Bodies of Light

‘I was always looking ahead to a time when I would miss this.'

Bodies of Light is a magnificently constructed exploration of trauma, survival, vulnerability, and identity. Down poses the questions of what it means to exist and what it looks like to exist in a world that continually subdues your personhood, and she does so with a voice that is clear and powerful.

I don't agree with a large consensus of reviewers who've described this novel as trauma-porn. All of the detail seemed necessary to Maggie's storyline to me. Without it, we would not have been able to feel in the same way her grief, shame, resilience, fierce spirit and aching heart.

I felt a dip towards the last quarter of an otherwise throughly vivid and mesmerising read. I also understood why Tony's storyline was included, however I feel the point it was trying to make wasn't as strong as it could've been.

Since Normal People, I've become increasingly fond of writers who don't use quotation marks. It feels more natural in a way. I am not fond, however, of TV being spelt as teevee - took me right out of the story every time.

This is nitpicking though, really. 4.5 stars - a brilliance!!!