A Brightness Long Ago

by Guy Gavriel Kay
A Brightness Long Ago cover
Good Books rating 4.08
Fantasy
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 4612
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • ISBN: 9781473692350
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2019-05-14
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Guy Gavriel Kay's A Brightness Long Ago is a masterpiece of epic fantasy, set in a world that evokes the early Renaissance period. The story unfolds through the eyes of Danio Cerra, a man looking back on his youth and the influential figures who crossed his path. From the dangerous Adria Ripoli, born to power but choosing a life of danger and freedom, to the enigmatic count known as The Beast, the narrative is rich with vivid characters and intricate political maneuvering. The tale is further enriched by a cast of compelling individuals, including a healer defying her expected lot, a frivolous son of immense wealth, and two mercenary commanders whose rivalry threatens the balance of the world. Praised by notable figures in the fantasy genre, this novel is a testament to Kay's storytelling prowess and his ability to blend history and fantasy seamlessly.

Reviews
Fantasy Book Review · 2025-10-22
fantastic 4.75

The story is shocking, devastating, and beautiful, with elegant and profound language. The writing cuts to the core of what makes the characters and their experiences so impactful.

The reviewer is deeply moved by the story, describing it as shocking, devastating, and beautiful. They praise the author's language, which is both elegant in its simplicity and profound in its depth. The reviewer finds that the writing cuts to the core of what makes the characters and their experiences so impactful, creating a deeply emotional and thought-provoking reading experience. The reviewer appreciates the way the story explores complex themes and emotions, making it a memorable and unforgettable read.

Quick quotes

    This story is shocking, devastating, and beautiful.

    Kay's language is elegant in its simplicity, yet painstakingly profound as it cuts to the core of what makes the characters and their experiences so impactful.

    The writing cuts to the core of what makes the characters and their experiences so impactful, creating a deeply emotional and thought-provoking reading experience.

A Cat, A Book and A Cup Of Tea · 2020-05-13
excellent 4.50

The book effectively uses a unique narrative structure to explore complex themes without being heavy-handed. The characters and their journeys are compelling and well-developed.

The reviewer appreciates the intricate narrative structure, which is both innovative and effective in delivering the story. They highlight the depth of the characters and the way their lives intertwine, creating a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences. The book's exploration of memory and the passage of time is particularly noteworthy, adding layers of meaning to the story. The reviewer finds the book to be a standout example of how to use such a structure to enhance the storytelling experience.

Quick quotes

    Many authors have played with this conceit, but this is one of the most effective books I've ever seen use it – it isn't a heavy-handed moral.

    The characters and their journeys are compelling and well-developed.

    The book's exploration of memory and the passage of time is particularly noteworthy, adding layers of meaning to the story.

Elitist Book Reviews · Jane Funk · 2019-05-14
good 3.00

The book is a meditation on the power of memory, but the theme of nostalgia pales with time. The story is engaging and well-crafted, but some aspects lose their impact over time.

Jane Funk finds the book to be a profound exploration of memory and its impact on our lives. She particularly enjoys the way the story unfolds, revealing the complexities of the characters and their pasts. However, she notes that while the book hits all the right marks initially, the theme of nostalgia does not hold up as strongly over time. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the storytelling but feels that some elements could have been developed further to maintain their emotional resonance.

Quick quotes

    A meditation on the power of memory, A BRIGHTNESS LONG AGO hits all the right marks but the theme of nostalgia (ironically) pales with time.

    The story is engaging and well-crafted, but some aspects lose their impact over time.

    The depth of the storytelling is appreciated, but some elements could have been developed further to maintain their emotional resonance.

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