The Lightkeepers

A Novel

By: Abby Geni

Narrated by: Xe Sands

Length: 8 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

In The Lightkeepers, we follow Miranda, a nature photographer who travels to the Farallon Islands, an exotic and dangerous archipelago off the coast of California, for a one-year residency capturing the landscape. Her only companions are the scientists studying there, odd and quirky refugees from the mainland living in rustic conditions; they document the fish populations around the island, the bold trio of sharks called the Sisters that hunt the surrounding waters, and the overwhelming bird population that, at times, creates the need to wear hard hats as protection from their attacks.

Shortly after her arrival, Miranda is assaulted by one of the inhabitants of the islands. A few days later, her assailant is found dead, perhaps the result of an accident. As the novel unfolds, Miranda gives witness to the natural wonders of this special place as she grapples with what has happened to her and deepens her connection to (and her suspicions of) her companions, all while falling under the thrall of the legends of the place nicknamed "the Islands of the Dead". And when more violence occurs, each member of this strange community falls under suspicion.

The Lightkeepers upends the traditional structure of a mystery novel - an isolated environment, a limited group of characters who might not be trustworthy, a death that may or may not have been accidental, a balance of discovery and action - while also exploring wider themes of the natural world, the power of loss, and the nature of recovery. It is a luminous debut novel from a talented and provocative new writer.

©2016 Abby Geni (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

A little sleeper of a mystery

I chose it because I had read previous non-fiction on the Farallon Islands. Its a blend of both and at times I forgot I was reading a novel and not listening to someone's real life diary. Its a interesting mystery too that you will think about after you finish. You may even "rewind" and listen to the end again just to be sure. A definite recommend in every way.

Great book

Where does The Lightkeepers rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This one is my favorite so far!

What about Xe Sands’s performance did you like?

Her cadence was spectacular, raw, and full of inflection. I could listen to overbook by her!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, it didn't make me laugh or cry but there were many gold nuggets of information uncovered with each turn of the page.

Perfect narrator for the story.

A different story. Intriguing, with a soothing narrator. I appreciate all the research that must have gone into this story.

Unexpected and fascinating

Fascinating characterizations, and a unique exploration of photography and science as modes of observation in the face of trauma. The reader does a wonderful job with a complex main character.

Tedious and time consuming.

It’s tedious. I guessed the ending in an effort to have the plot make sense.

Interesting

Pleasantly surprised. Characters were original and interesting. Xe Sands is always excellent. I look forward to seeing more from this author.

Not what I expected but in a good way

I selected this book because it sounded fairly interesting and I love the narrator- it was actually a great book and I really enjoyed both the story as well as the narration. All in all a great book.

Drew me in

It was a little slow at first, but I stuck with it because I love the narrator so much. I was soon glad I did, because it got very intriguing. I’m a little iffy on how it all wrapped up, but overall a great book.

I was fascinated every single minute

What made the experience of listening to The Lightkeepers the most enjoyable?

Abby Geni and Xe Sands are a perfect match. Beautifully written, beautifully read. I learned a great deal, too. I hope Geni has a long and happy career and I intend to see what else Sands has narrated.

I was truly shocked with how good this book was!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I already have.

Any additional comments?

This book is beautifully and elegantly written. Abby Geni does an incredible job describing the emotions and feelings of the characters in this book, Not to mention the her description of the Farallon island and it's captivating wildlife.
The LightKeepers is going on my favorites list next to, Little Women, Women In White, Sherlock Holmes, and The Awakening.

The one thing I didn't like at all was the description that was given by Audible's, by telling about the attack it gives away too much, and hurts the storyline.

I can't wait for her next book!