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Broken Light
An ancient stained-glass window . . . A medieval manuscript rediscovered after centuries hidden away . . .
It is November 1996. Adam stands bathed in the window’s fractured radiance where Alwin, a novice monk, had stood 1,400 years before him.
As his own world unravels, Adam finds himself inexplicably but irresistibly drawn to the enigmatic Lucy. Does she hold the key to the mystery—and the courage to embrace where it will lead? Alwin must also test the affections of his heart as he accompanies his Abbot, Benedict Biscop, on the perilous journey from seventh-century Jarrow to Rome.
Though separated by over a millennium, their stories become strangely intertwined through the words they share. From the broken but beautiful fragments of art and life, can they begin to piece together the truth that will set them free?
Drawing on the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of North East England, Broken Light is a powerful story of the timeless search for meaning, hope and love, set against the sea-haunted backdrop of Northumbria.
It is November 1996. Adam stands bathed in the window’s fractured radiance where Alwin, a novice monk, had stood 1,400 years before him.
As his own world unravels, Adam finds himself inexplicably but irresistibly drawn to the enigmatic Lucy. Does she hold the key to the mystery—and the courage to embrace where it will lead? Alwin must also test the affections of his heart as he accompanies his Abbot, Benedict Biscop, on the perilous journey from seventh-century Jarrow to Rome.
Though separated by over a millennium, their stories become strangely intertwined through the words they share. From the broken but beautiful fragments of art and life, can they begin to piece together the truth that will set them free?
Drawing on the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of North East England, Broken Light is a powerful story of the timeless search for meaning, hope and love, set against the sea-haunted backdrop of Northumbria.
282 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2024
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 23, 2024
Broken Light is an intriguing novel set in the north of England. It weaves together the quests of the two main protagonists: Adam, a broken Durham University lecturer in the late twentieth century, and Alwin, a novice monk in the mid seventh century as they both search for self-understanding in their lives.
The link between the two narratives is a Middle English manuscript which Adam is translating into modern English, and which recounts the much earlier journey undertaken by Alwin and his superior, Abbot Benedict Biscop, in search of treasures for their monastery at Monkwearmouth-Jarrow.
Broken Light is also a romance between Adam and his departmental secretary Lucy, which grows during the course of the novel, notwithstanding the initial antipathy of both parties.
Adam’s story is told in prose; Alwin’s in alliterative verse and as Adam’s translation progresses and the two tales converge both men come to discover the spiritual meaning of life which they are searching for.
The link between the two narratives is a Middle English manuscript which Adam is translating into modern English, and which recounts the much earlier journey undertaken by Alwin and his superior, Abbot Benedict Biscop, in search of treasures for their monastery at Monkwearmouth-Jarrow.
Broken Light is also a romance between Adam and his departmental secretary Lucy, which grows during the course of the novel, notwithstanding the initial antipathy of both parties.
Adam’s story is told in prose; Alwin’s in alliterative verse and as Adam’s translation progresses and the two tales converge both men come to discover the spiritual meaning of life which they are searching for.
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September 1, 2024In this debut novel, Jennifer Denning manages the not inconsiderable feat of multiple interlacements of a psychological page-turner with a deeply thought-out exploration of Christian faith and what exactly it means; of two different eras – the approximate present and the seventh century; and of poetry and narrative.
Will the hero Adam meet the sticky end at first sight he probably deserves or will he find love (and faith?) with Lucy, having successfully resisted superficially tempting encounters with Regan? What will he conclude finally, if anything, from the work he’s translating? And who is the old man who pops up almost at the end?
Denning also captures the louche atmosphere of university English departments very well, with frisky lecturers circling impressionable undergrads like spy drones; all the more dangerous because of their classy patter and general déformation professionnelle.
And anyone who has ever been struck by the beauty of the North-East of England should read this book. For once the blurb is right: Broken Light is a ‘powerful story of the timeless search for meaning, hope and love set against the sea-haunted backdrop of Northumbria.’
AW
Will the hero Adam meet the sticky end at first sight he probably deserves or will he find love (and faith?) with Lucy, having successfully resisted superficially tempting encounters with Regan? What will he conclude finally, if anything, from the work he’s translating? And who is the old man who pops up almost at the end?
Denning also captures the louche atmosphere of university English departments very well, with frisky lecturers circling impressionable undergrads like spy drones; all the more dangerous because of their classy patter and general déformation professionnelle.
