Contrast

by Linda Coussement

When mysterious circles, one of wildflowers and one of concrete, suddenly appear in two gardens separated by an imposing wall, a series of events is set into motion that will change the lives of everyone involved.

Ghost wakes to find that he is, in fact, dead, and has many more questions than answers. Why is he still here? Where else is he supposed to be? How is he supposed to get there?

Without a physical body, Ghost can no longer find comfort in the pleasures that helped him get by in life and is forced to search for the truth about his past and his present. He enlists the help of Leora and Xander, the neighbors who now live on the land that once belonged to him. As memories of Ghost’s haunted past return, all three of them face existential turmoil that challenges their sense of self. Storms rage outside in the gardens and inside their own hearts. Leora, buckling under depression and grief, finds an unexpected friend in Xander, who doubts if he’s ever really lived at all.

While Ghost dives deeper into his traumatic history filled with love and loss, the storms worsen and the wall grows higher until only one question remains for each one to answer: Do I have the courage to face what I fear most in order to find meaning in both life and death?

Genres: Fiction

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 6, 2024

About the author

Linda Coussement has been exploring meaning and purpose for many years by intertwining an 18+ year-long career in business consulting with travel, teaching yoga, cofounding a sustainability start-up, photography, and studying the metaphysical concept of meaningful relations. The latter included a yearlong journey across Europe to ask over a hundred people “How is it to be you?”

From her home in the Netherlands, she helps people around the world live their uniquely meaningful lives while writing fiction and creating photography portraits that ignite self-reflection and understanding.

Check out her website (www.lindacoussement.com) for more information and a free 'Meaningful Conversation Guide'.

Reviews

[Sofia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loss of connection and finding it again..............

People are different, but yet some things are the same, the basic needs for love, connection, affirmation, and warmth are the same. Maybe the outward expressions are different, but the core remains the same.

Coussement surrounds her story with nature, it's beauty and how we can lose this beauty if the wall we erect around us is too high, too thick, too cold. The walls we create when we feel hurt can help us in the moment, but if we keep them there long term, then we lose out on that connection that we crave. These walls cut us off from the world around us, and we do need this world to flourish and continue.


An ARC kindly provided by author/publisher via Netgalley

[Phill · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It is pain. It is fear. It is love. It is something no other than the self can resolve for this is what it means to be alive.”

“Contrast” takes readers on a captivating journey, initially drawing them into a curious world filled with talking animals and lighthearted banter. However, as the narrative unfolds, it reveals deeper layers, seamlessly blending elements of darkness and light.

At its core, the book is a heartfelt exploration of life’s complexities, gently nudging readers to confront the emotions and truths we often shy away from, like grief and self-awareness. It encourages introspection, highlighting the importance of fully processing our feelings and experiences.

One of the book’s most powerful themes is its portrayal of the unseen struggles individuals face. It serves as a reminder that behind every facade lies a complex inner world, urging readers to approach others with empathy and grace.

Moreover, “Contrast” delves into the reluctance many feel in seeking help from those who care about them, out of fear of burdening others. It encourages readers to find courage in their moments of vulnerability, embracing the support and assistance offered by loved ones.

In essence, “Contrast” isn’t just a captivating story; it’s a journey through the human experience, urging us to navigate life with empathy and grace, while confronting our inner demons instead of letting them consume us.

*ARC provided by author, but I purchased a physical copy to read*

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contrast is a delightful book to read. I could truly envision the garden where everything unfolds. The author's descriptions, with a focus on nature, are exquisite. As a reader, you float between the world of Ghost and the real world. What actually happens in each world? But most important is that that the author has a message for us: confront your fears to come out better.

It is a book worth reading!


I got a free copy of the author to write an honest review

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The symbolism of the wall is very powerful. It reminds the reader that the feelings we hold inside don't only impact us but those around us well.

[Virgil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!

If you want a book about war, loss, grief, existential dread and the fear of stagnation Contrast by Linda Coussement is the book for it. With beautiful fairy tale-esque prose Contrast is a whimsical exploration of two neighbours whose lives are extraordinarily different, and the ghost that haunts them both. With talking animals, beautiful settings and magical descriptions of nature Contrast was an enjoyable and whimsical story that underlined the concepts of love and grief. This book truly asks the question- what is grief if not love persevering?

Despite my enjoyment of Coussement's writing style, the dialogue felt jarring and unnatural and often posed with the intention of sounding philosophical. This fell short for me, however, and instead came off as superficial. There were also several times where I felt the book leant a little too hard on the telling aspect rather than the showing. Despite this, I ultimately rated Contrast 3/5 stars as it was a whimsical, quick read that I absorbed in less than a day.

