- Book Title: Iago’s Penumbra
- Author: Rose Guildenstern
- Publisher: REDFeather
- RRP: £15.66 (Amazon UK) / $16.99 (Barnes & Noble US)
- ISBN: 978-0-7643-6632-1
- Date of publication: 2023
- Country of origin: United States
- Reviewer: Beth Rees (@neurodivergenttarot on Instagram)
Rose Guildenstern is an award-winning scholar, author, and ‘armchair philosopher’ who writes ‘fiction that doesn’t sit still’ and ‘stories that don’t just entertain – they unsettle’. She’s also published decks under the name of Juno Lucina such as the ‘Frame This Oracle’, ‘The Healing Tarot‘ and ‘The Kingdom Within Tarot’ – promising a journey of spiritual exploration that ‘won’t lie to you’. Rose’s debut novel, Iago’s Penumbra, has received glowing recognition, and has won the IPPY Awards Gold for Visionary/New Age Fiction and the COVR Awards Silver for Visionary Fiction. She says the fiction she writes ‘won’t let you off easy’ and makes you think, which is definitely the case with this novel.
Iago’s Penumbra is a metaphysical novel that blends elements of the paranormal, philosophical and physical together to explore the prospect of the afterlife, using the works of William Shakespeare. Rose sets this out from the get-go with the title ‘Iago’s Penumbra’ (Iago referring to the main antagonist from Othello and ‘Penumbra’ meaning a ‘space of partial illumination between the perfect shadow on all sides and the full light’). The story follows the existence of Vee, a ghost observing the living world from her place in limbo, and her chance meeting with reluctant clairvoyant Val, who is haunted by spirits. This immediate and blossoming romance unfolds all while the demon Iago takes over the bodies of their friends (Julie and Peter), seeking to create a bridge between heaven and hell to escape a cursed existence.
This is the first time I’ve read a metaphysical novel that weaves in so many different areas of knowledge. Inventive narrative, comical moments and the reality of human relationships. The story of Vee and Val reminds me of the saying, ‘love at first sight’, as it’s within the first few chapters that they proclaim their love for one another. Although their romance was lovely, I was much more interested in the dynamic between Julie, Peter and the creature, Iago. There was a good deal of tension around this situation which the author continued to build nicely throughout the novel. The narrative was so inventive and mystical, and I loved the depth of emotion evoked, especially the sense of longing between Vee and Val. It really makes you reflect, and provokes a sense of gratitude for the relationships the reader may have in their life.
However, there were a few points where I got a bit confused. One of those was related to whose body Iago was inhabiting at any given time, as the demon tended to hop around a bit. The change in narration and tone of voice helped with this, but I found myself needing to pay close attention to catch the shifts. I also think Vee and Val’s meeting could’ve been expanded on a little bit more before they finally ‘get together’ or shared their love for one another.
I really enjoyed the vivid descriptions of characters and places making me feel like I was immersed in that world. For example, ‘Hushed, we watched as five people swathed in black robes moved with purpose on the dim stage before us. Their faces veiled in darkness…’ There was always an eeriness in the descriptions and a good distinction between light and dark.
The only thing missing was a proper sense of time and place. There were few references to modern day objects, places or events to situate the story. I assumed it was modern-day as Vee mentions iPads, hospital machines and movies, but a more coherent sense of setting would’ve clarified this.
Overall, I was fully invested in the story and characters and loved the supernatural within the story. I also liked the weaving of Shakespeare quotes and references throughout and thought it was cleverly done. I feel like I’ve learnt more Shakespeare from reading this!
If you’re looking for a creative, innovative and original novel that combines romance with a ghost story and prompts you to examine human existence from a different perspective, Iago’s Penumbra is the book for you.
To find out more about Rose and Juno’s works, visit: https://www.roseandjuno.com
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