Bel Reviews: This Raging Light by Estelle Laure

As you know, I got this book in the goodie bag from the Hachette evening late last year. It’s the second book I read this year and, wow, what a read.

I sat down at about 2 in the afternoon and only got up for dinner and bathroom breaks; I was done before bed. I didn’t realise the words on the front cover of the review copy were in fact quotes from people who had already read the book. I agree with them all.

Blurb from goodreads…

“Can the best thing happen at the worst time?  Her dad went crazy. Her mom left town. She has bills to pay and a little sister to look after. Now is not the time for level-headed seventeen-year-old Lucille to fall in love. But love—messy, inconvenient love—is what she’s about to experience when she falls for Digby Jones, her best friend’s brother. With blazing longing that builds to a fever pitch, Estelle Laure’s soulful debut will keep readers hooked and hoping until the very last page.”

And holy dooly didn’t it keep you on the edge of your seat.

Laurie is a master of getting you to the point where you think you’ll cry with the character in utter frustration, and then the quick release leaving you with mental pins and needles.

The beauty contained between the lines is gritty and untraditional. It’ll speak to anyone who has had (or thinks they have had) a difficult childhood. Lucille’s stoicism is both heart breaking and something to be celebrated. I feel like. perhaps. Laure is touching a nerve in how authentic it feels.

I hope you’ll buy a copy or demand your local library stock a copy because I seriously think everyone will love this book.

Estelle’s next book is aiming for January 2017. Geez I hope this year goes quickly.

Hardcover, 288 pages

Published December 22nd 2015 by HMH Books for Young Readers

ISBN 0544534298 (ISBN13: 9780544534292)