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A review by portybelle
The Truth Must Dazzle Gradually by Helen Cullen
5.0
The Truth Must Dazzle Gradually is a superb novel exploring parenthood, mental illness, loss, grief and above all love. It perhaps sounds from that list that it would be quite a heavy read but it isn't. It is a compelling and emotive book telling the love story of Murtagh and Maeve and their four children, living on a small island off the west coast of Ireland.
Helen Cullen has written so poignantly and insightfully about the effects of mental illness on this family and I was particularly moved by the way Murtagh loved his 'darkling' Maeve throughout all her ups and down. He loved her unconditionally no matter what dark days they experienced. Maeve was someone who I think it is impossible to feel anything but compassion for. My heart went out to her when she said that she loved acting as she got to play a version of herself who wasn't afraid and that this became her reality. Although this was about her acting, it was very much a reflection of her life too.
Following the family in the wake of their loss was emotional as we found out exactly how each member responded to the circumstances. I particularly loved the image of 'kintsugi', which is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery in a way which does not hide the damage but in fact highlights it, using gold or silver lacquer to create something different, still beautiful, strong and whole again. This was so apt for the Moone family as they eventually healed in ways they could not have anticipated and found love and beauty again in their lives.
The Truth Must Dazzle Gradually is beautifully written, compassionate and utterly compelling.
Helen Cullen has written so poignantly and insightfully about the effects of mental illness on this family and I was particularly moved by the way Murtagh loved his 'darkling' Maeve throughout all her ups and down. He loved her unconditionally no matter what dark days they experienced. Maeve was someone who I think it is impossible to feel anything but compassion for. My heart went out to her when she said that she loved acting as she got to play a version of herself who wasn't afraid and that this became her reality. Although this was about her acting, it was very much a reflection of her life too.
Following the family in the wake of their loss was emotional as we found out exactly how each member responded to the circumstances. I particularly loved the image of 'kintsugi', which is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery in a way which does not hide the damage but in fact highlights it, using gold or silver lacquer to create something different, still beautiful, strong and whole again. This was so apt for the Moone family as they eventually healed in ways they could not have anticipated and found love and beauty again in their lives.
The Truth Must Dazzle Gradually is beautifully written, compassionate and utterly compelling.