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Ghost Lights

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Ghost Lights by Lydia Millet is a novel that follows Hal Lindley, an IRS agent who embarks on a journey to Belize to search for his wife's boss, T., who has gone missing in the Central American rainforest. The book delves into themes of existential crisis, infidelity, loss, and human dissolution, all while exploring the complex relationships between the characters. Millet's writing style is characterized by elegant prose, believable dialogue, and dark humor, creating a narrative that keeps readers engaged and intrigued.

Characters:

The characters are richly drawn with emotional depth, often reflecting struggles with relationships, guilt, and personal crises.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by dark humor and philosophical depth, with a fluid and engaging prose that invites readers into the character's psyche.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows Hal as he embarks on a journey to Belize driven by personal turmoil, reflecting on themes of loss, guilt, and the search for meaning.

Setting:

The setting brings a vivid tropical backdrop that mirrors the protagonist's internal journey.

Pacing:

The pacing is measured and introspective, allowing for deep character exploration while keeping the narrative moving.
The walls were kittens and puppies. Like other pet facilities he had seen—even the Humane Society, where he had taken Casey when she was six to pick out a kitten—the kennel trafficked in a brand of cu...

Notes:

John M Edwards has traveled to five continents and experienced various adventures.
He graduated from Tulane University and worked as an editor and copyeditor.
Edwards has written for numerous publications including CNN Traveller and Entertainment Weekly.
He has received multiple awards for his travel writing, including a NATJA Award.
Lydia Millet's writing features dark humor and introspective characters.
Ghost Lights follows Hal, an IRS agent searching for his missing wife’s boss in Belize.
Hal's character deals with themes of grief and existential crisis related to his paraplegic daughter.
The book combines elements of adventure with serious themes like philandering and marital issues.
Millet is known for her unique prose style, making her characters' voices stand out.
The main setting includes the Central American rainforest, linking it back to the themes of nature and extinction.
The story captures Hal’s journey through the jungle, echoing Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness.
Hal’s interactions with characters like the comically named Hans and Gretel add a quirky element to the narrative.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Ghost Lights carries medium content warnings, addressing themes of grief, infidelity, and existential crises, which may be triggering for some readers.

From The Publisher:

"Surreal, darkly hilarious and profound." -San Francisco Chronicle

Ghost Lights stars an IRS bureaucrat named Hal-a man baffled by his wife's obsession with her missing employer. In a moment of drunken heroism, Hal embarks on a quest to find the man, embroiling himself in a surreal tropical adventure (and an unexpected affair with a beguiling German woman). Ghost Lights is Lydia Millet at her best-beautifully written, engaging, full of insight into the heartbreaking devotion of parenthood and the charismatic oddity of human behavior.

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