The Shock of the Light
Hardback Published on: 12/02/2026
Price: £18.99
Bookseller Reviews
View all
An Exquisite Journey Full of Heart!
A tender and extremely moving debut about two loving twins separated by the horrors of war and their respective journeys to survive, find each other and sa... READ MORE
An emotionally compelling and heartbreaking story of secrets and revelations
The Shock of the Light tells the story of twin siblings separated by war, with Theo joining the RAF and Tessa being recruited by the SOE. Only Theo makes i... READ MORE
A beautiful book filled with bravery
A beautiful book with which to start the year, and one which is bound to be talked about on its publication in February. Anyone who enjoys stories set duri... READ MORE
Absolutely Breathtaking
My first book of the year and what a wonderful start. Twins Tessa and Theo who have always been inseparable are split apart by the war. Tessa to France wit... READ MORE
Hauntingly beautiful, meticulously crafted and deeply moving.
Set during World War 2, twins Theo and Tessa both take up military roles, Theo as an RAF pilot and Tessa in the secretive Special Operations Executive behi... READ MORE
Stunning
This a simply unputdownable.
I don’t feel I need to write anything more than please read it and you’ll understand.
Tessa and Theo
"The Shock of the Light" is a heart-wrenching, historical beauty of a debut novel. Following Tessa in the first half and then her twin brother, Theo, in th... READ MORE
A powerful, deeply human novel!
What a magnificent debut ?? This book navigates the lives of twins, Tessa and Theo, before and after war tore them apart. Theo experiences life in the RAF ... READ MORE
A very accomplished and nuanced debut
This novel is a superb achievement for a debut; at once accomplished and nuanced, with twists and stylistic changes aplenty to keep you guessing where the ... READ MORE
Beautiful and absorbing historical fiction
The Shock of the Light ticked so many boxes for me – gripping historical fiction taking place mainly in WWII, with mystery and emotion woven through multip... READ MORE
Fabulous, touching and thrilling
I was completely hooked from the start. It felt contemporary even though it is historical fiction. It combined family saga, sibling love and rivalry and th... READ MORE
Accomplished Debut
An accomplished debut by a talented writer indeed! It is evident Lori Inglis Hall has carried out meticulously research in order to bring ‘another lesser t... READ MORE
I Adored Tessa & Needed To Know What Happened. Can't Believe This Is A Debut I Was So Obsessed. One Of My Top Books Of The Year. Love Love Loved It.
I rarely find myself loving a particular character in a novel but Tessa really has a lot of gumption & sass. I had to know what happened next.
Her twin... READ MORE
Synopsis
A dazzling literary achievement that brings to life the shattering emotional impact of World War Two on ordinary people
Cambridge, 1942
Twins Tessa and Theo had always shared everything – until the summer Tessa spent studying in France. She hasn’t been the same since. But before Theo can find out why, he is recruited by the RAF and disappears into the skies.
Determined to carve her own path, Tessa joins the clandestine Special Operations Executive, slipping into the shadows of occupied France. It will be dangerous work, but France is the home of her greatest love – and her darkest secret. Tessa has many reasons for wanting to return.
Two years later, only one of them comes home.
A dazzling literary achievement that brings to life the shattering emotional impact of World War Two on ordinary people, The Shock of the Light is as exhilarating as it is heartbreaking.
Publisher information
- Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
- ISBN: 9780008701314
- Number of pages: 432
- Dimensions: 240 x 159 x 40 mm
- Weight: 640g
- Languages: English
Customer Reviews
View allWomen behind enemy lines
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars.
Structured in four parts 'The Shock of the Light' centres around the impact of WW2 on British twins: Tessa and Theo.
... READ MORE
Absorbing, sad story
This was an absorbing story, based around the French resistance during WW2 and the involvement of the British. It was a very sad story in many ways, with p... READ MORE
Just incredible
This is such a powerful, haunting and perfectly-crafted read it's already a contender for one of my books of the year. Shining a critical light on just one... READ MORE
You need to read this book
It’s one of those rare books that I know will stay with me always. The story is gripping and exquisite and the characters feel like fully formed friends. I... READ MORE
A Heartbreaking Masterpiece of Historical Fiction
Please, read this book. It’s a fantastic, emotionally moving, and deeply researched novel. I’m very impressed and would recommend it to anyone looking for ... READ MORE
Search for lost twin
As children, twins Tessa and Theo were inseparable. As young adults Theo stayed at home and studied law, for a career at the bar while Tessa went to the s... READ MORE
A Gripping Read
I was asked to review this book by NetGalley and so glad I did.