[Hugo Valk · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Contrast' is the debut novel of Linda Coussement. As stated in the description, the book is about 'Do I have the courage to face what I fear most in order to find meaning in both life and death?'. Coussement shows various forms of this existential turmoil in how Ghost, Leora and Xander are coping with it.

Without giving away too many spoilers, the book brings up a main question: What does it mean to live a good/meaningful life? Which is approached from ones own viewpoint in contrast of the viewpoint of someone else. Hint: your own view is not necessarily the most objective view. This question confronts you on a personal level (for me at least, as I recognize myself in the main characters). But all of this is a way to face your own fears.

I found the book has a 'good reading flow'. The storyline reminds me a bit of Murakami Haruki, where the physical 'real' world interacts with a metaphysical(?) alternative existence (the afterlife) in order to amplify the existential questions. Also animals play a role. There are many layers (Contrasts) in the book, and I'm pretty sure I haven't spotted all of them.

Although I'm in no way qualified to give an objective literary review, I do think that this book is worth being read.

On behalf of full transparency, I did receive a copy of this book from the author to provide an honest review.

[Books Amongst Friends · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be direct, I think I would’ve enjoyed this more as a short story.

MY THOUGHTS💭: The book itself is not that long, and yet, I found myself saying “let’s get to the point”. Coussement’s writing is both ethereal and transportive. She manages to place you in the light and softness of the world that surrounds our characters, while still creating a haunting and evocative past that our characters must release. The contrast exists perfectly in the balance of light & dark, forgiveness & regret, and grief & love. Though beautifully written, I ultimately felt this book touched the surface of its themes and the reveal of Ghost’s scars didn’t match the build up. I would’ve also loved to have read more about his relationship with Marianne instead of the way it was casually dropped into the story.

The book through most parts is metaphorical. A block of stone that won’t move, but you must learn to exist with, or see the light through within your already beautiful garden that is your life. The holes formed in a wall built of despair by your own method of self preservation as you discover what it means to live, and not just survive. Ghost himself being a representation to our other characters of what lies ahead if you leave this world unresolved.

Overall this read is a lighthearted, eccentric, and complex journey into existentialism. Where does our humanity start? Where does it end? What is the meaning of life? Does Death come for you or wait for you? I know there will be many people who will enjoy this and reflect.

Thank you @Netgalley for a copy of this read.
222pgs
Fiction

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

“How far should you let suffering dominate your life, so much so that you become submissive to it? She wondered. It dawned on her that her endless fighting was resisting the suffering, though. It was not accepting its existence. It was the futile attempt of countering it instead of allowing it to have its place in life. In her life. Perhaps it is just that suffering as something to be merely accepted."

Contrast is a vivid and deeply human story exploring themes of love, purpose, and grief. The author uses elegant poetic language to convey these deep themes and give readers the chance to feel and think while also maintaining a healthy level of human. Contrast is a story that will stick with me for a while and is on a good path to be my favorite read of the year.

[Aike Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Contrast: A Vivid Tale of Overcoming Fears Between Two Worlds

"Contrast" offers a captivating reading experience. The vivid depictions of the garden setting are so vivid, I could easily picture it. The way the author beautifully portrays nature enhances the narrative. As a reader, you are seamlessly transported between the ethereal realm of Ghost and the tangible reality. The intriguing aspect lies in what transpires within these worlds. However, the core essence of the novel is the author's underlying message: facing your fears is a pathway to improvement.

Definitely, a book that deserves to be read!

[peachykeen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book wasn’t my speed as far as content and perspective but still well written.
Following the multiple POV’s from non-traditional characters was interesting.

