A Letter to the Luminous Deep by Sylvie Cathrall

*** Review ***

Debut novels often have a unique charm and an unparalleled sense of discovery, and A Letter to the Luminous Deep by Sylvie Cathrall is no exception. This whimsical epistolary fantasy transports readers to a mystical underwater world filled with mystery, romance, and a touch of academic intrigue.

A Letter to the Luminous Deep is perfect for fans of A Marvellous Light and TJ Klune. It tells the story of the reclusive E., who, prompted by a beautiful discovery outside the window of her underwater home, begins a correspondence with renowned scholar Henerey Clel. Their letters, initially filled with shared academic interests, soon evolve into expressions of deep affection. Together, through their written exchanges, they uncover a mystery from the ocean’s unknown depths, one that has the potential to transform the underwater world they both fear and love.

However, the tranquility of their newfound bond is shattered when a seaquake destroys E.’s home, leading to the sudden disappearance of both E. and Henerey. The narrative then shifts focus to E.’s sister Sophy and Henerey’s brother Vyerin. A year after the catastrophic event, these two are left to decipher the mystery of their siblings’ disappearance using the letters, sketches, and field notes E. and Henerey left behind. As they delve deeper into the epistolary records, Sophy and Vyerin not only uncover the beautiful love story of their siblings but also stumble upon clues that could explain their sudden vanishing and its implications for their world.

What makes A Letter to the Luminous Deep truly stand out is its epistolary format. This choice of storytelling might not appeal to everyone, especially those expecting a traditional narrative with continuous action. As a reader, you’re required to piece together the story from the letters exchanged between multiple characters across different timelines. This approach adds a layer of complexity and demands a higher level of engagement and attention to detail.

Initially, I found the slow pacing and the letter-based format challenging. I didn’t expect the entire book to be essentially a series of letters with minimal direct action occurring in the current timeline. However, as I immersed myself in the narrative, I began to appreciate the cozy, intimate feel of reading someone’s personal correspondence. The slow burn of the story allows for a deeper exploration of the characters’ emotions and thoughts, making their experiences and relationships feel more authentic and profound.

One of the highlights of the book is the romance between E. and Henerey. The progression of their relationship, as depicted through their letters, is beautifully crafted. Their exchanges are filled with wit, charm, and genuine affection, making their bond believable and heartwarming. There is a particular joy in seeing their love story unfold through their written words, each letter revealing more about their personalities, fears, and desires.

“Have you ever considered, E., that someone ought to write a Fantasy about you? You experience something unprecedented, you venture to the library in search of new knowledge, you discover a mysterious familial connection to said knowledge, and then you write all about it to a most peculiar man who does not deserve your attention – surely that is the very stuff of stories!”

This quote captures the whimsical and introspective tone of their correspondence, highlighting the unique blend of fantasy and academic romance that defines the book.

Another aspect I enjoyed was the bond that develops between Sophy and Vyerin as they investigate their siblings’ disappearance. Their shared grief and love for their siblings bring them together, and their evolving friendship adds another layer of depth to the story. Their discussions about books, libraries, and the mysteries they uncover through the letters are both touching and intellectually stimulating.

The writing itself is very beautiful, reminiscent of Victorian England with a modern twist. The author’s portrayal of mental health is realistic and sensitively handled, adding depth to the characters. There is also a commendable representation of queer characters, making the book inclusive and relatable to a broader audience.

However, the shifting timelines can be confusing at times, and the slow pacing might not appeal to everyone. These aspects, along with the epistolary format, require a certain mood and patience from the reader. Personally, I felt that the book had too much filler content and took too long to get to the main plot points. Despite these criticisms, I am intrigued by the potential of the series and look forward to seeing how the story develops after the cliffhanger ending.

In conclusion, A Letter to the Luminous Deep is a beautifully written story about discovery, family, and the unknown. It weaves a tale of romance, mystery, and the enchanting depths of an underwater world, making it a memorable read for those who appreciate slow-burning, character-driven narratives. If you enjoy epistolary novels, academic settings, and a touch of fantasy, this book is definitely worth diving into.