REVIEWS

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Despite the outwardly conventional nature of the central characters when viewed in their present, when looking back through their pasts and shared histories, their individual attributes―whether hidden or overt―and the truly interesting times in which they live render Ambient Light gripping and immersive from the outset. There are hints of surprising and shocking things on the horizon, and Stout’s descriptions of the intricacies of human relationships and the fragility of life throughout prompt significant emotional investment in the characters’ joys, struggles, and secrets.

 Stout’s debut novel creates a profound emotional panorama of the lifelong ties among a tight-knit group of seven friends.  She seamlessly weaves together the story's narrators as chapters alternate among the friends’ points of view. Their distinct but overlapping perspectives offer deep insight into each character and a multifaceted lens on their network of relationships, with Sebastian at its center.  Darker themes like sexual abuse, illness and death feature prominently, but they are handled with sincerity and empathy, and are balanced by Stout’s strong feel for exuberant teenage antics, plus her gentle emphasis on the hidden value of our connections.

Kate Stout has a real talent for emotion and the way it is conveyed so indirectly through brilliant speech and thought presentation. The strength of this novel lies in its portrayal of the lasting influence that friends can have on one another. As time passes, the characters grapple with their deep-seated love for Sebastian and the resentment stemming from his departure. The story skillfully navigates the complexities of evolving friendships and the enduring bonds that tie them together, and it employs a great sense of pacing to do so. Stout's storytelling is emotionally resonant. Overall, Ambient Light was a gorgeously nostalgic journey through the challenges and joys of teenage friendships, and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a deep but ultimately comforting drama to enjoy.

Ambient Light by Kate Stout charts the progress of a group of friends as they navigate the hardships of life. Kate Stout paints a beautiful picture of the settings and excels at exploring relationships and identity. The characters and their interactions are honest and nuanced. They are well-rounded, each with flaws and strengths that make them intriguing. The writing style is poetic, adding a layer of introspection and melancholy. They combined philosophical musings with mythological and fantasy elements that were short yet highly impactful. I loved this book and would recommend it to readers who enjoy poetic narratives with literary themes and philosophical musings on life. Caveat: The narrative explores the themes of sexuality, identity, and the fragility of life candidly. 

Ambient Light is a masterful page-turner. I was riveted by the storytelling and the characters, and I couldn't put the book down because I needed to know what would unfold next. The author's writing is so rich and descriptive that she places you inside the story like a movie. I was so invested in the characters that I felt like I was the town gossip learning about and reacting to the twists, turns and uncovered secrets in their lives. If you're looking for an unputdownable book and a memorable story, Ambient Light is a must-read. As a fiction writer, Kate Stout soars above the rest with brilliance. This book is an instant classic.