Aria/Eternal Flame by E.L. Penman is a captivating dive into the complexities of identity, beauty, and emotional turmoil, wrapped in a mysterious, almost magical narrative. The story follows Aria, a woman whose beauty is only matched by the sadness she seems to carry. The novel paints her as a character constantly wrestling with the idea that even the most stunning lives are haunted by deeper, more painful truths.
John Durden, the protagonist, serves as a mirror to Aria’s sadness, often reflecting on his own sense of disconnect from the world around him. Their complex relationship unfolds in an almost dreamlike state—poignant yet deeply unsettling. Through John’s eyes, readers experience Aria’s life, from her successful witch shop to the weight of her personal struggles, such as dealing with her family's baggage and the melancholy that seems to define her.
The setting of New Jersey, particularly near the industrial city of Trenton, adds a gritty, almost nihilistic edge to the novel. Penman’s description of the environment mirrors the emotional states of the characters—there’s an inherent bleakness, but also moments of unexpected beauty, like the northern winter that Aria so cherishes. This contrast makes the setting itself almost a character in its own right.
Penman’s character development is intricate, delving deep into their psychologies. Aria’s complexity is both alluring and frustrating; her sadness makes her an enigma, and her beauty both a blessing and a curse. The book's pacing can feel slow at times, but this mirrors the introspective nature of the story and the way the characters confront their inner conflicts.
The only potential downside is the occasional sense of emotional distance the reader might feel, especially as the characters, particularly Aria, seem to retreat further into themselves. However, for readers who appreciate literary fiction that doesn’t shy away from the dark, contemplative sides of life, Aria/Eternal Flame is an absorbing read.
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