The Lamplighters by Emma Stonex - Book Reviews

T.K.s Book Rating 4/5

With all the elements of a gothic novel, this compelling and haunting narrative -with its complex, enigmatic characters, was inspired by the actual event in 1900 of the disappearance of three lighthouse keepers on the remote Flannan Isles. ‘The Lamplighters’ is adeptly partitioned with the disappearance of the keepers occurring in 1972, and an investigative reporter’s attempt to unearth the truth beginning in 1992; with the narration floating between the potent characters, and the action emanating from parallel time frames, the plot could quite easily have become fractured. Remarkably, Stonex remains in command of each critical, entangled thread as she seduces readers into her intricate web of intrigue and suspense; not once does she tolerate complacency as the labyrinths of loss, deception and intense psychological trauma are explored. The ’Maiden’ lighthouse, fifteen miles from shore, becomes a depository of secrets, and within its shackles there rest the souls of men now long gone, but never forgotten. The physical isolation of the lighthouse mirrors the mental estrangement and anguish of the captive keepers and their families on shore; the monotony of duties in some part echoes the meanderings of their minds as they each struggle to process their particular history. Stonex adroitly captures the psychological impact of past traumas and desolation, which is enhanced by her incredible portrayal of emotion that radiates from first person narratives. Such is highlighted in the significant role that relationships play in the book: that between the keepers on the lighthouse; their relationship with wives and girlfriend on shore; the inextricable relationship between the women following the disappearances, and their subsequent individual relationships with the investigative reporter. The personification of the sea and the lighthouse is sensationally authoritative and compelling, with the corporeal imagery, mesmerising in its detail, transposing the written word into a movie. The ocean’s changing temperament, reflective of the human mind and soul, depicts the all-powerful injurious Poseidon; it's paradoxical, melancholic, dramatic beauty at variance with its malevolence. Correspondingly, the ‘Maiden’ with its alluring magnetism is transformed into a 20th century ‘Siren’ of the sea. Do its circular walls represent a cocoon or a writhing python intent on devouring its prey? This intensely evocative and enthralling locked-room paradox abounds with copious cryptical subplots; spectral zephyrs of mystery whisper from every page, never an urgent whisper but a stealth-like shadow following one in the dark. There is so much opportunity for reader interpretation in this phenomenal adventure of a book. However, I found the ending to be contrived and most disappointing; it lacked resonance and authenticity, contrasting austerely with all that had preceded it, and eclipsing the enchantment and dynamism. For me, it detracted from the sincere respect hitherto displayed by Stonex for those who perished in 1900.

Louise's Book Rating 4/5

A locked room mystery, set against the daily challenges of working on a lighthouse and the impact on the loved ones left behind. The characters in the novel are flawed and not always likeable but this makes it more believable that they have chosen this way of life. Isolation and confinement take their toll on both the lighthouse keepers and their families. I found clingy home-maker Jenny the least likeable character (with Bill a close second) and I was really routing for jail-bird Vince until I found out he killed a dog, which I suspect says more about my own prejudices and unbalanced thinking than the story itself! I cared about Arthur and Helen and all that they had been through. The complicated relationship between the women that are left behind is more strained at times than between the three men with little in common who are forced to live together for weeks in the lighthouse. Through their routines and shared purpose the men were able to control their environment within the claustrophobic confines of the lighthouse, meaning that could distance themselves from the stresses and strains of everyday life. The women that they left behind were literally left up to their necks in it, with no support or communication with their partners. When the men go missing, rather than the wives seeking comfort from each other, mistrust is magnified and they all deal with their grief in different ways. Throughout the book the descriptions of the women’s lives and thoughts are much more vivid than those of the men. I’m not sure if this was a choice in the narrative or whether the author naturally has a female perspective. I was more interested in solving the mystery than the thoughts or feelings of the women left behind as I generally prefer to read crime novels than family dramas. This book crosses genres and can therefore have broad appeal to different audiences. The resolution of the mystery was a little drawn out but when it arrived it provided a satisfactory explanation, although I felt a sense of injustice for Arthur. Maybe if I was married to Jenny I would have also have been driven to creative options for escape although potentially less drastic! Pitch-perfect descriptions of the fog and powerful ocean provide the dramatic backdrop for the tragedy to enfold and the sea to relinquish its secrets. Harbouring mistrust and intrigue, 4 out of 5 stars.

Claire's Book Rating 5/5

I loved The Lamplighters. Living in Nottinghamshire and nowhere near the coast, I enjoy anything that reminds me of it! I thought the subject of lighthouse keeping was very original and enjoyed all the elements of story from exploring the isolation everyone felt even in a tight knit community to the speculation into what could happened. I thought the supernatural elements were beautifully woven in and didn’t dominate the story which was ultimately about the people involved. I would recommend it to others.