The Lightness

Dive into the mesmerizing world of Emily Temple's *The Lightness*, a captivating blend of coming-of-age drama, suspenseful mystery, and literary exploration of desire, grief, and the search for meaning. This critically acclaimed novel, published in 2021 by The Borough Press, has garnered praise for its sharp wit, lyrical prose, and thought-provoking themes, drawing comparisons to Donna Tartt's *The Secret History* and Tana French's intricate thrillers. *The Lightness* centers on Olivia, a young woman grappling with the sudden and unexplained disappearance of her father, a man she deeply admired, who vanished during a meditation retreat in the mountains. Haunted by his absence and desperate for answers, Olivia embarks on a journey to retrace his steps, leading her to the enigmatic Levitation Center. This unconventional retreat, billing itself as a "Buddhist Boot Camp for Bad Girls," promises troubled teens a path to self-discovery and, quite literally, lightness. Olivia finds herself drawn into a tight-knit circle of three other girls, each harboring their own secrets and desires. Together, they become consumed by the pursuit of levitation, viewing it as a means to transcend their physical and emotional burdens. As they delve deeper into the Center's teachings and experiment with increasingly dangerous practices, the lines between enlightenment and obsession blur. Temple masterfully crafts an atmosphere of mounting tension, where desire and danger intertwine. Olivia's quest to uncover the truth about her father's disappearance intertwines with her growing attraction to one of the other girls, creating a complex web of relationships and hidden agendas. The reader is left to question the true motives of those around her and the potential consequences of their pursuit of the ethereal. *The Lightness* explores profound themes of grief, identity, and the power of female friendship. Temple's evocative prose paints a vivid picture of the characters' inner lives, their struggles with body image, societal expectations, and the yearning for acceptance. The novel's exploration of Buddhist principles adds another layer of depth, prompting readers to consider the nature of mindfulness, self-control, and the search for inner peace. More than just a suspenseful thriller, *The Lightness* is a beautifully written meditation on the complexities of the human condition. It's a story that will linger in your mind long after you turn the final page, prompting reflection on the weight we carry and the potential for lightness we all possess. Perfect for readers who enjoy literary fiction with a dark edge, coming-of-age stories with a twist, and mysteries that delve into the psychological depths of their characters. With echoes of classic fairytales and a distinctly modern sensibility, *The Lightness* establishes Emily Temple as a fresh and exciting voice in contemporary literature. Its 300 pages invite readers to uncover the secrets hidden within the Levitation Center and contemplate the true meaning of lightness.