INVISIBLE SUN by Andrew H. Housley (Atmosphere Press) is an intense, raw, and quite beautiful exploration of trauma and grief. Reviewed by Chelsey Tucker. The post Book Review: Invisible Sun appeared first on Independent Book Review.
Invisible Sun
by Andrew H. Housley
Genre: Literary Fiction
ISBN: 9798891320260
Print Length: 172 pages
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Reviewed by Chelsey Tucker | Content warnings: suicide
An intense, raw, and quite beautiful exploration of trauma and grief
Invisible Sun opens with Ian revisiting the traumatic scene where he discovered his brother Hugo, who had taken his own life. The room is still stained with blood, and Ian is engulfed by a torrent of emotions—pain, guilt, anger, and sorrow. In addition to grappling with this emotional turmoil, Ian is burdened with the practical responsibilities of arranging for cleaners, claiming Hugo’s body at the morgue, and packing up the family home. Amid this chaos, he is haunted by the relentless question of why this tragedy occurred. In stark contrast, his brother Chadwick adopts a façade of nonchalance, using alcohol to numb his emotions while projecting an outward image of a “cool guy.”
Beneath the surface, the novel delves into the intricate dynamics among these three brothers, shaped by a shared history of abuse and control imposed by their tyrannical father. Hugo was the first to break free from their father’s oppressive grip, followed by Chadwick, who sought refuge in Los Angeles, hoping for a fresh start. Ian, the youngest, attempted to escape through academia and travel but remained ensnared by their father’s influence. As Ian grapples with the aftermath of Hugo’s actions, their father piles blame on him, exacerbating his already overwhelming emotional burden. This tangled web of familial trauma forms the emotional core of the narrative, inviting readers to empathize with their painful struggles.
Invisible Sun unflinchingly navigates the complexities of loss, guilt, and despair, which could prove emotionally taxing for some individuals in certain situations. Nonetheless, these weighty themes provide valuable insights into the multifaceted personalities of the characters within the narrative. The novel skillfully observes the convergence of philosophy, emotions, and the human psyche when confronted with death, encapsulated in the haunting notion that, “The dead have it easy; they don’t have to live with the guilt.”
One intriguing aspect of this book lies in its infusion of intellectual depth and occasional whimsy to enrich character dynamics. The story features captivating dialogues that introduce a philosophical dimension to various relationships. The author even employs unique word choice—I’m looking at you, “glossolalia!”—to provide occasional respite from the prevailing heaviness, diverting our attention instead to the distinctive personalities rather than the oppressive events.
In the end, Invisible Sun emerges as a captivating and evocative exploration of the complexities of grief and the enduring impact of trauma. It’s a poignant and thought-provoking read for those willing to confront its weighty subject matter.
Thank you for reading Chelsey Tucker’s book review of Invisible Sun by Andrew H. Housley! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.
The post Book Review: Invisible Sun appeared first on Independent Book Review.
