Hazel Gaynor
The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter by Hazel Gaynor, inspired by true events, intertwines two narrative threads one hundred years apart.
The first thread takes place in 1838 in Northumberland, England. It is loosely based on the historical figure of Grace Darling, the daughter of the keeper of Longstone Lighthouse. She courageously sets out on a small boat with her father to rescue survivors of a shipwreck during a fierce storm. Celebrated for her heroism in newspaper articles and portraits, Grace was never comfortable with her new-found fame. She was happiest while living in the cocoon of the isolated lighthouse with her mother and father.
The second thread takes place in 1938. Matilda Emerson from Ireland arrives in Newport, Rhode Island, to stay with Harriet Flaherty, a lighthouse keeper and family relative. Sent there to be far from wagging tongues while she has her baby, she can barely remember the British soldier who fathered her child, the result of a one-night fling. Matilda is descended from Sarah Emmerson, the sole female survivor rescued by Grace and her father after the 1838 shipwreck. She carries with her mementos from Grace and Sarah that have been handed down through the generations of women.
The narrative threads alternate throughout the novel, gradually unfolding in a tapestry that weaves Grace and Matilda in surprising ways. It is a story of unrequited love. It is also a story of the strength, resilience, and courage shown by generations of women who put their lives at risk to save others. The characters are compelling and authentic. Grace, Matilda, and Harriet speak in first person point of view, which establishes a more intimate connection with the reader; the rest of the novel unfolds in third person.
The true strength of the novel lies in Gaynor’s ability to evoke a vivid atmosphere of the sea and its surroundings. The sea comes alive in all its thundering ferocity during storms, with waves pounding on rocks and seashore. The wild winds can be heard; the dampness can be felt as it seeps into the bones of the Darling family huddling together for warmth in the lighthouse; the salty sea air can be tasted as Grace or Matilda walk along the shore collecting shells. The descriptions immerse the reader in the sights, sounds, and smells of life near an ocean. Even the lighthouse comes alive with its creaky floorboards, its winding staircase, its lights, its spectacular view, and its presence as a beacon of hope and security.
The novel was marred somewhat by a far-fetched ending that borders on mushy sentimentality. Otherwise, this is a well-written and engaging historical novel.
Recommended.