The Language of Light: A Novel by Meg Waite Clayton (Ballantine Books; $15.00; 352 pages)
Just do your best and find joy in what you do.
Nelly Grace has accepted a new beginning to her life after moving in to her great-grandfather’s home in Maryland with her two young boys following the death of her husband. With the support and encouragement of her new friend, Emma Crofton and Emma’s distant, attractive son, Dac, Nelly begins to remember the passion she once had for her photography. As Nelly struggles to regain her confidence and work towards her dream of being a photojournalist like her father, she also tries to come to terms with their fragile relationship. But as her photographs begin to develop, so too does a secret past that is as complex as taking the perfect picture.
The prose in this novel is beautiful and refined, including descriptive landscapes and multifaceted, interesting characters whose complex relationships develop as secrets unfold at each turned page. The plot takes several unexpected turns and the resolution of the story left me wanting more, curious for a “part two” for further closure on the changing relationships and outcome of these unexpected plots.
Clayton also enlightens the reader throughout her story on the creative aspects of photography that brings an entire new perspective to this craft and the skill and dedication it takes to embrace the art of photojournalism.
I appreciated Clayton’s references of several well-known pieces of art to depict particular scenes, feelings and relationships within the story. In the attached readers guide she notes:
Despite my efforts to learn more about how to use a camera in order to deliver a believable photographer-protagonist… I remain sadly untalented in the art of film. But one of the things I love about writing is that it allows me to imagine having talents I lack.
As the reader, I was mesmerized by the details of photography described by her characters and the importance of capturing each moment accurately. I would have believed that Clayton herself was a member of this profession. It provided a new respect and deeper understanding of the gifts delivered by a great photographer.
The combination of interesting characters, an intriguing, ever-changing plot, and the elements of photography so beautifully captured in this novel, allow me to share that this novel is Well Recommended.
Kelly Monson
A review copy was provided by the publisher. Note: Four novels have been released that have similar titles – The Language of Trees by Ilie Ruby, The Language of Secrets by Dianne Dixon, The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh, and The Language of Light by Meg Waite Clayton (author of The Wednesday Sisters and The Four Ms. Bradwells).
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