The Light of the World

A Memoir

By: Elizabeth Alexander

Narrated by: Elizabeth Alexander

Length: 3 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

In The Light of the World, Elizabeth Alexander finds herself at an existential crossroads after the sudden death of her husband, who was just 50. Reflecting with gratitude on the exquisite beauty of her married life that was, grappling with the subsequent void, and feeling a reenergized devotion to her two teenage sons, Alexander channels her poetic sensibilities into a rich, lucid prose that describes a very personal and yet universal quest for meaning, understanding, and acceptance. She examines the journey we take in life through the lens of her own emotional and intellectual evolution, taking stock of herself at the midcentury mark.

This exquisite memoir is for anyone who has loved and lost. It's about being strong when you want to collapse, about being grateful when someone has been stolen from you. It's Elizabeth Alexander's story, but it is all of our stories because it is about discovering what matters.

A deeply resonant memoir for anyone who has loved and lost, from acclaimed poet and Pulitzer Prize finalist Elizabeth Alexander.

The Light of the World is both an endlessly compelling memoir and a deeply felt meditation on the blessings of love, family, art, and community. It is also a lyrical celebration of a life well lived and a paean to the priceless gift of human companionship. For those who have loved and lost, or for anyone who cares about what matters most, The Light of the World is required listening.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2015 Elizabeth Alexander (P)2015 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Alexander should be proud because she is one of the few authors who also successfully narrate their own book. She has a sunny, vibrant voice that accentuates the good times she writes about, but she's also able to moderate her tone for the most serious passages, making the story more nuanced and interesting." ( AudioFile)

A Narrative About Love

I am ashamed to say that when I first started listening to this book, I thought the verbiage pretentious. I almost quit listening to it, and probably would have if it weren't for my book club. Thank goodness I persevered! This book, although written differently than the books I am used to reading, is basically about the language of love. It is about finding love that is both tangible and intangible, in all of its forms, only to realize that you had it all along. A big thank you to the author for sharing this part of her life. It was truly a gift to read.

Balance of pain and beauty

This memoir was exquisite. She writes the details of her love, and his love of her, with language I had not yet been exposed to. An honor to journey this loss with the author and her sons.

wow

touching, riveting, emotional, traumatic. about love! I loved this book and the narration. I only wish it were longer.

I too fell in love with Ficre!

Such a beautifully written tribute to a person and a love story. The authors poetic style and soothing voice completely pull you in and welcome you to their beautiful story!

loved it! the narrator was enchanting and inspirin

the narrator was extremely easy to identify with; very likable. she is inspiring and i would very much like to know her better.

love!

As a widow, I related to her story in so many ways. I really enjoyed this.

Relationship Gem

Feeling sorrow that Lizzy has lost her soul mate and happiness for her that she had such a beautiful, enriching partnership.

Poetry

At first I thought it was strange that she didn’t seem incredibly emotional when reading, but once I realized she was a poet and it was written poetically, I really enjoyed the book. It was interesting to learn a different culture and hear her life experience.

Beautiful memoir

Elizabeth Alexander has wrote a lovely and lyrical tribute to her husband and to love. Such a generous book, beautifully read.

Elegantly descriptive

When responsibility is the rusted on you when not requested, you either run for the hills or accept it with all your strength. The author describes her life and the lives around her that were touched by a man taken from her far too soon. But it's more than I love story, it's a story that describes how sometimes we don't know we the strength to lead when we actually do. One notable part that I truly enjoyed was mid book when Alexander actually counted the things that occurred and that she and her husband did while they were together. The number of homes, the number of nannies, the number of holidays. Simply breathtaking.