Teenager Sally has just run away from a clinic where she to be treated for anorexia. She’s furious with everything and everyone, and wants to be left in peace.
Liss is in her forties, living alone on a large farm that she runs single-handedly. She has little contact with the outside world, and no need for other people.
From their first meeting, Sally realises that Liss isn’t like other adults; she expects nothing of Sally and simply accepts who she is, offering her a bed for the night with no questions asked.
That night becomes weeks and then months, as an unlikely friendship develops and these two damaged women slowly open up – connecting to each other, reconnecting with themselves, and facing the darkness in their pasts through their shared work on the land.
Achingly beautiful, profound, invigorating and uplifting, Tasting Sunlight is a story of friendship across generations, of love and acceptance, of the power of nature to heal and transform, and the goodness that surrounds us, if only we take time to see it…
I'm delighted to be hosting the blog tour for Tasting Sunlight today. Many thanks to Ewald Arenz, Orenda Books and Anne Cater from Random Things Tours for inviting me and for my advance copy of the book.
Some books grab my attention from the word go while others are more of a slow-burn pleasure as they gradually– almost imperceptibly – reel me in. Tasting Sunlight definitely falls into this latter category – I was instantly drawn to the beautiful writing but it took me a little longer to develop feelings for the two main characters, Sally and Liss. This isn't a criticism; both are so reticent to reveal their true selves, it isn't surprising that they are such enigmas.
Sally has run away from the clinic where she was being treated for anorexia and although the start of the book finds her savouring her freedom, it's soon apparent that she is filled with the sort of spiky rage that those who feel let down and misunderstood employ to push people away rather than risk being hurt again. It means that she isn't especially likeable at first but Ewald Arenz subtly captures her inquisitive nature and youthful vulnerability. As the novel progresses, her strength of character becomes more evident; even though she is clearly changed thanks to Liss's patience and understanding, this isn't a simple tale of an older mentor changing somebody's life. It's a far more balanced story which explores the tentative evolution of a mutually caring friendship with perceptive empathy.
Liss initially appears to be a calm, settled person who has found her place in life, however, the truth isn't so straightforward. It becomes obvious that her past affects how she interacts with the outside world and I was touched by the similarities between these two guarded, damaged women. The storyline takes place over a relatively short time and yet what it reveals goes back much further, particularly in Liss's case. The revelations that come to light aren't described in graphic detail but that somehow makes them more poignant; I'd guessed some whereas others were unexpected, but thanks to the hints woven into the narrative, not a total shock either.
The sense of place is stunning throughout as Ewald Arenz examines how truly interacting with the sights, smells and tastes of the natural environment can have a positive impact on mental health. However, he also ensures that the countryside isn't depicted as some sort of bucolic ideal; the constant routine of the seasons is conversely shown to be both restrictive and freeing. Although set in Germany, Tasting Sunlight contemplates universal experiences and Rachel Ward's translation seamlessly reflects this throughout the book.
Tasting Sunlight considers some difficult topics but despite this, is a moving read filled with hope and insight about finding solace in friendship and a place to belong. This raw, thought-provoking novel will deservedly win many admirers.
Tasting Sunlight is published by Orenda Books and is available to purchase from the website, from bookshop.org, Hive, Waterstones, Kobo and Amazon or to order from your favourite independent bookshop.
Don't miss the rest of the blog tour, details are below.
About the Author
About the Translator
Thanks for the blog tour support x
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