing.

Despite police indifference and her husband’s doubts, Freya is determined to find her sister.

But a trail of diary entries reveals a woman she barely knew, and a danger she can scarcely fathom, full of deep waters and shadowy myths, where the grief that drove Tamsin to the edge of a cliff also led her into the arms of a mysterious stranger… A man who promised hope but demanded sacrifice.

Review

Grief is a powerful feeling. It can make us sad, angry, confused and guilty. Each of us reacts in a different way, as we try to process that which was taken from us.

The Way the Light Bends looks at how grief affects families. Told from the viewpoints of two very different sisters, we see how the girls have tried to come to terms with the death of their brother.

It’s extremely relatable. As one of three siblings, the relationships shift over time and you invariably become closer to one and then the other throughout your childhood. Yet with twins, the bond is different. For Tamsin – the twin left behind – it is as if she has lost a part of herself, whereas for Freya – the older sibling- Rob’s death pushes her further away from her younger sister.

It’s beautifully written and perfectly captures the range of emotions associated with death. The scenery where Tamsin works is exquisitely described and offers a tranquil escape from her reality. Freya’s world, in contrast, is organised and regimented.

With elements of folklore, this book is unique with a story that is powerful and evocative, diving deep into our own psyche as we empathise with the girls. Flicking between present day and the past, we are given the same clues as Freya, as she tries to piece together what has happened to her sister.

While the ending is not entirely satisfactory and a little confused, it may be that the author has done this deliberately, asking readers to decide what it is they believe in, and allowing them to choose for themselves what has happened to Tamsin…

Thank you to the author and Luna Press publishing for my copy as part of Insta Book Tours. Opinions my own.