And anyone who has ever been struck by the beauty of the North-East of England should read this book. For once the blurb is right: Broken Light is a ‘powerful story of the timeless search for meaning, hope and love set against the sea-haunted backdrop of Northumbria.’
AW
September 4, 2024
Jennifer Denning’s Broken Light is a unique and poetic novel. Steeped in the history, literature, theology and landscape of the North-East, it cleverly weaves together two tales, one in poetry and the other in prose. Following a personal crisis, English literature professor Adam is forced to face his demons and sent on a quest for meaning and love that leads him to uncover unexpected truths. In parallel, seventh-century monk Alwin embarks on his own adventure and spiritual journey across Europe, narrated in the medieval poem that Adam translates. The two narratives mirror and intertwine beautifully, as the two protagonists struggle with similar questions across the centuries that divide them. Rich with poetic writing and thought-provoking insight, Broken Light is a compelling read.
October 30, 2024
Once I got a few chapters into the book, I felt I couldn't stop reading it. The imaginative use of poetry brought variety and lent a lyrical touch to the whole book. The interplay between historical characters and modern day fictional ones was very clever and made me want to find out more about the history of the Christian monks in the North East of England.
I was particularly moved by the ideas that sprung up throughout the novel. They showed insight and a passion for truth, demanding the reader to think in turn too. The author's love and knowledge of British literature seeped through the story and enriched it. It's great for those who love the old classics.
I highly recommend this book.
I was particularly moved by the ideas that sprung up throughout the novel. They showed insight and a passion for truth, demanding the reader to think in turn too. The author's love and knowledge of British literature seeped through the story and enriched it. It's great for those who love the old classics.
I highly recommend this book.
December 10, 2025
‘Beauty is truth, truth beauty’. Broken Light explores the theme of broken people in broken relationships where past lives parallel present realities and where healing is possible in the light of even deeper truths. Beautifully and sensitively written, where realism is in no way sacrificed to artistry, this novel should not leave you unmoved and may even lead you into a deeper understanding of the relationship between beauty and truth. This is the best contemporary novel that I have come across in a long time, and it deserves to be very widely read.
August 13, 2024
Broken Light is not a book I would normally read, however I found it fascinating. The prose and poems compliment each other, at the same time paralleling the troubles facing the two men, one contemporary, one from the 700’s.
August 19, 2024
What a beautiful and unusual book! I wish I was better at appreciating poetry. I thought I might be put off by the sections of alliterative poetry but they were so accessible and so beautiful. Beautiful poetry and gritty narrative marry in this story of redemption in a fascinating exploration of what it means to be human.
December 27, 2024
A unique and interesting idea for a novel, weaving two stories together from different periods of history using both poetry and prose. This novel was unlike anything I had ever read before and was well worth investing the time taken to read it. This book would appeal particularly to those with an interest in history, Christianity and English literature.
The author's exploration of Adam's questions, struggles with life, and growing faith were thoughtfully developed and cleverly interwoven with the story of Alwin's journey, told in beautifully written poetry. The characters of Lucy and Adam were three dimensional and I was keen to read their love story and discover where the relationship would lead, and where Adam would end up spiritually.
I particularly appreciated the artistic imagery the author explored in the book.
The writing requires some intellectual work to understand at times and is not a book you can rush through without much thought, but that is what makes it a worthy and enjoyable read.
The author's exploration of Adam's questions, struggles with life, and growing faith were thoughtfully developed and cleverly interwoven with the story of Alwin's journey, told in beautifully written poetry. The characters of Lucy and Adam were three dimensional and I was keen to read their love story and discover where the relationship would lead, and where Adam would end up spiritually.
I particularly appreciated the artistic imagery the author explored in the book.
The writing requires some intellectual work to understand at times and is not a book you can rush through without much thought, but that is what makes it a worthy and enjoyable read.
September 27, 2024
I loved the idea of a dual timeline book with golden age Northumbria and modern Durham but the execution was patchy. There were bits I loved and bits I really didn’t as they just felt a bit much.
I understand why the older timeline was written in verse and it did work but it also made it harder reading. I also found it a bit confusing that the modern bit was 25 years ago - I presume that was so that Lucy could have grown up during the miners’ strike.
I wanted to love this book but ended up with very mixed feelings.
I understand why the older timeline was written in verse and it did work but it also made it harder reading. I also found it a bit confusing that the modern bit was 25 years ago - I presume that was so that Lucy could have grown up during the miners’ strike.
