A Town with Half the Lights On: A Novel by Page Getz – A Heartfelt Journey Home
When I first stumbled upon A Town with Half the Lights On, I was instantly drawn in by its charming title and the promise of small-town quirks mingling with big-city personalities. As a long-time Brooklynite myself, the idea of a family uprooting themselves to the far-flung realms of Goodnight, Kansas, piqued my interest. What unexpected adventures—and challenges—might await them? Little did I know, Page Getz had crafted a gem that would resonate deeply with my own feelings of home, belonging, and the beauty of second chances.
This engaging epistolary novel introduces us to the Solvang family, most notably Sid, a chef reeling from his failures in Brooklyn, and his daughter, Harlem, who is searching for the meaning behind her grandfather’s cryptic messages. As they flip the script on their lives by buying the May Day Diner—an establishment teetering on the brink of closure—we are invited into their world through letters, diary entries, and emails, creating an intimate dialogue that feels refreshingly personal.
The book beautifully captures the push and pull of fitting in versus staying true to oneself. Goodnight, with its "more wind chimes than residents," serves as a canvas for themes of family, tradition, and the harsh realities of small-town life, laden with both charm and challenges. From Harlem’s struggle to adapt to her new life to Sid’s impulsive plunge into the diner business, the characters are vibrantly realized—each with their quirks and vulnerabilities. Disco, the wayward girl with a heart as glittery as her name suggests, adds a layer of whimsy that beautifully lightens the narrative.
What struck me most was Getz’s unique writing style. The epistolary format might initially seem challenging, but it quickly transformed into an engaging tapestry of voices that pulled me deeper into the story. It feels like a warm chat over coffee, where the characters come alive in their own words. “Home isn’t just the place you live; family isn’t just your relatives,” one letter reflects, and I couldn’t help but nod along, that sentiment wrapping around me like a comforting blanket.
As I immersed myself in the drama surrounding the diner’s fate amid town corruption and personal reckonings, I found myself laughing and feeling hopeful. The connectivity of the characters offers solace; they are a reminder of how community shapes us, for better or worse. The moments of tension contrast beautifully with lighter scenes, like jam sessions featuring rambunctious alpacas—yes, you read that right!
Ultimately, A Town with Half the Lights On felt like a loving letter to the messy, intricate dance that is family life. Readers who appreciate heartfelt narratives centered around community and personal growth will find the Solvangs irresistible. With a perfect blend of humor and heartache, Getz reminds us that sometimes, going back is the only way forward.
If you’re looking for an uplifting read that underscores the importance of connection—both to place and to each other—then this novel deserves a prominent place on your shelf. My heart felt fuller upon turning the last page, and I promise you will feel the same. So grab a biscuit and a cup of coffee as you dive into Goodnight, Kansas; you’ll be glad you did!
You can find A Town with Half the Lights On: A Novel here >>