THE FADING OF THE LIGHT

The Fading of the Light is a beautiful novel, as beguiling as an impressionist painting. It takes the reader to an artists’ community in a lovely large, faded country house in Port Isaac at the turn of the last century. Opening with the accession of Edwardian age and accompanying celebrations, it encapsulates the era in a particular place and time. We are drawn into Edith’s world as her love for Pascal, a talented painter, is threatened by Benedict’s return to the house after many years neglect and absence. His presence is malevolent and threatening to all, particularly when he brings the bold Tamsin into the community as his mistress, a move designed to upset Edith. I enjoyed the revelation of relationships and interaction between the strong , independent women in this story. It is a very thoroughly researched book and the female characters stand out as they seek freedom to live as they choose during an era when women are beginning to strive for political and personal independence. The novel is written with a discerning eye for detail and understanding of the human heart. The characters are fully realised and are painted with a delicate and perceptive brush. The children in the novel are particularly engaging. They could have walked from an Edwardian children’s book where children are always seeking adventure, inhabit their own world, overhear and see things in the adult world and have their own important cares. The wonderful band of children provide a wonderful contrast to the novel’s adult world. This is a story filled with secrets and revelations. It is one that lingers in the heart long after the final page is turned. I cannot praise the scene setting and plotting in this novel enough. It is one of the best novels set in this era I have read. I loved the house, the village, the beach the community. It ends on an up note but I sense that in the final novel of this Trilogy this will not last. The community’s future will be threatened if Benedict decides to sell his share of Spindrift. With its sea of purest blue, sandy coves and caves dark and threatening and a world peopled with interesting personalities and conflict, The Fading of the Light is a must read for anyone who wants to be absorbed as well as utterly enchanted.

Another great read from my favourite author. Drew me in completely and offered an escape to another time and place. The prompts and reminders of the characters and plot from the previous book were delicately delivered, making it a seamless sequel as well as good stand alone story.

The story continues showing historically the inuqualities between the sexes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Charlotte Betts is an excellent writer and she weaves history between the very real characters in her books and the trials and blessings that come to them . Set in Cornwall the descriptions of the area make you want to take a trip there.

It’s like stepping through a door to the past and being there in person to meet all the characters. Charlotte brings them all to life, so that you feel they are living and breathing next to you. Can’t wait for the next book!

Can’t wait for the third instalment to this wonderful story! Charlotte always delivers - I was totally immersed in the book and so disappointed when it was finished