The Light Among Us

I really enjoyed reading this book! I don’t usually love historical fiction but this one was really good!

'The Light Among Us' takes factual threads of Elizabeth Crane's life, in mid-19th century Cornwall, and weaves together a plausible story of how this banker, social reformer, and geologist may have lived. Readers gain further insights, illuminated throughout the book, into Miss Crane's history, inner thoughts, and vulnerability. Elizabeth Crane, unconscionably, for that time, was raised as her father's heir; she was raised to continue his legacy in both banking and geology. Her father fostered an inquisitiveness that allowed her to question the social norms of that time and taught her steadfastness and single-mindedness to carry on his legacy.

The authors have put an enormous amount of research into this book; not only about Elizabeth's life but also about the history and geology of Cornwall at that time. They have also thought hard on the personal journey that Elizabeth, as a woman and an heir may have toiled on. However, at times, I felt that there was too much detailed information given, unnecessary to the overall story. Further, the 'thoughts' Elizabeth shares, at times, seem 'clunky' and break up the flow of the story - which is already told from her point of view.

'The Light Among Us' is a book that recounts the history of a woman who was single-minded in her conviction of equality and the betterment of people. She did not accept living by social norms but nor did she expect it from others. Readers of this book will not only learn a small part of social history, and a strong woman but also glean Cornwall's history of discovery, mining and smuggling during this period. Elizabeth Crane was an inspirational woman we can all learn from.

Such a well crafted novel, compelling enough to pull you through and very quick read. I enjoyed it so much from the first page till the end.

First off, I liked the cover, covers are so important so one star just for that. Now the rest of the novel, I thought it was a well written historic fiction, a good Sunday evening kind of read. I think I would recommend this to others, its interesting and well written.

I enjoy historical fiction and The Light Among Us was a good read for fellow fans. It was engaging and well written and the characters were interesting. Would recommend.

A great 19th-century novel set in the rugged Cornwall area, The Light Among Us is about one woman's struggle for rights for women, and overcoming the rules of social classes as well as the many injustices over the lower classes. it opened your eyes to when life was not as kind as it is in the modern world. Elizabeth is a true heroine who not only fights for her own future but those around her.
This is a fast-paced historical with lots of depth.

This was an interesting fictionalized look at a person who lived in England. Elizabeth Carne was an unusual woman for her time. She was highly educated by her father, had strong opinions that she expressed, and was encouraged to be independent in a time women were expected to marry and have a family. To see her succeed in the ways that she did was fascinating to watch unfold.

I did struggle at times with the amount of detail given in the book. There was so much information I often got some of the characters confused. I found the notes at the back included by the author to be extremely helpful. Overall, learning about Elizabeth and her family was a pleasure. She was a fascinating character.

This book is great for readers wanting a look at a woman ahead of her time and an account of actual events in history.

Thank you to Atmosphere Press for the copy of this book. All views are my honest opinion.

The Light Among Us is a biographical novel on Elizabeth Carne, a geologist and writer. I had never heard of Elizabeth Carne before. However, I found her story to be very fascinating. Elizabeth is a very clever and strong-willed woman who must navigate a male-dominated profession. I did find the romance to detract from the book, and I thought that it was very slow moving and repetitive. Still, Elizabeth Carne is a fascinating woman, and I want to learn more about her. I recommend this for fans of Melanie Benjamin, Rebecca Rosenberg, and C.W. Gortner! The Light Among Us is a stunning tribute to an accomplished yet forgotten woman!