A GATHERING Light was originally published as a children's book, but critical acclaim showed it had appeal to adults. This paperback edition aims to meet both markets.
It is set in the Adirondack Mountains, close to the Canadian border, at the turn of the last century. Mattie Gokey, 16, tells of her mother's death and her father's struggles to scrape a living from their farm.
Despite her impoverished background, she loves books and dreams of college, yet she has responsibilities as the eldest girl, with three siblings.
Alongside this is the story of a real murder - so intriguing it has already inspired a film, A Place In The Sun, starring Elizabeth Taylor. Mattie's hopes and dreams are reflected in the letters she was given by a young woman found drowned in a lake.
Beautifully written, this has a captivating warmth and richness.
Updated: 09:09 Wednesday, July 21, 2004
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