Review of 'The Dark of the Moon' by Fiona Valpy
Review of 'The Dark of the Moon' by Fiona Valpy
Release date: Sept 23, 2025
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
REVIEW
Two things that attracted me to this novel: Fiona Valpy and the title. I love Fiona’s novels so I knew this would be another exceptional pager turner and it is! By the end I was so choked up, quite a few tears escaped my sleep deprived eyes. I could not put The Dark of the Moon down. I was totally immersed in this inspiring story. I was also captivated by the lyrical title and use of poetry in the plot.
The novel is told from two very different viewpoints. A senior lady name Philly, a WW2 veteran, in her nineties and a young boy named Finn who has autism. I was deeply engrossed in Philly’s story that she shares with Finn. His perspective of her details also lends a unique interpretation. He is the force that helps drive the goal for Philly to achieve closure.
Philly is a pretty courageous person. Like many, she risked her safety and life to help bring end to the war. She was one of the Attagirls who flew planes for the Air Transport Auxillary corps. She also worked with the Bletchley Park codebreakers and was appointed to dangerous missions as a SOE agent in France: one of which altered her life dramatically. Her courage was driven by her love of a pilot named Ben. Their love grows into an eternal connection but sadly: due to the nastiness of war, things don’t turn out as happily as we’d hope. Yet their time together is special and the poem they share carries each of them through rough waters whipped up by the war. But one day, on a mission, Ben disappears and it is feared he is captured. The tracks to his whereabouts turns cold and Philly goes through the rest of her life wondering what became of him. Yet she never gives up trying to find his resting place.
Philly ventures to Ili de Re to share her story with Kendra. Her autistic son listens in on their conversations. He gets involved and uses his special math skills to help Philly uncover her husband’s final journey. I enjoyed his insight and approaches. As Philly states, he sees life ‘through a lens of logic and persistence.’ After searching through many cemeteries, she becomes disheartened. But Finn’s determination and discoveries, spur her on to continue the search. At times, the ‘clouds of doubt’ obscure her ‘glimmer of hope,’ but Finn’s faith and positive attitude push her forward to get the needed results.
This beautifully rendered story shines with resilience (as seen in Ben, Philly and others). Finn’s fresh eyes and youthful determination add sparkle and hope. There is loss, of course, sadness and despair but the power of love lifts each one involved into realms of extraordinary strength. I loved this couple and the young boy. I also appreciated all the useful research Fiona wove into the plot: including info on Aviatrixes Amy Johnson and Amelia Earhart: two women of courage that stormed the skies with their fearlessness and passion.
This novel has many wonderful lines of truth. One is: ‘how important it is for those who are left behind to have a place to go to remember those who’ve been lost; a place where we can feel that connection and honour our dead.’ This need spurs Philly to join JCCC – a Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre as a War Detective to help others ‘find the ones they lost.’ This shows how our own difficult experiences may lead us to help others. There is no greater sympathetic person than one who has walked a mile in a painful set of shoes.
Finn also makes an incredible statement about the moon (an important symbol in the title and in this novel). ‘There isn’t a dark side of the moon, you know. It’s more accurate to call it the far side, because it does receive sunlight at certain times. It’s just that we never see it.’ Philly responds with: ‘I think people are like that, Finn. There’s the face they show and then the side they keep hidden. It’s the less obvious side that can be the most intriguing.’
Philly continues talking about those who are lost—that have not been found yet, like so many who have been struck down in war. ‘Just because you cannot see them, does not mean they’re not there.’ And ‘You don’t always have to see things to still believe in them.’ Also like truth, the stars during daylight, gravity and the far side of the moon.
Yes, this novel touches on so many deep and meaningful aspects of life. This powerfully written, lyrical feast, shines with truth that is everlasting. So glad I read it! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for a review copy.
