If I am honest, I struggled with this one, which is weird because usually I love and get so gripped by Harper's writing.
Do not get me wrong, this has nothing to do with her ability as a writer, I just did not seem to get on with the narrative/characters as I have with many other books of hers.
In the Distance there is Light explores the life of an individual who has lost the person they love in the most tragic of circumstances, which is a good angle, as generally people tend to focus more on the tragedy rather than the life after.
However, and this is where I struggled with this, I could not fathom, how someone who was in a heterosexual relationship could suddenly end up in a lesbian relationship, over night. It just didn't sit right with me.
I mean I can see what Harper was trying to do here, showing how grief can bring two unexpected people together for comfort and support - but it just was not believable in this scenario.
I also struggled with the lead character Sophie. I know she was going through the most difficult and traumatic times, but the way in which she dealt with it just confused me. I guess until I have been in her position, and I wish to god that I will never have to be, I will never fully comprehend how someone would 'deal' with such a loss.
Anyway, there were some good points regarding this book - namely Harper's writing style. Once again her writing style made it extremely easy to read and engage with, either positively or negatively.
The awarding of only 3 stars, which is the joint lowest I have scored Harper to date, is predominantly due to my struggle with the narrative and characters - nothing else.
Don't worry Harper - I still love what you write!