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Oct 23, 2017capitalcity rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
The Lightkeeper's Daughters: a tad syrupy; generic characters outnumber idiosyncratic ones, as the presence of many are fleeting vis-à-vis the expansive timeline of the book. Then, there's the continual recitation of geographical place names for the plethora of islands, bays, channels, which, in a way, somewhat inhibits scene setting. Nonetheless, references to Port Arthur and Fort William are pleasantly nostalgic, compared to the crass Thunder Bay moniker. These minor structural shortcomings aside, Pendziwol weaves an absorbing, convoluted tale, wherein chance and fate vie for primacy in determining the evolving experiences of each and every life. Perhaps the key lynchpin in shaping the future course is the foundational upbringing we receive, incomplete knowledge of which results in what may be termed a lingering void. This narrative depicts a last opportunity quest seeking illuminating revelation. The true numerical element of the novel's title only crystallizes towards the end. The initial default assumption subtly wrong foots the reader. Nicely done.