I have an interest in second World War history, at half term I visited the National Moto... READ MORE
Absolutely brilliant!
Review of book thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins.
What an incredible story! I haven’t been able to put this book down for the last few days.
This ... READ MORE
Please read; you will not be disappointed.
This is possibly the best book I've read this year. I wanted to not stop reading it - it is so good; but I also wanted to take my time, and savour it. A pa... READ MORE
‘The Shock of the Light’ is an incredibly powerful story of twins, Theo and Tessa, growing up in 1930s Cambridge, whose war experiences are very different and equally damaging.
‘The Shock of the Light’ is an incredibly powerful story of twins, Theo and Tessa, growing up in 1930s Cambridge, whose war experiences are very different ... READ MORE
Gripping story of WW2 and aftermath.
What an incredible story!
I couldn't this book down. The story begins with twins Tessa and Theo, the Second World War has just started. The twins have a ... READ MORE
Haunting Historical Novel
Twins Theo and Tessa grew up in Cambridge to a French mother and English father. As children they were inseparable and had their own understand of each oth... READ MORE
Excellent World War II family drama
What a fabulous debut read. Set in multiple locations and timelines, and from dual perspectives of twins Tessa and Theo, this is a poignant story about the... READ MORE
Excellent
The Shock of the Light is a really great book written in exquisite prose that travels back and forth in time. This book explores themes of grief, bravery, ... READ MORE
Wonderful, gripping story
Twins Tessa and Theo are incredibly close. But when Tessa goes to study at a university in France, an event there changes her and their relationship foreve... READ MORE
Search for the long lost.
As children, twins Tessa and Theo were inseparable. As young adults Theo stayed at home and studied law, for a career at the bar while Tessa went to the s... READ MORE
WW2 fiction
3.75-4⭐️
Set during WW2 the main characters are Tessa one of twins. Her brother Theo is a pilot in the RAF she joins a special forces group to help the ... READ MORE
Utterly brilliant
I have read and loved many books set in WW2; this is undoubtedly one of the best. Theo and Tessa are twins, each harbouring their own painful secret. Theo ... READ MORE
One of the most moving books I have ever read
Théo and Tessa are twins. They have an incredibly close bond, knowing everything there is to know about the other. But this begins to change when Tessa, wa... READ MORE
A solid read
This is a solid read about twinship and secrets and how they affect the course of a life. The author has masterfully woven the real history of the SOE oper... READ MORE
Fascinating WW2 story
A fascinating story of twins Theo and Tessa and their experiences during WW2.
Close as children, their lives become more distant with the experiences th... READ MORE
A must read
As a twin, any books involving twins are a winner for me and this is up there with the best ? and is easily one of my favourite books of the year so far.Te... READ MORE
A gripping and fascinating historical novel
"And so the circle turns"... It is to be dragged into the light, after all."
Lori Inglis Hall's debut novel is a fascinating exploration of the role of ... READ MORE
My book of the year!
This has to be my book of the year. Based on fact and covering the war years up to early 2000’s. A story of twins separated by war and their own dark secre... READ MORE
Well written and full of absorbing detail.
‘The Shock of the Light’ is an incredibly powerful story of twins, Theo and Tessa, growing up in 1930s Cambridge, whose war experiences are very different ... READ MORE
A compelling novel
4+
Twins Tessa and Theo are initially very close but a wide space has grown between them but time may heal the bonds. By 1938 Tessa is studying at The S... READ MORE
Beautifully written and researched
An excellent book that brings to light the little known story of the women of the SOE during world war 2 and the abysmal way they were remembered. The firs... READ MORE
Most excellent debut
A multilayered novel about twins Theo and Tessa.. Beautifully descriptive the story gradually draws you in. When I started this novel I wasn’t sure if it w... READ MORE
Excellent Modern Literature
Oxford Languages gives a definition of literature as “written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit”. This novel fits ni... READ MORE
Moving, raw and emotional
Moving, raw and emotional, and disturbingly credible.
