When Cohen Marah steps over his father's body in the basement embalming room of the family's funeral home, he has no idea that he is stepping into a labyrinth of memory.
Over the next week, Cohen's childhood comes back in living color. The dramatic events that led to his parents' separation. The accident Cohen witnessed and the traumatic images he couldn't unsee. And the two children in the forest who became his friends--and enlisted him in a dark and dangerous undertaking. As the lines blur between what was real and what was imaginary, Cohen is faced with the question he's been avoiding:
Is he responsible for his father's death?
Master story weaver Shawn Smucker relays a tale both eerie and enchanting, one that will have you questioning reality and reaching out for what is true, good, and genuine.
My review:
I'll be honest......I had a hard time getting into this book. I liked the characters, and even thought the plot was good. However, the plot developed way too slow for me. The book bounces back and forth between the present and the past, all too often, and without warning. There is no indication of which time frame given, you just have to read far enough on the first page of each chapter to find out.
The story revolved around the death of 40-ish Cohen Marah, and events of his childhood that split his parents and caused problems in and for his family ever since.
Other readers may enjoy the story, and I honestly hate to leave a negative review.......but I do give an honest one. This one just wasn't my cup of tea.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
About the author:
Shawn Smucker is the author of the young adult novels The Day the Angels Fell and The Edge of Over There, as well as the memoir Once We Were Strangers. He lives with his wife and six children in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. You can find him online at www.shawnsmucker.com.
Light From Distant Stars is available from Revell, part of the Baker Publishing Group
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