What an extraordinary writer is Jennifer Down, and her novel BODIES OF LIGHT (Text 2021) is a triumph.
(Please remember that any books older than a few years may not be stocked by bookstores because of space restrictions – but your local indie bookstore or any bookstore will always happily order a book in for you if you like the sound of it. Or the library is a great alternative too.)
BODIES OF LIGHT is an epic saga of a novel about the life of a woman who has led multiple existences. She has been known by many names; she has survived a traumatic and abusive childhood; she has worked a hundred different jobs; she has been clean and sober (and not); she has experienced motherhood and the worst pain a mother can endure; she has loved and lost; she’s travelled around the world; and she’s spent most of her life trying to find herself, the real centre of herself, the beating heart of who she is and what she wants and how to interpret her relationships with others.
The tagline for the book (narrated by, let’s call her Maggie), emphasises that a single old photograph, gone viral for all the wrong reasons, shines a spotlight on Maggie, as an acquaintance from years earlier tries to get in touch via Facebook. But Maggie doesn’t want to be found, especially with allegations of child-killing in her resume. In a story full of tragedy and heartbreak, emotion and tenderness, ruthlessness and banality, anger, loyalty, betrayal, love, desire, truth and lies, this broken woman must constantly decide whether to run and hide from her past or confront the devastating details that define her and choose another path.
It is impossible to describe the beauty of this book despite its tragic themes. The language is exquisite, the dialogue authentically rendered, the descriptions vivid and lacerating and evocative, the themes deep, thought-provoking and meaningful. Down writes with purpose, with a lightness of touch that hides a complex and complicated narrative that is years in the making. Brutality and trauma co-exist with empathetic dignity and heart, and Maggie is a character who will leave footprints on your heart. BODIES OF LIGHT won the 2022 Miles Franklin Award.