I wanted to love this book but ended up with very mixed feelings.
September 6, 2024
Very atmospheric with beautiful descriptions, very evocative of its settings especially the north eastern coast. Compelling characters, conversations can be hard to follow at some points, but most is easy to read and the harder parts are worth it for the jewels of ideas found in them.
September 2, 2025
Fragments of Faith: Light, Loss, and Redemption in J.K. Denning’s Broken Light
J.K. Denning’s Broken Light is a luminous novel that braids together two timelines—Durham in 1996 and a 7th-century monastic journey—through the motif of a fractured stained-glass window. The story follows Adam, a literature lecturer whose life unravels as he becomes obsessed with a broken medieval pane, and Alwin, a novice monk traveling with Benedict Biscop from Jarrow to Rome. Denning’s blend of prose and alliterative verse is masterfully interwoven and captures the spirit of Northumbria’s coast and its medieval spiritual heritage, while themes of loss, faith, and meaning shimmer through the novel like light through broken glass. Her background in English literature and teaching in Durham lends the work a grounded authenticity that balances lyrical atmosphere with emotional depth.
At its core, the novel is a meditation on Christianity and faith—how belief is tested, fractured, and remade across centuries. Adam’s search for purpose echoes Alwin’s spiritual journey, showing that questions of devotion, redemption, and divine light remain timeless. The connection to the North East’s glassmaking heritage enriches this symbolism: early monasteries once imported craftsmen to fill their sacred spaces with stained glass, a metaphor for the way faith refracts through human imperfection. The broken window becomes both symbol and anchor—showing how shattered fragments, whether of glass, history, or the human spirit, can still radiate beauty and truth. For readers drawn to layered narratives steeped in history, spirituality, and Christian allegory, Broken Light offers a contemplative and deeply rewarding experience.
J.K. Denning’s Broken Light is a luminous novel that braids together two timelines—Durham in 1996 and a 7th-century monastic journey—through the motif of a fractured stained-glass window. The story follows Adam, a literature lecturer whose life unravels as he becomes obsessed with a broken medieval pane, and Alwin, a novice monk traveling with Benedict Biscop from Jarrow to Rome. Denning’s blend of prose and alliterative verse is masterfully interwoven and captures the spirit of Northumbria’s coast and its medieval spiritual heritage, while themes of loss, faith, and meaning shimmer through the novel like light through broken glass. Her background in English literature and teaching in Durham lends the work a grounded authenticity that balances lyrical atmosphere with emotional depth.
At its core, the novel is a meditation on Christianity and faith—how belief is tested, fractured, and remade across centuries. Adam’s search for purpose echoes Alwin’s spiritual journey, showing that questions of devotion, redemption, and divine light remain timeless. The connection to the North East’s glassmaking heritage enriches this symbolism: early monasteries once imported craftsmen to fill their sacred spaces with stained glass, a metaphor for the way faith refracts through human imperfection. The broken window becomes both symbol and anchor—showing how shattered fragments, whether of glass, history, or the human spirit, can still radiate beauty and truth. For readers drawn to layered narratives steeped in history, spirituality, and Christian allegory, Broken Light offers a contemplative and deeply rewarding experience.
May 2, 2025
Broken Light is a wonderful title for this novel that is a clever mix of poetry and prose. J.K. Denning explores philosophical questions with great insight, and the reader is taken on an interesting journey that spans two completely different centuries. As I don’t usually read intellectual novels, I found my focus wavering a little at times, but I’ve given it a 5-star rating because I'm sure that those who enjoy more literary writing will be engrossed in the book. My favourite part was the emerging love story between Adam and Lucy, and I could easily visualise the N.E. coast from the author's beautiful descriptions.
August 14, 2024
I love reading both poetry and fiction, but I have to admit, when it comes to poetry within a novel, I usually just skip over it to get on with the real story... However, in Broken Light I found myself lingering over the beautiful alliterative verse sections, enjoying both the language and the story it was telling. While there is a strong romance narrative throughout this book, I found it to be also a love letter to English Literature, and the North East of England. Having lived and worked in Durham, I loved all these local details. A thought provoking read.
August 15, 2024
A very unusual book, I have never read anything like it but this makes it even more worth reading. It is written in a way that makes the seasons and surroundings come alive. When reading, you are intimately connected to each character and experience their times of waiting as well as their excitement and the changes in their lives. If you enjoy a more philosophical book with a slight dark academia vibe, this book is for you.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews