Days of Light

by Megan Hunter

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"A sweeping, sensual historical novel about one woman's unconventional life lived in search of an answer by the award-winning author of The End We Start From and The Harpy. In 2017, Megan Hunter burst onto the literary scene with her debut novel, The End We Start From, a startlingly beautiful story of climate change and motherhood that is now a feature film starring Jodie Comer. Her second book, The Harpy, fiercely explored marriage and power through a dark, imaginative tale of revenge. A show more writer of remarkable range, Hunter now delivers her first historical novel, a gorgeous exploration of art, desire, and faith set against the backdrop of a changing England. Easter Sunday, 1938. Ivy is nineteen and ready for her life to finally begin. Her sprawling, bohemian family and their friends gather in the idyllic English countryside for lunch, arranging themselves around well-worn roles. They trade political views and artistic arguments as they impatiently await the arrival and first sight of Frances, the new beau of Ivy's beloved older brother, Joseph. In this auspicious atmosphere of springtime, Ivy's world feels on the cusp of something grand-but neither she nor those closest to her predicts how a single, enchanted evening will alter the rest of their lives. A radiant, philosophical, and intimate journey through time, Days of Light chronicles six pivotal days across six decades to tell the story of Ivy's pursuit of answers-to the events of this fateful Easter Sunday and to the shifting desires of her own heart. Moving through the Second World War up to the close of the twentieth century, Hunter captures the galvanic love and transformative moments that define a winding, beautiful life"-- show less

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vancouverdeb both feature Sapphic romances, and have quite a bit in common. I don't want to add any spoilers.

Member Reviews

3 reviews
I read this book because it was predicted by some Booktubers to be on the Booker 2025 Longlist. But it did not make the Longlist. I did not enjoy this story. The story takes place over 6 pivotal days of Ivy's life, starting in 1938 and ending with Ivy's death in 1999. At the start of the novel, Ivy's unconventional family has gathered for lunch , awaiting the arrival of brother Joseph's new girlfriend, Frances. A tragedy happens that day,that changes the course of her family's life.

I found much of the novel to be overwrought. Ivy herself was an unmoored creature of impulse, who I found hard to relate to. Perhaps you will enjoy this book more than I did .
½
I’m not sure why I am giving this 3 stars. I didn’t really enjoy the book. I hate giving a book 1 or 2 stars.

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Netgalley Reads
458 works; 3 members
Books Read in 2025
4,091 works; 97 members

Author Information

Picture of author.
3 Works 788 Members

Some Editions

Common Knowledge

Canonical title
Days of Light
People/Characters
Ivy; Frances; Joseph; Gilbert; Marina
Blurbers
Kent, Hannah; Quinn, Joanna; Jones, Cynan; Quatro, Jamie; Bishop, Stephanie

Classifications

Genres
General Fiction, Fiction and Literature, Historical Fiction, Romance
DDC/MDS
823.92Literature & rhetoricEnglish & Old English literaturesEnglish fiction1900-2000-
LCC
PR6108 .U5897 .D39Language and LiteratureEnglishEnglish Literature2001-
BISAC

Statistics

Members
78
Popularity
404,882
Reviews
2
Rating
(3.77)
Languages
English, French, German
Media
Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
ISBNs
11
ASINs
3