Drama · novel · ongoing
What the Light Keeps
Six days before a severe storm reaches Mereward, lighthouse keeper Mara Venn begins receiving letters written exactly one day ahead. Every distinct warning she understands permanently removes an autobiographical memory. At first the letters help her protect the island. Then their instructions begin directing people toward a harbour shelter whose structural damage has been concealed—and Mara must determine who is writing tomorrow before she forgets why she distrusts them.
Chapters
Meet the characters
Mara Vennresident keeper at Rill Point. Exacting, quietly funny and generous with practical help.
resident keeper at Rill Point. Exacting, quietly funny and generous with practical help.
Nell VennMara’s adult daughter and the cast’s strongest defender of an unwritten future. Observant, impatient with sentimentality, capable of being cruelly accurate when hurt.
Mara’s adult daughter and the cast’s strongest defender of an unwritten future. Observant, impatient with sentimentality, capable of being cruelly accurate when hurt.
Tomas VennMara’s estranged husband; rescue-boat skipper and practical counterweight to prophecy. Sociable, methodical at sea and evasive in domestic conflict.
Mara’s estranged husband; rescue-boat skipper and practical counterweight to prophecy. Sociable, methodical at sea and evasive in domestic conflict.
Ivo SayeAssistant keeper, investigative ally and credible challenger to Mara’s continued authority. Patient with equipment, impatient with mystique.
Assistant keeper, investigative ally and credible challenger to Mara’s continued authority. Patient with equipment, impatient with mystique.
Ada Ruskchair of the harbour trust Persuasive, energetic and intolerant of helplessness.
chair of the harbour trust Persuasive, energetic and intolerant of helplessness.
Ruth AnselRetired keeper, keeper of the station’s private archive and morally compromised guide. Hospitable without being comforting.
Retired keeper, keeper of the station’s private archive and morally compromised guide. Hospitable without being comforting.