Taut, narrowly focused ... While Bright I Burn attempts to do justice to the historical Alice, Aitken shrinks from confronting the real human cost of accusations of witchcraft ... There’s a moment in Bright I Burn when the novel seems to exhibit a glimmer of self-awareness.
There is much lyrical description of nature, herbs, flowers and scents. Alice is sensitive to her surroundings, and Aitken’s lusciously poetic style reflects this perfectly, in prose that is rhythmical and often mesmerising ... It’s an imaginative, very stylishly written, and entertaining book.
While folks looking for a more historically expansive narrative may find Bright I Burn to be too interior, the author’s prowess in character building helps bring Alice’s story to life. Aitken instills a complex and heartbreaking grit in Alice which is both moving and painful to witness.
