A Sudden Light

A Novel

By: Garth Stein

Narrated by: Seth Numrich

From Garth Stein, author of the beloved bestseller The Art of Racing in the Rain—now a major motion picture!

The New York Times bestselling “witty, atmospheric” (People) story of a once powerful American family, and the price that must be paid by the heirs as they struggle for redemption: “A captivating page-turner” (Star Tribune, Minneapolis).

Twenty-three years after the fateful summer of 1990, Trevor Riddell recalls the events surrounding his fourteenth birthday, when he gets his first glimpse of the infamous Riddell House. Built from the spoils of a massive timber fortune, the legendary family mansion is constructed of giant whole trees and is set on a huge estate overlooking Seattle’s Puget Sound. Trevor’s bankrupt parents have separated, and his father, Jones Riddell, has brought Trevor to Riddell House with a goal: to join forces with Aunt Serena, dispatch the ailing and elderly Grandpa Samuel to a nursing home, sell off the house and property for development, and divide up the profits.

But as young Trevor explores the house’s hidden stairways and forgotten rooms, he discovers secrets that convince him that the family plan may be at odds with the land’s true destiny. Only Trevor’s willingness to face the dark past of his forefathers will reveal the key to his family’s future.

Spellbinding and atmospheric, A Sudden Light is rich with vivid characters, poetic scenes of natural beauty, and powerful moments of spiritual transcendence. “Garth Stein is resourceful, cleverly piecing together the family history with dreams, overheard conversations, and reminiscences…a tale well told,” (The Seattle Times)—a triumphant work of a master storyteller at the height of his power.

Stein is in the top ten of my favorite writers

Fascinating story, cannot put down. Stein has such an unusual writing style, he takes you with him into amazing world of mystery, human emotion and action

An intricate story of redemption and faith.

It is beautifully written . The narration is perfect. Indeed, we are all connected.

really enjoyed listening to this book.

I was captured by the story and couldn't wait to continue it each time I had to turn it off.

Good Listen

Garth Stein holds you till the end!! I read "The Art Of Racing in The Rain" several years ago and loved it! This books holds your attention and you just can't stop listening. Looking forward to Garth Steins next book.

Interesting read.

The women voices should have been read by women.
It was a bit unbelievable that a the family would not sell the property because of the wishes of a ghost.
Also using words like faith and quotes from the bible, "my peace I give unto you" when talking about ghosts seemed irreverent.

love Garth Stein books

Stein is so skilled at taking me somewhere else. I'm always all in! What talent.

Oh my GOD!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

On my god this story is amazing I went through so many different emotions and to be read by Seth Numrich. He voice was everything!! I ran across this because I fell in love with Seth’s voice in “Fairy Tale” and the way he becomes every character. Wow!! So I was looking for another book that he narrated and came across this Diamond. It’s a most listen. A huge thank you to Garth and Seth for an amazing experience.

Family secrets die hard

What made the experience of listening to A Sudden Light the most enjoyable?

First, the narrator, Seth Numrich, who was able to read the story in a natural voice, not sounding like a machine. He captured each character distinctly and let me experience them in my mind. Also, as always, being able to take it with me and listen anytime, anywhere.

What did you like best about this story?

When Trevor discovered the real story behind Grandpa's dementia.

Which character – as performed by Seth Numrich – was your favorite?

I think, Trevor's aunt, who lived in the home with Grandpa. The way Seth spoke her voice made it obvious that she was not right in the head.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I like listening over multiple sittings for a couple of reasons; one being that I drive to work and want something good to listen to on my commute. It was like waiting for and then getting to hear the next episode in a saga.

Any additional comments?

I had not heard of Garth Stein before this, but I will definitely check out his other work. He made a good choice of narrators too.

Captivating!

The story was compelling, and I greatly enjoyed the narration. Quite pleasant to listen to.

Seth Numrich’s narration once again is flawless

I search for books, narrated by Seth, even if I’ve never heard of the author. But the story was just as wonderful as the narrator!