Review: The Naked Light | Bridget Collins

Summary: 

Florence has been summoned to live with her widowed brother-in-law and wayward niece in Haltington, a village with something uncanny in the air. According to locals, the chalk face carved into the hillside protects them from malevolent spirits. So long as it is maintained, all will be well.

The First World War has decimated the men of the village, and when the Face’s last caretaker dies, her sons both lost in France, there is nobody to replace her. Still, it’s only an old wives’ tale. Isn’t it?

Kit is an artist – unconventional, androgynous and traumatized by the events of the war. She seeks peace, and a muse – will she find both in the shape of Florence?

 ‘The Face calls things to it,’ Phoebe said, ‘and this house is in their path. You have to be careful.’ 

Book stats: 
-Published in 2025
-Pages: 384
-Genre: historical

My opinion: 
If you have read other books by Bridget Collins, you may think you already know what to expect. I can tell you that this book will exceed all your expectations! Collins is not afraid to explore important themes and give the unpleasant things of everyday life a place in her stories. I thought that came across very well in this book. I would also describe this book as historical horror, in contrast to her earlier books, which I would call historical fantasy. I thought it was a wonderful book to read in winter: 10/10

What I liked: 
- I love Collins' writing style. Her books contain many abstract magical systems that allow you to invent so much and let your imagination run wild.

What I didn't like: 
- I have said before that I don't particularly like it when a story is told from the perspective of multiple characters. This certainly does not detract from the story and is simply a personal preference.

—Iris