[Susie Helme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ghost wakes up to a beautiful morning and looks around for someone with whom to converse. Rabbit, Cat and Frog are discussing some mysterious new object in the garden, a round, flat circle of concrete. Leora walks out, speaking to her friend Dana on the phone, and notices the object, too.
Her neighbour Xander notices that a strange circular patch of flowers has replaced his prized Japanese maple. The concrete and flower circles have a psychological effect on their viewers. There is something malevolent about the wall between the gardens.
Ghost—named during life Adam—goes back through his life in the Resistance during the Nazi occupation to figure out where he went wrong. Ghost and Leora discuss the meaning of life. Xander believes it’s all about ‘staying away from the heavy’.
Ghost’s memories of life have a hazy, dream-like quality. Nothing seems solid and real, provoking the reader to think deeply about the same existential questions. Perhaps the two gardens symbolise purgatory, where Leora and Xander, also, are stuck because they’re dead inside, and the wall represents their barriers to self-actualisation.
We get no sense of a Creator god. The dead and the living bump around, coming to some conclusions, but nothing earth-shattering.
We spend a few too many early chapters wondering at the strangeness of the world, and by the half-way mark, we still haven’t figured it out. As the reader is also trying to work it out, this leaves an uncomfortable feeling. While Ghost and Leora and Xander work out the rules to this world where ghosts can manifest and walls can be malevolent and circles of concrete and flowers can appear overnight and you can converse with disembodied voices, there could have been some impending consequence, some ticking timebomb necessitating that they solve the puzzle quickly. Or, there could have been a bit more action or relationship conflict to make it more interesting.
A world where already-dead ghosts help the still-living humans work out the answers to ‘life, the universe and everything’ is an interesting one. I liked how it was mostly Ghost asking the questions, not the living. Unsurprisingly (as they are bogus), mediums who purport to translate across the boundary have never been able to procure for us solid answers.

[Avira N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Coussement’s poignant novel, three people struggle with the demons of their past and the uncertainty of their present. The appearance of mysterious circles in gardens separated by a wall changes the lives of everyone involved. Ghost wakes up confused and realizes that he is dead. He seeks answers about his past and enlists the help of neighbors Leora and Xander. As the pieces of Ghost’s past begin to fall into place, they all face existential crises as they confront their fears and grapple with issues of life and death.

Coussement’s characters grow tenderly on the page as she examines the minutiae of their everyday lives. Ghost is a compelling narrator whose well-earned moments of self-discovery bring life to the narrative. Coussement’s writing talents are obvious in the way she creates a balance between Ghost’s uncertainty and turmoil, while also adding some humor and excitement to the narrative. Leora and Xander both feel realistic in their individual first-person accounts, allowing readers to become lost in their lives and root for them. Coussement has created a world that leaves behind a deep and lasting impression.

Comparisons that might feel clumsy elsewhere are used by Coussement with grace, combining life, death, guilt, and redemption into something even bigger. The events that happened to Ghost hang in the air until they are all tied together at theending. Told in Ghost, Leora, and Xander’s alternating voices, the book explores trauma, pain, grief, what it means to live a meaningful life, and how healing takes courage.

A beautiful story that excels in its realistic portrait of the meaning of life.

[Isaac L · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot of this debut novel, which has some of the gentle supernaturalism of Haunting of Bly Manor, is mainly about each character’s inner journey. “If I’m not even moving on in life, how could I in death?” It definitely has the slow pace of a European or Japanese arthouse film; there are times I even felt the camera’s eye dwell on a scene. Some tender, absurd, wistful moments in the spirit of a Bergman or Fellini film. Well-suited to a reader who is ready to take some time to stare “at the insane beauty before them and question the insanity within them.” I was given a free copy of this novel in return for an honest review.

[Amrit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Contrast is a fun and captivating read that surprised me with its emotional depth. The 3 main characters - and especially ‘Ghost’ - are relatable and their interweaving stories and conflicts drew me in completely. The overall plot explores the complexities of life with a raw honesty that resonated with me. Though funny at times, it's not always a lighthearted read, the characters’ search for meaning and the ultimate resolution definitely left a lasting impression. It made me think of books by Coelho and Marquez. The book made me reflect on my own life journey. Highly recommended!

[Fi · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was a real page-turner!
The characters were immediately intriguing. I quickly got attached and just had to know what was happening in their respective lives. The author really knows how to keep a layer of mystery and allows for the reader's imagination to go in all directions.
She touches on the topics of mental health, grief, and the search for purpose in a very real and personal way, which felt impactful but not heavy.
A very nice read altogether!

[Janice Nealy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book about a man who really has to 'go through it' and does so with friends and a magical garden by his side. It's relatable and sweet while also profound and meaningful. I had a great time reading this book.

[reader of bookage · Rating 2 out of 5]

finally read this book after having it out from the library since october and wow did it not pay off. flimsy and horribly written with basically no actual exploration of the premise. Very very obvious and uninteresting..... But it's a book that I read!!

[archana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful read, you read this floating in and out of themes you’ve never sat alone with, before. A perfect october pick, really. I enjoyed it deeply!

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the books I have chosen randomly this month have felt so relevant and timely for not only me personally but the current state of the world. This was just lovely.