The Keeper of the Isis Light

Darleen R. Golke is a high-school teacher-librarian in Winnipeg,
Manitoba.

The planet Isis, 2081 A.D., is home for Olwen Pendennis, the
“keeper” of the “Isis Light,” a communication signal streamed
into space 20 hours a day. On Olwen’s 10th Isis birthday (16 Earth
years), news of the imminent arrival of 80 settlers sent from
overcrowded Earth interrupts Guardian’s celebration dinner. Olwen
resents the intrusion, but Guardian, her parent, provider, teacher,
friend, and companion, points out that change is inevitable.

Years earlier, to protect the orphaned Olwen from the harsh Isis
environment, Guardian had modified her appearance. He now insists that
she wear a suit and mask to protect her from the colonist’s potential
contamination. In reality, he wants to protect her from the prejudices
her unusual appearance will elicit.

Olwen meets Mark London and their friendship turns to romance. But when
Mark sees Olwen without her protective disguise, he reacts with shock
and horror and cruelly terminates their friendship. Although Olwen saves
his life, Mark cannot accept her appearance—nor can the other
settlers. Olwen resolves to live in exile with Guardian to avoid the
settlers’ prejudices and inability to see beyond appearances. Sadly,
Olwen’s premonition that her life will be irrevocably altered proves
true.

Twenty years ago Monica Hughes introduced readers to the award-winning
fictional world of Isis with The Keeper of the Isis Light. This reissue
proves that well-crafted science fiction, featuring such universal and
enduring themes as loneliness and prejudice and memorable characters
like Olwen and Guardian, stands the test of time.

Olwen is a well-developed, strong, and appealing character who, despite
her painful coming of age, faces her disillusionment in a dignified and
admirable manner. Guardian, a humorous and endearing robot, manifests
more commendable human qualities than do the settlers. Hughes’s prose
paints a vivid portrait of the planet Isis, providing precise, detailed,
believable descriptions of the landscape and the climate. Highly
recommended.