The Gloaming

Beautiful, strange, excellent writing. A compelling blend of myth and realism that really made me think of Angela Carter.

honestly I didn't give a shit about either of the parents or the other sister..... But all the gay parts were actually 5* material

I will go ahead now and say that I prefer ‘The Gracekeepers’ to ‘The Gloaming’, but I still had a delightful time with it. Firstly, Kirsty Logan’s writing is absolutely stunning and may try one more book with her, just to read some more of her gorgeous writing. She just has such a way with words that despite the modern setting she still makes it seem magical and atmospheric. The island setting might also have something to do with it. Really liked Mara’s character. I related to her at times and loved her love of books and stories and magic. Pearl was also a wonderful character and her and Mara together were just amazing. I wasn’t expecting a queer romance so it was a nice surprise and was just a real and raw relationship. Where this book and ‘The Gracekeepers’ lacked was in the plot department. It’s all well and good to have great characters and beautiful writing, but when nothing is really happening to them, it can leave readers disinterested. This was the book’s downfall in my opinion. A magical and beautiful island read. I wouldn’t recommend if you’re not a character focused person, but I’d suggest you pick it up if you’re looking for a meandering storyline, lyrical prose and an excellent f/f romance.

On the island where Mara and her family live people don’t die, the go to the cliff where they remain, gazing out to sea with the waves crashing beneath, their presence a haunting reminder of what is to come for the islanders. And Mara’s family is haunted by many things, long-ago decisions, new desires and a devastating loss that has scarred Mara inside and out. A new arrival seems to finally offer the chance to move on but the budding relationship brings challenges of its own. I’ve been waiting for this book from Kirsty Logan. So far I have read everything she’s published and so far I’ve always felt that there was some essential element missing so that, despite the boundless potential I could see in her writing, I was always left dissatisfied. Here her bewitching prose and wicked humour finally fully combine with the grim(m) fairy-tale properties to create something rich and dark and emotionally resonant. I think the difference is in the characters. In her previous work I felt a distance to her characters that couldn’t be overcome by the gloriously dark imagery but Mara and her family felt less like props for Logan’s imagined world and more like real people occupying real (if fantastic) space. Themes of transformation, transience and permanence are perfectly modeled by the overriding medium of water which is a constant, inescapable presence within the family – selkies, mermaids, the ocean as a constant force that outlasts all else – the power of nature to give and to take. The double-edged sword that is feeling connected to your home that comforts and stifles at the same time.