Adelaide Roberts has always wanted more from life than marriage and children. Before the war, she had dreams of opening a clothing business in Sydney with her older brother Joseph. However, the war changed all that. With the family finances being tight, Adelaide’s father is keen to get her married off to returned soldier and landowner, Donal Blaxland.
When Adelaide meets lighthouse keeper, Emmett Huxley, who is haunted by his past, she is drawn to him. Adelaide is forced to make decisions about her future and must consider abandoning her dreams. The scenes set on the small island where the lighthouse was situated were among my favourites. Emmett is quite a damaged man, but his connection to Adelaide is a delight to read about and the scenery and isolation added a touch of atmospheric tension, which I loved.
Set on the NSW South Coast in 1918, the story explores themes of loss, grief and trauma as well as feminism at the time. It highlighted the sacrifices made by women for their families and for society. There is also love and hope, which lifted the story when it is needed.
Adelaide is a woman to admire. She is brave and resilient and refuses to give up, no matter what is thrown at her. The many hidden secrets lend an air of mystery to this tale, which kept me reading to discover the truth.
All the Golden Light is a compelling story with a climactic and fast-moving conclusion.
Reviewed by Brooke Michie
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Siobhan O’Brien is an author, journalist and communications person. She has written a number of books, including A Life by Design: The Art and Lives of Florence Broadhurst, and has worked for many media outlets including the Sydney Morning Herald, Vogue, Indesign and Monument.
When she is not writing, she is singing with her band, Minnie and The Moonrakers.
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