A Sudden Light: A Novel

Garth Stein

Sept 2014 · Sold by Simon and Schuster

About this eBook

From Garth Stein, author of the beloved bestseller The Art of Racing in the Rain—now a major motion picture!

The New York Times bestselling “witty, atmospheric” (People) story of a once powerful American family, and the price that must be paid by the heirs as they struggle for redemption: “A captivating page-turner” (Star Tribune, Minneapolis).

Twenty-three years after the fateful summer of 1990, Trevor Riddell recalls the events surrounding his fourteenth birthday, when he gets his first glimpse of the infamous Riddell House. Built from the spoils of a massive timber fortune, the legendary family mansion is constructed of giant whole trees and is set on a huge estate overlooking Seattle’s Puget Sound. Trevor’s bankrupt parents have separated, and his father, Jones Riddell, has brought Trevor to Riddell House with a goal: to join forces with Aunt Serena, dispatch the ailing and elderly Grandpa Samuel to a nursing home, sell off the house and property for development, and divide up the profits.

But as young Trevor explores the house’s hidden stairways and forgotten rooms, he discovers secrets that convince him that the family plan may be at odds with the land’s true destiny. Only Trevor’s willingness to face the dark past of his forefathers will reveal the key to his family’s future.

Spellbinding and atmospheric, A Sudden Light is rich with vivid characters, poetic scenes of natural beauty, and powerful moments of spiritual transcendence. “Garth Stein is resourceful, cleverly piecing together the family history with dreams, overheard conversations, and reminiscences…a tale well told,” (The Seattle Times)—a triumphant work of a master storyteller at the height of his power.

Ratings and reviews

I enjoyed the characters in the book, and the way the author portrayed their emotions. As a reader I could empathize with their motivations for their actions, even when their choices seem wrong. The different characters, all with their own agendas made this book. The many conflicts between love, honor, and obligation are compelling.

It's summer. You're 14. Spirits are visible. Adults are confusing. What a magical, terrible opportunity. This book requires a 2nd read. Zoomed through looking for the answers and missed the question.

Incredible story of a affluent family that suffered financial downfall & Trevors' parents went bankrupt to the point of going on a trial separation. The boy discovers a spirit who wants to explore the nature of this new finding. Great book.

About the author

Garth Stein is the author of the New York Times bestselling novels, A Sudden Light and The Art of Racing in the Rain, and two previous novels, How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets and Raven Stole the Moon. He is the cofounder of Seattle7Writers, a nonprofit collective of Northwest authors working to foster a passion for the written word. He lives in Seattle with his family. Visit him online at GarthStein.com.