I was sent an advance copy of Eric McNamara’s debut book, ‘Erica’s Light: A Journey of Kindness’ by the team at Book Hub and asked to write a review which I’m happy to do.
The book is a deeply touching and enchanting story that blends the innocence of wonder with profound themes of grief, self-discovery, and the transformative power of kindness. With lyrical prose and a beautifully crafted narrative, McNamara takes readers on a magical journey that is as much about personal growth as it is about the mystical adventures within the woods.
The story follows Erica, a young girl who embarks on a quest to find the fairies in the woods—creatures her late grandmother spoke of with reverence and familiarity. Her journey is not just a physical exploration of nature but a metaphorical path through grief, self-belief, and healing (we all need more material on these themes). Along the way, she meets Precious, a wise and gentle fairy, Snip Snaps, an energetic and playful fairy, Tu-ky-tooks, a wise owl, and, most notably, the Gentle Giant—a figure shrouded in sadness due to past mistreatment (what great names by the way!).
As Erica navigates her path, she not only reconnects with her grandmother’s wisdom but also helps the Gentle Giant rediscover his own self-worth. Together, they embark on a mission to spread kindness to their town, challenging societal indifference and reminding people of the importance of compassion, understanding, and human connection (again, commodities in all-too-short supply).
At its core, Erica’s Light is a story about the healing nature of kindness. McNamara beautifully weaves themes of grief, resilience, and belonging, illustrating how small acts of goodness have the power to transform not just individuals, but entire communities. Erica’s unwavering belief in magic mirrors the kind of faith we must have in the goodness of the world, even when darkness looms.
The Gentle Giant’s story is particularly moving. His struggle with self-worth due to past rejection and ridicule serves as a powerful allegory for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. His journey toward healing, aided by Erica and the fairies, serves as a reminder that everyone has inherent value, regardless of how society perceives them.
The book also celebrates nature as a source of wisdom and solace, reinforcing the idea that we are all deeply connected to the world around us. McNamara’s descriptions of the woods, the magical moon gate, and the woodland creatures create an atmosphere of warmth and wonder, making nature feel like a character in its own right. You can tell he enjoys being in such spaces himself as there’s an air of authenticity in this.
McNamara’s prose is poetic and immersive, rich with vivid imagery that captures both the enchantment of Erica’s world and the depth of its emotional undercurrents. The dialogue is heartfelt, and the relationships between characters—especially between Erica and the Gentle Giant—are beautifully developed.
The pacing is gentle yet engaging, making it a perfect read for younger audiences while still carrying enough emotional weight to resonate with adults. The book’s structure, moving through different encounters and lessons, gives it a fable-like quality, reminiscent of classic children’s literature such as that of Wilde.
I will certainly be buying this for my two nieces.
Rating: 
(5/5)
– Anne Hayden MSc, Author and Agri Sector Consultant.
