SOAS Book Club’s Book Reviews
Aisha Yusuf, Global Development and Thea Panayiotou, Social Anthropology 09/12/2024
Aisha and Thea share their thoughts on two of the SOAS Book Club’s term one recommendations: The Light That Blinds Us by Andy Darcy Theo and The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston.
The Light That Blinds Us - Andy Darcy Theo
Andy Darcy Theo’s The Light That Blinds Us opens with an unforgettable and intriguing scene: we’re introduced to Alexis as he allegedly attempts to drown his therapist. This introduction sets the stage for a novel that combines elements of fantasy with psychological depth, inviting readers to journey alongside complex characters who are far from ordinary. This isn’t just a tale of magic and adventure, it’s a deep dive into the emotions, struggles, and growing pains of its young characters, so thoughtfully done that it feels like the author poured his soul into each page.
What’s pertinent in this novel is the way in which characters deal with emotions. Theo doesn’t shy away from showing them deal with emotions like fear, frustration, and rage. A beautiful line in which a wise woman tells Caeli, “Your emotions are fleeting, my child… Feel them freely in the open air—do not bury them.” acts as a reminder to young readers (and, honestly, us adults) to embrace our feelings rather than bottle them up. Lines like this make the story feel like it’s speaking directly to you, offering little nuggets of wisdom that stick with you after you’ve finished reading.
Another memorable moment comes when a character says, “I didn’t come this far to come this far.” It’s such a simple but powerful line, and it speaks volumes about the determination and grit these young characters have. The story shows that bravery isn’t about not feeling fear—it’s about pushing forward in spite of it, something any reader can take to heart.
If you’re looking to get into fantasy but don’t want to dive into something overly complex or crowded with mythical creatures, this book is the perfect starting point. Theo keeps things grounded, with easy world-building that doesn’t overwhelm the reader. There are just enough magical elements to create an atmosphere of wonder without making the story feel confusing or overly intricate. It’s YA fantasy at its best: accessible, with a clear sense of adventure and characters you root for, especially if you’re new to the genre.
One of the unique touches that I loved is how each chapter opens with a single word and its origin or meaning, setting the tone for what’s to come. It’s a small detail, but it pulls you deeper into the story, almost like a guiding hint or piece of foreshadowing. These definitions often tie into the theme or emotions of each chapter, adding layers without needing long-winded explanations.
Whether you’re a young reader, a parent, or just someone looking for an inspiring read, this book offers a beautifully crafted adventure that’s hard to put down. I can’t wait to see where Theo takes us next.
The Seven Year Slip - Ashley Poston
"An enchanting time-slip romance where fate, love, and heartbreak collide in the most unexpected ways."
Clementine is an overworked book publicist who has just moved into her late aunt’s apartment in New York City. Her aunt always told her that the apartment was magical, a sort of time machine and Clementine ached to experience it herself. And she does. On a random summer’s day she is launched 7 years into the past and meets Iwan, the most charming man she could ever fall in love with.
I love a cheesy romance story and expected nothing more than that from The Seven Year Slip, excitedly boasting to my friends that the storyline was going to be predictable. Although I was partially right, Poston keeps the readers on their toes with little twists throughout the book. She threads wonderful details throughout the plot which paint a beautiful bigger picture. This book takes the trope of “right place, wrong time” to the next level. I was captivated from the first couple of pages, creating that all too well-known feeling of a cosy Hallmark movie. It is the perfect combination of romance and magical realism, that sprinkle of magic keeping you enthralled in Clementine’s story. Furthermore, I’m a sucker for a New York City setting. It's a classic romance backdrop and Poston writes it mesmerisingly.
Each of the main characters is enchanting and the chemistry between Clementine and Iwan is well-written and believable, depicting a soft, gentle love. And though, as a reader, you become extremely invested in their relationship, Iwan’s character could have been developed further as he goes from being hard-edged to “the perfect book boyfriend” very quickly and the jump is a bit jarring.
Another aspect of the book I loved was how realistically the theme of grief was portrayed. The loss of her aunt plays an integral role in why Clementine throws herself into work as a distraction and loses her sense of self. Poston doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable truths that come with grief and shows how loss changes us as people. Clementine is not only grieving her aunt but also the person she used to be. However, grief is not just an obstacle that Clementine has to overcome; it is an essential part of finding herself again and realising that even when someone leaves, parts of them stick around both in our hearts and in our memories.
Having said that, the story was not completely perfect. Some elements of the magical realism weren’t executed that well and left some plot holes. I was a bit confused as to how the magic of the apartment operates. And, in the same way that the magical realism isn’t all that realistic, neither is the insta-love that Clementine and Iwan experience. It’s a little hard to believe that Clementine, who is so sensible, would fall so quickly. Moreover, the last few chapters felt rushed, as if everything had to fall into place very quickly.
Overall, this book is beautiful and heartfelt with a meaningful story. The ending left me satisfied and full of heart for the main characters. It is perfect for rom-com lovers searching for a refreshing take on a modern romance, fans of 13 Going on 30 and listeners of Invisible String by Taylor Swift.
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
