Broken Light by Joanna Harris

Broken Light by Joanna Harris, received from Jonathan Ball Publishers, is, as the author herself admitted, a strange and unexpected book. Having read numerous novels by Harris such as Chocolate, Holy Fools and The Strawberry Thief among others, I approached her work with an open mind, knowing her penchant for blending magic into realism to serve her narrative. Once more, with Broken Light, she delivers a profound, timely, and unforgettable novel.

Despite not being a fantasy enthusiast, I find that Harris's infusion of magic consistently resonates with me. In this improbable and cleverly-plotted thriller, she also uses the opportunity to address a number of contemporary issues, among others, the invisibility of women.

Throughout her life, Bernie Moon has been a selfless giver, serving others, including her husband and son. Sadly, she now feels estranged from both. And, despite her abilities, dreams and ambitions as a teenager, at 48 years old, she feels overlooked, lonely and hormonal, almost to the point that it feels like she is losing her mind.

As a child, inspired by a magician’s show, Bernie acquired the supernatural ability to see into the minds of others. When a female jogger is murdered in the neighbourhood park, Bernie finds herself emotionally involved in the case, especially when she reads the male responses to the murder on Twitter, where the victim is being blamed for running alone after dark. This sparks her long-concealed rage, something she has not given any airtime during adulthood, and with it, her magic powers return, giving her a new lease on life and a drive to be noticed.

Harris uses excerpts from Bernie’s diary and sections written by her childhood friend, Kate Hemsworth, in the yearbook of the class of ‘92 to drive the narrative and to provide insight into Bernie’s childhood traumas and her magical powers.

I found Broken Light a highly entertaining and imaginative ride, filled with twists and turns, creating an unusual thriller with an unexpected outcome.