My Five Word TL:DR Review: Such an emotionally powerful story

I didn’t know what to expect with We Burned So Bright. This was my first time reading the author and although I had checked out the description I don’t think it really registered. As it happens my overall feelings about this can be summed up as really well written, actually quite scary in terms of the concept and the grim inevitability of what is happening and then the emotional impact of following two characters that are so easy to read about and enjoy at the same time as reading their own backstory as it slowly unfolds. Such an emotional read, uplifting at times, scary at others, almost a little overwhelming.

I don’t really want to say too much about the story because this is a quick read weighing in at around 170 pages approximately. Basically, we follow a couple who are taking a final road trip to settle unfinished business as the end of the world looms. A black hole approaches literally destroying everything in it’s path.

Okay, what I really liked about this. First and foremost the writing. This is so wonderfully written that its almost impossible to put down. To be honest. on the face of it the story is really quite bleak. The world is ending. There will be no last minute reprieve and in fact very little time is spent dwelling on that fact. This really is a careful reflection by Don and Rodney, a couple making a sort of pilgrimage of their own to find some sort of final resolution. So, spoken of in these terms, and even given the wonderful prose, I would not say this would be my normal ‘go to’ type of read. But, I’m pleased to say it worked well for me. I was intrigued by Don and Rodney’s journey, I felt apprehensive about what they would encounter and I was quietly surprised about the little stories that inject moments of happiness into what is otherwise a totally desperate situation.

Don and Rodney have had a wonderful relationship, but also over the years have experienced some very difficult times. Their history is gradually revealed as their road trip rolls forward. They are a great couple to get along with, which isn’t to say that they haven’t experienced their ups and downs, but, now in their 70s and having been together for 40 years their love and knowledge of each other shines through really strongly and is a pleasure to read. Even with this terrible ‘looming’ black hole. I think my biggest worry was if they would have some sort of resolution before the world was ripped apart.

As I mentioned. This is quite a bleak story, very sad on occasions, a little bit chaotic at others. The couple encounter a number of people along the way. Some quietly help them out (as they themselves also help others). Some are falling apart in a quite scary way. And others are determined to bring light and laughter to their numbered days.

I don’t think I’ve read a book like this before where the end of the world is almost a casual backdrop to a couple looking for closure and it’s refreshingly unique.

And, frankly, I really didn’t expect this to work quite so well for me. I’m having ups and downs with my reading mood and at first feared this might just be too much doom and gloom. As it happens I needn’t have worried. This was compelling, well written and unbelievably emotional.

I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.

My rating 4 of 5 stars