LitPick Review
When eleven young schoolgirls traipse wonderingly from the gates of their school, each struggling to grasp the depth of a vast world beyond her reach, they do not for even a moment think to anticipate the dramatic event that will forever alter their lives. Miss Renshaw, their flighty dreamer of a teacher, vanishes inexplicably in the shadows of a poet’s cave, drawn away for eternity into the dark. The girls are impressionable in their youth, and they hesitate to betray their teacher’s secret, but they long to capture the truth that seems to lurk just out of reach. Each possesses a unique perception of what actually occurred, both drawn to and severed from the others by that day. The girls are left haunted by this enigmatic tragedy of their childhood, and as time progresses, they are left wondering what can or cannot truly be trusted about the past.
Opinion:
The Golden Day a is quirky and skillfully crafted tale, its rich descriptions complimenting realistic dialogue. The unusual style of writing is engrossing enough to keep a reader’s interest, with vivid images and a pleasing cadence throughout. There is an intriguing exploration of bonds forged in tragedy, and the element of mystery carries the plot smoothly. However, more development is needed in some of the characters, many of which are just real enough to become invested in, but have potential that isn’t quite fulfilled by the time of the story’s conclusion. Overall, though, this is a fascinating and worthwhile read that will leave you wondering what really happened in the past we’ve learned to trust.