The characters and story are fictional but so true to life, and with autobiographies, Leo Marks’s... READ MORE
Utter perfection!
The Shock of the Light by Lori Inglis Hall
Twins Tessa and Theo are as close as can be growing up, but then Tessa goes to the Sorbonne instead of Cambri... READ MORE
Tragic war story with heartwarming moments
A beautifully crafted book that flowed from beginning to end. Deeply moving and tragic as stories based during World War II usually are but with heartwarmi... READ MORE
An engrossing and fascinating read
The Shock of the Light is an engrossing novel focusing on twins Tessa and Theo and their experiences in World War Two. Tessa is recruited by the SOE (Speci... READ MORE
Moving
Such a beautifully moving book. Five stars. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC.
Heart wrenching.
This book is brilliant. Heart wrenchingly sad as Theo spends most of his life trying to find out what happened to his twin sister during WW2. I appreciated... READ MORE
Fabulous and emotional
What a fabulous book. I am sure it will be a great success when published early next year and I’ll be reminding you all to go and buy a copy!
Tessa and Th... READ MORE
A wonderful book
I am SO glad I requested this book on Netgalley - it really is an exceptional debut. Evocative, emotional, tense and gripping, The Shock of the Light has i... READ MORE
The Shock of Light
The Shock of Light by new to me author Lori Inglis Hall, published by Harper Collins UK, is an historical fiction story spanning decades.
Starting in the ... READ MORE
Brilliant
Wow! Brilliant, heartbreaking and beautiful. This novel far exceeded my expectations, bringing to life the world of secrets, espionage and survival of thos... READ MORE
Truly superb debut novel
Twins Tessa and Theo have always been close but as they age, life and secrets start to come between them. It is World War II and Theo has been called up to... READ MORE
Astonishing!
This novel took my breath away. A beautifully written story which had me eagerly turning every page to find out more. I grew to love Tessa and Theo as thei... READ MORE
A stunning book on the endurance of love
This is a lovely, involved and intricate story, made more immediate by its ability to link events of the past with the need for answers in the present. The... READ MORE
Revelation of secrets
Oh the sadness and futility of war. This is a story of emotion, pain and sadness. Twins, with a bond ripped apart by the war. Each left wondering whether t... READ MORE
Excellent story, fascinating characters, engrossing
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.
This is an excellent read, a solid, fact based book with likeable and believable... READ MORE
Emotional read
Tessa and Theo are twins and have a close relationship, they are both half French. The twins are always there for each other until they are separated when ... READ MORE
Absorbing, thoughtful exploration of sibling dynamics, war and trauma
Although I did, in the end, get hooked and immersed in Lori Inglis Hall’s story of fraternal twins during the second World War, one of whom becomes a fight... READ MORE
Beautiful post WW2 story , that shines a light on the aftermath
I absolutely loved this book. What a rare treat, a thought provoking read, that was also easy to read. On more than one occasion I was reading into the nig... READ MORE
Meticulously crafted and very moving
What a fabulous book.
Tessa and Theo are twins, born in the 1920s to a pacifist father and a French mother. They grow up inseparable until their paths di... READ MORE
Intrigue!
At times I wondered where this book was going, but it tied all the loose ends together to make a compelling story. A twin brother and sister both decide t... READ MORE
Fantastic
Absolutely amazing read, I couldn't put it down!
Brilliant book, very sad.
This book is brilliant. Heart wrenchingly sad as Theo spends most of his life trying to find out what happened to his twin sister during WW2. I appreciated... READ MORE
a superb historical fiction book
This is story which is so well written and has all the elements of a superb historical fiction novel. As twins Theo and Tessa have a connection most wouldn... READ MORE
Superb historical fiction
Twins Theo and Tessa have always been close until Tessa decides to study at the Sorbonne and Theo at Cambridge. In her final year Theo finds Tessa is dist... READ MORE
Brilliant historical fiction
Well researched and beautifully written historical novel set during the Second World War..
Twins Tessa and Theo have a very strong bond and do everything ... READ MORE
Vivid, moving story of twins in WWII
Really powerful read that follows the lives of twins, Tessa and Theo, during WWII. An excellent debut, and I enjoyed it hugely.
This book takes an immers... READ MORE
Heartbreaking at times but also hopeful
This was a hard book to read but riveting.
