Bluethroat Morning is a hauntingly beautiful novel set on the coast of Norfolk. Well-written, mysterious and filled with compelling characters and vivid scenic descriptions, it's definitely one of those books you just can't put down. I was immediately drawn in as I each character, which was so vividly portrayed, is introduced into the story.
The novel deals with many subjects such as love, self doubt, depression and creativity. Alison Bliss, a world-famous model and author, commits suicide by walking into the sea on a 'bluethroat morning'. Six years later her husband Harry, who is still haunted by her suicide, returns to the area in search of answers. He brings with him a new love, a young woman called Helen (his friend's nineteen-year-old daughter). At the scene of Alison's death they meet an elderly man and through him the story is revealed. Is there a connection with him and the reason for the tragedy? As the mystery starts to unravel, the reader is kept guessing, longing to know more.
Jacqui Lofthouse successfully portrays the inner world of a depressive rather well, making it easy to understand Alison's struggle with the past and her need to create. The story is narrated mostly by Harry, but when he starts reading Alison's notebook the reader gains insight into Alison's mind and how sometimes a lot of suffering goes into creating.The brooding landscape setting also works well in echoing the thoughts and feelings of Alison, which at the same time evokes empathy in the reader.
I found this novel very moving and original. It's a classic tale not to be missed.