Review: Safelight by Casey Lown

I actually won my copy of Safelight in a giveaway, which I entered purely because of that gorgeous cover art (created by @wonderumpus). I don’t think I even looked at the blurb (hangs head in shame), but I’m so glad I went with my gut and judged this whole book by that wonderful cover because Lown has written an absolute gem here.

Safelight follows Emily Fillan as she comes to terms with the death of her father and trauma which has kept her frozen for years. Picking through the remains of her father’s life, she’ll uncover a man she barely knew and more importantly, a family she greatly needs.

What I love so much about this book is that, while it’s not action heavy, it still remains completely captivating. Safelight is a contemporary, down-to-earth bildungsroman, which paints its main character’s arc with such stunning language that I often didn’t want to put it down. And that’s something I don’t often say, because I really struggle to read 90% of the time.

In fact, all of the characters in this novel were so tactile that I could quite easily imagine grabbing a coffee with them, listening to them play the violin … or indeed slapping a few of them across the face as times (I’m looking at you, Joe Corner). My absolute favourite fella was Luke. Despite being a side character, everything about him was 100% fully-formed, from his bromance with the novel’s love interest (the aforementioned Joe), to the tattoo of sprawling wild-flowers across his skin. Not to mention he gets a 10/10 for bisexual representation for this quote alone:

“Oh, don’t apologize.” He smiled, cheeks rosy. “I’m bi.”

“So, fifty percent gay.”

“More like” — he waved his hands over his torso as if performing a magic trick — “one hundred percent bisexual.”

Safelight is also riddled with incredibly poignant moments, which come at you at the most unexpected points. For instance, a quiet camping trip to celebrate the life of Emily’s father – and get away from unfolding drama at home – finds Emily wading out into a fishing river and getting stuck on a boulder. The freezing water felt tangible, her panic real, but also cathartic. I recognised something in the scenario that reminded me of all the stupid things I’ve ever done in times of grief or pain, and it felt undeniably good to see that nonsensical part of myself represented in something external.

Truly, I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone feeling a little stuck, or a little alone. It will remind you what it is to move, and what it’s like to reach out to a resounding, “Yes!”.

Please bear in mind that there are some strong TWs for this, including on page depictions of addiction and discussion of abortion and childhood SA. If you need anything more specific, my door is always open ❤

Author Spotlight:

As well as Safelight, Lown has a queer werewolf novel out and about that you should definitely take a peek out if you prefer something a little more supernatural based. You can find Homo Lupus and it’s equally stunning cover here.