Theo and Tessa are twins - close throughout their childhood until they decide to go to different universities... READ MORE
A Captivating Debut
This has to be one of my absolute favourite historical fiction novels.It just had the wow for me. Beautifully written, empathetic, emotional, joyful, pain... READ MORE
Loved it!
If like me you have read WW2 books such as “The Nightingale”, then you will definitely enjoy “The Shock of the Light” which tells the story of female SO... READ MORE
Heartbreaking but also hopeful
This was a hard book to read but riveting.
Theo and Tessa are twins - close throughout their childhood until they decide to go to different universities... READ MORE
Five stars!
The Shock of the Light is an emotionally charged and haunting book that explores love, loss and the enduring bond between siblings shaped by war. Centred o... READ MORE
Historical fiction perfection
This is definitely one of those books where you sit down to write the review and you know you’re never going to be able to do it justice.
The Shock of ... READ MORE
Emotional read
Tessa and Theo are twins and have a close relationship, they are both half French. The twins are always there for each other until they are separated when ... READ MORE
5 star historical fiction
'The Shock of the Light' is an exceptionally good book. Twins Tessa and Theo are at the emotional heart of the story adding another perspective on the war ... READ MORE
An unusual World War II story.
Tessa and Theo are twins. Their parts in the war couldn’t have been more different. Theo joins the RAF, while Tessa is recruited by the War Office and sent... READ MORE
Outstanding writing
Debut novel and really outstanding. This covers an area of WW2 that is not talked about. The role of women that went undercover in occupied France.
Espe... READ MORE
Absorbing story
This was an absorbing story, based around the French resistance during WW2 and the involvement of the British. It was a very sad story in many ways, with p... READ MORE
Emotional
A beautifully written story which held my attention until the very end.
Twins Tessa and Theo are inseparable until Tessa sends time in France and returns ... READ MORE
Recommended
I am a big fan of historical fiction set during WW2. It can be hard to find a book that is a bit different, but this was it for me. Both of the twin's stor... READ MORE
Absolutely stunning piece of historical fiction!
Wow. This is one of those books where when I finished, I just wished I could just experience it all over again. I am calling it now: I think this could be ... READ MORE
One of the books of the year
One of the best books I’ve read this year!
Theo doesn’t understand why his twin sister Tessa isn’t coming to Cambridge with him and is going to study in... READ MORE
Engaging and a real page turner
Spanning about 90 years The Shock of the Light follows twins Tessa and Théo from post WW1 birth, through WW2 and Théo's attempts to understand his sister's... READ MORE
Ten stars!
I very much enjoyed this novel. The first part featuring Tessa was thrilling, and I was sorry when it ended but quickly got into Theo's story. It's no mean... READ MORE
C9mpelling!
At times I wondered where this book was going, but it tied all the loose ends together to make a compelling story. A twin brother and sister both decide t... READ MORE
Authentic feel, well research
I love any book about this period in our history that is based closely on the type of events that actually happened during WWII to SOE agents. Although Tes... READ MORE
Gripping and heartbreaking
A gripping, heartbreaking story tracking the lives of twins Tessa and Theo as they each become embroiled in fighting for their country. Theo is left tangli... READ MORE
An interesting take on this period of history
Theo and Tessa are twins. They feel they have an unbreakable connection but this is severely stretched by World War 2. Theo becomes a pilot and in answer T... READ MORE
breathtaking
Lori Inglis Hall’s The Shock of the Light is, quite simply, breathtaking. From 1942 Cambridge to the perilous shadows of occupied France, Hall weaves a nar... READ MORE
This is a great piece of historical fiction.
The novel opens in Cambridge in 1942 and centres around the twins, Tessa and Theo. Growing up, they were incredibly close. However, as university life, RAF... READ MORE
Must Read
Very good. Beautiful writing. Follows twins Theo and Tessa during World War 2 and their different experiences of it. Very emotional and keeps you guessing ... READ MORE
Beautifully moving
Such a beautifully moving book. Five stars. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC
Disappointing!
I really enjoyed the first half or so of the book, and then it started to unravel; both the plot and the writing deteriorated to such an extent I actuall... READ MORE
Verified Purchase
Woderful War Drama
One of my favourite books of the year, this wonderful story of twins, Tessa and Theo, and their different experiences before, during and after the Second W... READ MORE
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