When Light Is Like Water

"When Light Is Like Water" is a novel by Molly McCloskey that explores the themes of love, family, and home through the story of Alice, a young American who travels to the West of Ireland and embarks on an affair that breaks her marriage. The book is praised for its lyrical prose, vivid characters, and profound meditation on the nature of love. It is considered a triumph by critics and has been named one of the best books of the year.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 05 April 2018
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

"When Light Is Like Water" is a novel by Anne Enright that has received widespread praise and acclaim. The book is considered to be Enright's finest work to date, and it has been praised for its insightful portrayal of human relationships and its exploration of complex themes.

The novel follows the life of Alice, a young American woman who travels to the West of Ireland with no clear plans or strong attachments. However, she is deeply connected to her mother, who raised her alone after her father's death. Alice falls in love with an Irishman and marries him, but her life takes a dramatic turn when she embarks on an affair that breaks her marriage and sets her on a new course.

The novel is a gripping story of passion and ambivalence, and it offers a profound meditation on the things that matter most in life: love, family, and home. Enright's writing is praised for its lyrical prose and its ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences.

One of the standout features of "When Light Is Like Water" is its exploration of adultery. The novel does not sentimentalize adultery, but rather presents it as a complex and nuanced phenomenon. Through the character of Alice, Enright examines the ways in which people can be seduced by the promise of passion and the thrill of secrecy, and the ways in which these desires can lead to self-destruction and emotional pain.

The novel also offers a thoughtful examination of loss and the way that it can shape our lives. Alice's journey back to Ireland after years of living in war zones
zones around the world is a reflection on the forces that led her to put down roots and then tear them up again. Enright explores the ways in which loss can make us feel tender towards the world and the people in it, and the ways in which it can also lead to isolation and disorientation.

"When Light Is Like Water" is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel that offers a fresh and compelling perspective on the human experience. It is a testament to the power of literature to explore the complexities of the human heart and mind, and to offer insight and wisdom into the things that matter most in life.

Weight: 110g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241978221