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The Lighthouse Keeper (2012)

by Alan K. Baker(Favorite Author)

3.28 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

1907777628 (ISBN13: 9781907777622)

languge

English

genre

Fantasy

publisher

Snowbooks

review 1: *Minor spoiler alerts*I was immediately immersed in this story and ended up reading it in less than 24 hours, as I literally could not put it down...I think Baker does an absolutely wonderful job of describing the setting of the story; he skillfully creates a moody, brooding atmosphere which contributes to the overall tension of the plot and the ocean, island and lighthouse all seem as crucial to the story as the characters themselves.I found all of the characters in the journal believable, and my heart ached especially for John Milne, that strong, silent, stalwart man with strength to spare, who is driven to the very limits of what humanity might endure. While I enjoyed the narrative provided by Alec Dalemore, there were times I felt his comments (on Joseph's apparent ps... moreychological/physical deterioration, on the fate of the original three men, on the circumstances they found themselves within) were a bit repetitive. In particular crisis moments, he seemed to be a bit at a remove, as though he was distancing himself from expressing his true horror...then again, one could argue that it was his way of rationalizing that which could not be explained by any means, at least for human understanding. Also, Baker's style (as represented in Dalemore's journal) reminded me a great deal of the style used in horror/gothic tales written in the late Victorian-early Edwardian period, and so that forever endeared these portions of the book to me, regardless of any minor quibbles I may have had with some portions.My only real issue with the plot was the use of the contemporary storyline. I liked it initially, and I feel it acts as an appropriate frame for the journal...but, though the opening parts are good, as the book continues, the contemporary storyline becomes smaller and smaller. On one hand, I could accept this, as we know the contemporary characters are going to be experiencing a similar fate and so it's not as important to become invested in them (their function seems almost like the group of sexy youths in any slasher film, fodder for the carnage to come). However, because of this, I felt the end was a bit rushed and didn't conclude quite as thoroughly as it could have. It's like Dalemore's embarked on this amazing, fantastic tale, the horror and dread is growing in Rebecca et al., strange events are occurring which mirror the book's events...it's drawing you out further and further...and then, that's it, journal is done and the men are safe, and two pages later, the book is done with only a cursory description of the fate of Rebecca, Nick and others. It wasn't a major detriment to the book overall, but it left me feeling, like, wait, that's it?!?However, despite its abrupt ending, I loved the idea, and my imagination is definitely tingling at what fate the real men may have undergone. I think this book is an excellent read and I will most definitely be interested in seeing what else the author has to offer in the future.
review 2: My ExpectationsSooner or later it must happen. The Book Lighthouse reviews a lighthouse book. Based on my experience with the previous books by Alan K. Baker and after the book description I expected a most entertaining and excellent written book that would drive me to the edge of my chair. I was pretty nosey to see how Alan K Baker would explain the vanish of the three lighthouse keepers and if he keeps his promise stated in the last sentence of the book description:"[...], the novel takes the reader on a journey to the edge of reality, where the greatest of human fears - the fear of the unknown - holds dominion.The DeliveryI read the 276 pages in two sessions which is not usual for me and should give you a first hint that I have been hooked by the story.Within the first 21 pages Alan K. Tuner delivers the full set up for the story. After the introduction done by a telegram from 26 December 1900 the author moves forward to the year 1999 on Sunday 19 July, 4.30 PM, location Eilean Mòr (= big isle) part of the Flannan Isles. We meet a group of people - Jennifer Leigh, Donald Webb, Max Kaminsky, Nick Bowman - all working for the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) and Rebecca Garratt who is in her first year of her MA in history.Of course there are certain relationships in between the protagonists which I do not explain. Beside that there are only two more information (one vague and one precise) necessary to set the wheel in motion.Some unusual things happen and Rebecca discovers a book:The Testament of Alec Dalemore, Occasional KeeperFrom that point on the story continues with two interwoven narrative threads. There are the events of the group itself and then they read together the discovered book which contains the story of Alec Dalemore. A story which starts on 5th of January 1901. Alan K. Baker mix these two threads perfectly together. It is fascinating to follow the group and Alec Dalemore and his two companion.Of course the idea of a book within a book is not new but the execution is what counts. Alan K. Baker use The Testament of Alec Dalemore for different purposes. Without the book the story would not work!The book is at the same time a revelation of the past, an anchor in the here and now, a book of despair and hope, a survival manual and the legacy of Alec Dalemore.There is the group in 1999, a group of intelligent and well-educated people and on the other hand these men, shaped by nature and their jobs. You think modern people are superior when it comes to cope with the unknown, on the contrary. When it comes to the unknown the primal fear takes over and it gets worse when the differentiation between fiction, dream and reality disappears.Alan K. Baker managed these double, triple, quadrouple rollercoaster of emotion in a gripping way. But it is not the description of the emotion alone. The author has a talent to describe nature (water, storms, sky) in a way that you hear voices in your head, the wind runs through your hair and you have to turn around because you felt someone breathing in your back.Let me give you an example:"But that night, it was easy to believe that humanity was gone from the earth and that we three were the last of a race and a civilisation that was no more, cast to oblivion by a storm that covered the entire world with destruction." [page 85]Keep in mind where Eilean Mòr is located. This small island exposed to the forces of nature. And that is similar to all people on the island in 1900, 1901 and 1999. But they have to cope with more - with the unknown, faith, belief, trust, loneliness, primal fears and group dynamics processes.There is a high risc that you lose your mind when the that which must not, can not be, does not work.To lose control is as gruesome as to run out of explanantions. You will beseech answers like a picture of misery.Don't try to explain your doubts or unknown vision with"[...] the tiny things that float within one's eyes, and which can be seen drifting across the field of vision on occasion." [page 235]I'm pretty sure I did not deliver you any hint how Alan K. Baker explain the 1900 Flannan Isles mystery. I'm sure not everbody will like his explanation but it fits perfectly to his promise in the book description.Anyway I must tell you the very last sentence of the story which tell you all or nothing:"The kitchen door opens."I'm glad that I read The Lighthouse Keeper. Despite it is an excellent read I found a quote which shows the relation between books and lighthouses:"Reading is a great pastime amongst Lightkeepers, [...] most take great comfort from losing themselves in the worlds to be found within the pages of a book" [page 86]I promise you that you easily can lose yourself on Eilean Mòr. The border between your reality and the fiction of the book, the fiction and reality within the book and finally the fiction and reality in the book within the book is fragile.This book is like a lighthouse. There are moments where you do not need the light because everything seems to be obvious and clear (day time) and then you are suddenly caught in the dark where fear rises,doubts lead to despair and the light gives you a short insight blurred by the afterglow.The cover fits pertfectly to the story. The black and whit and grey delivers hope, fear, myst and the unknown depths.The Lighthouse Keeper - buckle up for a timeless, mesmerizing, disturbing, rollercoaster ride to the edge of human mind on an unspoilt island.Or in other words:The Lighthouse Keeper - that which must not, can (not) be !! less

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