The Light Between Worlds

By: Laura E. Weymouth

Narrated by: Fiona Hardingham, Moira Quirk

What happens when you return to the real world after being in a fantastical one like Narnia? This YA debut by Laura E. Weymouth is perfect for fans of Melissa Albert’s The Hazel Wood and Lev Grossman’s The Magicians.

Six years ago, sisters Evelyn and Philippa Hapwell were swept away to a strange and beautiful kingdom called the Woodlands, where they lived for years. But ever since they returned to their lives in post-WWII England, they have struggled to adjust.

Ev desperately wants to return to the Woodlands, and Philippa just wants to move on. When Ev goes missing, Philippa must confront the depth of her sister’s despair and the painful truths they’ve been running from. As the weeks unfold, Philippa wonders if Ev truly did find a way home, or if the weight of their worlds pulled her under.

Walking the line between where fantasy and reality meet, this lyrical and magical novel is, above all else, an exploration of loss and healing, and what it means to find where you belong.

Loved this

At first I was skeptical-- isn't this the same story as the lion the witch and the wardrobe? But this ended up being so much more to me. This story has everything, magic, art, history, deep insight into the characters, and a delightfully unfolding narrative. I liked how dialog was used. I liked how the flashbacks were used. Above all, I learned something about myself from reading this book.

Maybe better for adult listeners

I think the story would be stronger if several chapters were spent in each world to deepen their reality. As it is there’s more angst and melodramatic emoting without enough substance to justify all the big feelings. Jumping back and forth between times and worlds is like skipping stones on a lake and never really diving into water. The characters Tom and Jack and Jaimie were much more sympathetic than Evelyn or Phillipa. So, not sure this is a good book for teen girls cuz romanticizes instability and high drama and codependence. Interesting listen for a grounded adult.

Loved it

I loved everything about this book. It's absolutely beautiful, and it will stay with me for a while.

Wonderful

I had the feeling of “the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” from the beginning. But it wasn't that at all. The story gripped me, and the narrators brought it to my mind's eye. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for an adventure in life.

HEA-mostly

I gave this book a high rating because it’s fantastically written (and the audio recording is amazing). The end was hard won but not as satisfying as I’d hoped for. The book explores grief and longing in very poignant ways. It doesn’t shy away from the ugly truths of mental health and loss, or trauma. Yet it was so elegant with its prose and imagery. This book is dripping with show don’t tell kinda feelings. Almost everyone got the happily ever after they deserved, but I suppose that reflects real life too. Not everyone gets what they want and have to carry the scars ever after. But if you loved Narnia and wondered how it was for the kids when they had to keep living in this world after years in another. I especially have a newfound sympathy for Susan from Narnia after reading Philippa’s perspective in this story.

Well freaking done.