Where the Light Goes

Where the Light Goes by Sara Barnard delves into the tumultuous journey of grief and memory through the eyes of Emmy Beck, the younger sister of a beloved star. Lizzie Beck, known to the world as Beth, is a shining figure in the limelight, admired and adored. However, to Emmy, she is simply her sister—a brilliant role model whose sudden decision to take her own life shatters Emmy's reality.

The Plot

As Emmy grapples with the overwhelming sorrow of losing her sister, she finds herself at the centre of public scrutiny and media frenzy. The narrative unfolds as she struggles to navigate her profound grief while coping with the expectations of a world that mourns a star, yet fails to understand the complexity of their familial bond. Emmy's journey is one of self-discovery, as she seeks to honour Beth’s memory and redefine her existence in a world that feels impossibly dim without her sister.

Themes

Barnard's poignant storytelling explores a multitude of themes, including:

• Fame and its Consequences: The impact of public perception on personal tragedy.
• Loss and Grief: The raw, often isolating experience of losing a loved one.
• Familial Bonds: The complexities and nuances of sisterhood in the aftermath of tragedy.

“In the end, she must learn what it means to live without the light that was her sister.”

Fans of poignant narratives exploring mental health and the intricacies of personal relationships may also appreciate Barnard's previous works, as well as novels such as All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven and Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, which similarly tackle themes of loss and the search for meaning amidst heartbreak.