Days of Light

Megan Hunter

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ ½ Genre: Historical Fiction 

This novel follows the life of the main protagonist, Ivy, in six important days of her life across six decades. The story begins in 1938, in the English countryside, when Ivy was 19 years old, and continues until 1999, during Easter, as she nears the end of her life. 

The story is set against many backdrops, like World War II and how England as a country has gone through changes. Ivy herself goes through many changes during those years, such as marrying Bear, later getting a divorce, and then retiring to a convent in 1965. These events make her evaluate her past choices.

Days of Light is a well-written novel with a unique structure that could make an intriguing movie. The author’s lyrical prose is elegant and fits the themes of the story. There are many themes here because the character goes through all the different stages of life. Themes like love, loss, faith, separation, and self-discovery are a few examples.

The author transports readers through different atmospheres and various settings, including the English countryside, the war, and the serene lifestyle of a convent. This setting creates a richly atmospheric experience. Although the pacing feels slow at times, it aligns well with the themes. Overall, Days of Light is a beautiful novel with its merits and imperfections, but the experience of reading it is ultimately rewarding. 

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the ARC of this book.