🩸 Horror Fiction

A Different Kind of Light

✍️ Simon Bestwick
Reader Score
4.5
(1 review)
$10.99
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A gothic novel about grief and forbidden images following the 1955 Le Mans Disaster.

Bestwick explores the aftermath of a major historical event through the lens of personal tragedy. The narrative focuses on Ash and Danie, whose relationship is defined by unspoken feelings rather than romantic labels. They exist in a world that is falling apart around them, mirroring their internal collapse. The story examines the human urge to look at things we are told not to see, even when the truth is horrifying. This desire drives the characters into a realm of obsession where grief becomes a tangible force. The book uses the concept of unseen footage to represent the hidden pains of the past. It is a study of how trauma lingers and shapes identity in the years following a catastrophe.

Key Themes
Le Mans Disaster forbidden images grief and obsession
Literary Context

The work is set against the backdrop of the 1955 Le Mans Disaster, a real historical event. Bestwick uses this period to frame a story about the human condition during times of collapse. The narrative draws on the tradition of gothic fiction and supernatural horror to explore psychological depths.

Difficulty
●●● Challenging
Recommended For Fans Of
Shirley Jackson · M.R. James · Peter Straub · Gothic ghost stories
🩸
Horror Fiction
🏛 Black Shuck Books 📅 2021 📖 166 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781913038618

📝 Description: A Different Kind of Light

Simon Bestwick’s A Different Kind of Light draws upon the 1955 Le Mans Disaster to craft a narrative about grief and obsession. The author utilizes newsreel footage that was deemed too appalling for public viewing as a central element, exploring how people desire to witness forbidden images. This story follows two characters, Ash and Danie, who are lovers in name only but share a deep connection within a collapsing world. Bestwick guides readers into a shadow land where the boundaries between life and death blur, focusing on the psychological weight of what is seen versus what is hidden. The book suits those interested in gothic fiction and supernatural themes rooted in historical tragedy. It appeals to readers who appreciate stories about the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of obsession. Those seeking lighthearted entertainment or straightforward historical accounts may find this work too dense with emotional weight. Bestwick, known for his horror and supernatural fiction, constructs a tale that feels like a film playing out in the mind. The narrative does not shy away from the grim reality of the disaster, using it as a backdrop for a more intimate exploration of loss and desire.

💎 Our verdict on A Different Kind of Light

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Bestwick crafts a haunting tale where grief becomes a tangible force, using unseen footage as a metaphor for hidden trauma. The narrative excels in building psychological weight, focusing on the boundaries between life and death rather than just historical facts. It suits readers who appreciate gothic themes rooted in real tragedy and stories about obsession's consequences. By exploring how people desire to witness appalling images, the book offers a grim yet intimate look at loss. This is not for those seeking straightforward history or easy reading, but for those ready to engage with a dense, emotional exploration of identity shaped by catastrophe.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers drawn to psychological horror and gothic fiction will find this novel a compelling exploration of grief and obsession. It appeals to those interested in the darker aspects of human nature and how trauma lingers long after a catastrophe. The narrative offers a unique perspective on forbidden images and the urge to witness hidden pains, making it ideal for fans of atmospheric stories that blur the lines between life and death. Those seeking emotional depth over lighthearted entertainment will appreciate the intimate examination of loss and desire within a collapsing world.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 1 reviews
5
0
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
H
Horror Reads editorial team

Bestwick crafts a haunting tale where grief becomes a tangible force, using unseen footage as a metaphor for hidden trauma. The narrative excels in building psychological weight, focusing on the boundaries between life and death rather than just historical facts. It suits readers who appreciate gothic themes rooted in real tragedy and stories about obsession's consequences. By exploring how people desire to witness appalling images, the book offers a grim yet intimate look at loss. This is not for those seeking straightforward history or easy reading, but for those ready to engage with a dense, emotional exploration of identity shaped by catastrophe.

✍️ More books by this author Simon Bestwick

The Joining: Scenes of Wedding Terror
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Simon Bestwick
The Joining: Scenes of Wedding Terror
$13.99
81
Read →
Nightmare Abbey 9
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Simon Bestwick
Nightmare Abbey 9
$16.95
86
Read →
Jaeger
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Simon Bestwick
Jaeger
$10.99
81
Read →
Devils Of London
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Simon Bestwick
Devils Of London
$10.30
81
Read →
Nine Ghosts
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Simon Bestwick
Nine Ghosts
$4.99
81
Read →
Black Mountain
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Simon Bestwick
Black Mountain
$16.90
78
Read →

🏛 Books from this publisher Black Shuck Books

Fearsome Creatures
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Aliya Whiteley
Fearsome Creatures
$6.99
78
Read →
Three Mothers, One Father
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Sean Hogan
Three Mothers, One Father
$6.99
78
Read →
The Adventures of Mr Polkington
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Tina Rath
The Adventures of Mr Polkington
$6.99
81
Read →
The Watcher in the Woods
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Charlotte Bond
The Watcher in the Woods
$6.99
86
Read →
Uneasy Beginnings
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Simon Kurt Unsworth
Uneasy Beginnings
$6.99
86
Read →
The Dregs Trilogy
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Chris Kelso
The Dregs Trilogy
$21.99
86
Read →

You might also like

See more →
Roth-Steyr ✨ New
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
1
Simon Bestwick
Roth-Steyr
$10.99
81
Read →
Jaeger ✨ New
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
1
Simon Bestwick
Jaeger
$10.99
81
Read →
Sorrowmouth ✨ New
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Simon Avery
Sorrowmouth
$10.99
86
Read →
Azeman, or the Testament of Quincey Morris ✨ New
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Lisa Moore
Azeman, or the Testament of Quincey Morris
$10.99
86
Read →
The Dread They Left Behind ✨ New
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Gary Fry
The Dread They Left Behind
$10.99
86
Read →
The Derelict ✨ New
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Neil Williams
The Derelict
$11.99
86
Read →

Have a question about this item?

Ask about the edition, condition, delivery or anything else — we reply by email or phone, usually within a day.

Home Genres
Cart
Wishlist