The Worst Thing of All Is the Light

The Worst Thing of All Is the Light is a metafictional novel that explores the love between two heterosexual men, Koldo and Edorta, through the decades of the late twentieth century in Spain's Basque Country. The author, José Luis Serrano, reflects on their relationship in the present day, discussing how to narrate it. The novel portrays a love that the lovers hope will outlive them, despite not constructing the domestic life that their counterparts enjoy today.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 05 November 2023
Publisher: Seagull Books London Ltd

The Worst Thing of All Is the Light is a metafictional novel that explores the complexities of love and its enduring power. The story revolves around two intertwined narratives: one centered on the friendship of two heterosexual men, Koldo and Edorta, spanning the late twentieth century in the Basque Country of Spain. Edorta, in the form of a book, writes to preserve his relationship with Koldo, a bond that transcends the traditional concept of friendship but remains hesitant to label it as love. This narrative delves into the depths of unrequited love, where two men are in love but unaware or unwilling to acknowledge it.

Concurrently, the novel presents the author, José Luis Serrano, in the present day as he enjoys his summer holiday in the same Basque Country. During his conversations with his husband, Serrano grapples with the challenge of narrating the relationship of Koldo and Edorta. He reflects on the complexities of their lives and the choices they made, emphasizing the lack of domestic life they experienced compared to their contemporaries. Through these two stories, The Worst Thing of All Is the Light showcases a profound and enduring love that transcends societal labels and expectations. The lovers hope that their love will outlive them, a sentiment that remains constant regardless of how it is labeled or perceived.

The novel intricately weaves together the narratives of Koldo and Edorta, creating a rich tapestry of emotions and relationships. It delves into the complexities of identity, sexuality, and the search for meaning in life. The characters are flawed and human, with their struggles and triumphs reflecting the complexities of the human experience. The Worst Thing of All Is the Light offers a poignant reflection on the nature of love, its transformative power, and the enduring legacy it leaves behind. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love to connect and heal.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 159 x 236 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803092560