Description

‘A powerful story, beautifully told’ M.L. STEDMAN
‘Truly compelling’ WILLIAM BOYD
‘Exquisitely written and deeply human’ CHRIS CLEAVE
‘Far-reaching, but also intimate and intensely personal’ FLORENCE KNAPP
‘Alluring in its twists and turns’ SONIA PURNELL

A dazzling literary achievement that brings to life the shattering emotional impact of World War Two on ordinary people

Cambridge, 1942

Twins Tessa and Theo had always shared everything – until the summer Tessa spent studying in France. She hasn’t been the same since. But before Theo can find out why, he is recruited by the RAF and disappears into the skies.

Determined to carve her own path, Tessa joins the clandestine Special Operations Executive, slipping into the shadows of occupied France. It will be dangerous work, but France is the home of her greatest love – and her darkest secret. Tessa has many reasons for wanting to return.

Two years later, only one of them comes home.

A dazzling literary achievement that brings to life the shattering emotional impact of World War Two on ordinary people, THE SHOCK OF THE LIGHT is as exhilarating as it is heartbreaking.

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‘This novel floored me. It is a rare thing and close to perfect… I urge you to pick up this book and read it!’ ELIZABETH MACNEAL

‘An astonishing page-turner that left me breathless… An essential addition to the wartime literature canon’ HOLLY DAWSON

‘A beautiful, clever debut, heart-wrenching and totally immersive… the very best example of historical fiction’ CESCA MAJOR

‘Spine-chilling and beautifully rendered… drew me in from the start’ GEORGIA HUNTER

Publisher Review

‘A powerful story, beautifully told. The writing is masterfully smooth and sure-footed, in complete command of its subject… The final chapter is extraordinary in its restraint and fearless simplicity. Such a fascinating and satisfying read’ M.L. STEDMAN

‘A wonderfully conceived and remarkably assured first novel, rich in emotion and with a truly compelling narrative drive. A brilliant success’ WILLIAM BOYD

‘Far-reaching, but also intimate and intensely personal in the loves, secrets, betrayals, and losses it examines… a quietly devastating story about lost time and lost futures that will stay with me’ FLORENCE KNAPP

‘An exceptional storyteller, with the moral precision of Pat Barker and the skilful restraint of Irene Nemirovsky… Exquisitely written and deeply human, this stunning novel affirms the courage and compassion that survive even in terrible darkness’ CHRIS CLEAVE

‘Admirably spare, delicately descriptive and alluring in its twists and turns’ SONIA PURNELL

‘This novel floored me. It is a rare thing and close to perfect. It really does have it all: a profound and enthralling story that will grip even the most reluctant of readers, characters that feel as real as my friends or even myself, and the sort of beautiful, careful prose that you’ll want to read and reread. I finished this book in a state of awe and grief… I urge you to pick up this book and read it!’ ELIZABETH MACNEAL

‘A poignant, compulsive story of the forces which bind us together and wrench us apart. Sweeping yet intimate… paints a vivid picture using a miniaturist’s brush on a wide canvas. Full of surprise, intrigue, and delight’ LUCY STEEDS

‘An astonishing page-turner that left me breathless… A tour de force; hard to believe it is a debut. An essential addition to the wartime literature canon’ HOLLY DAWSON

‘A debut of astounding power and delicacy… sings with every word and lingers long in the memory-an absolute stunner!” KATE QUINN