Set on the University of Hull’s campus, ‘Torc of Moonlight’ by Linda Acaster tells the tale of a second year who, only wanting to do what average male students do, manages to get himself caught up on a journey of discovery. But what is it that makes him different from anyone else? Why was he chosen? From the first encounter with Alice Linwood, a timid student set upon finding the sacred pool of a Celtic water goddess, little does Nick Blaketon know that upon meeting her his life would change.
The book, on first glance, gives the impression that it is just another historical fiction, yet once you pass the opening preface, setting the reader up with the past events, and begin reading the main body of the novel, you realise that it is so much more than that. Fast-paced and thrilling, the novel captures the reader from start to finish. The language that Acaster uses is full of vivid imagery and rich descriptions that are sure to engage the reader; painting either a beautiful image of the various landscapes or of the chilling moments filled with tension. Either way, the descriptive writing she uses enhances the strong plotline. She also manages to balance it out with a well-written, natural dialogue between the different characters, each with their own distinct voice, maintained throughout. Part way through the novel, the perspectives begin to change, and soon they start to establish the thoughts and actions of the other characters. Dark truths are revealed and a disturbing sympathy emerges toward Leonard Harkin, an art lecturer whose age has brought with it an unnerving paranoia. But what is disturbing is the discovery of a horrific aspect of his character and his past.
Elements of enchantment and mystery open up even more pathways for the story to follow, whilst also forcing the reader to question further, especially the connections between characters and certain instances. Furthermore, the novel manages to integrate reality with fantasy so that the reader is left wondering where one begins and the other ends. Similarly, the book incorporates real places into a fictional plot, so any Hull student who reads this will recognise the various locations mentioned, hopefully engaging with a sense of familiarity. Perhaps Acaster is inviting the reader to open up to a child-like sense of adventure through discovering truth in fiction; she brings an added significance to exploration. It is after all set upon real locations, and although she claims that the events are fictional, there is a gnawing sense of wanting to realise this for yourself.
However, between trying to decipher the moments of reality and fantasy, there are chilling instances where you question the elements of mental instability that arise, especially surrounding certain haunting and unsettling moments with Harkin. Yet also twisting into the fabric of the story, there are elements of love, sex, bitterness and betrayal that seem only too natural in human behaviour. Furthermore, it appears that contrast plays a large role in the novel too, clearly through the distinguishing boundary of reality and fantasy but also between Nick struggling with himself, the characters’ personalities and crucially, between the past and the present.
Right until the very end the novel has the reader hooked, determined to solve the intertwining mysteries and because of this Acaster has successfully gripped the reader until the climatic end. However, what’s in store is not what you expect, ending with a twisting, tragic turn of events.
Francesca Fulton
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