The Light We Lost
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“We see everything through the filter of our own desires and regrets, hopes and fears.”
I want to personally thank Jill Santopolo for bringing this masterpiece into the world. Even though this was my second time reading The Light We Lost, I was absolutely addicted and found my mind uncontrollably wandering toward Lucy’s story every time I set the book down.
Some context…
Lucy and Gabe meet senior year of college on a day that changes the world. After sharing a fleeting moment of tenderness in the wake of destruction, they part ways and embark on individual journeys to do more, be more–or, as they say, change the world. One year later, this naivete leads them to the same room, and fate is the only word that comes to Lucy’s mind. They become completely consumed by each other, a “binary star.” Then, Gabe gets a job as a photojournalist in the Middle East, while her own dreams keep her in New York. What choice does she have but to say goodbye? At least, for the time being.
Some thoughts…
Taking place over thirteen years, this book is a love letter that brings up questions of fate, dreams, jealousies, and, most of all, choices. It is not simply a romance novel but a story of sacrifice, strength, and self-discovery. It is impossible not to sympathize with each of the characters, even when you don’t agree with them. Lucy and Gabe force you to examine the reality of human nature, and often lead you to sit back and say, “What would I have done?” And the truth is, you probably don’t have an answer.
Lucy and Gabe’s intense moments of passion and desire could easily be mistaken for lust if it were not for Santopolo’s masterful prose and scene work, where she displays a sense of understanding and appreciation that can only be found in unconditional love. Lucy cannot imagine a different destiny–a world where Gabe was not brought to her. It is not a passing infatuation but a lifelong devotion.
In my opinion, the choice to use second person address in this novel was a stroke of genius. It takes the craft element of psychic condition to another level, allowing readers to laugh, ache, and long with the characters. It allows you to not only see their stories and connections play out but physically feel them too. There are no bad guys, but sometimes, there aren’t any good guys either. Everyone is flawed. Everyone is human.
Of all the books I’ve read in my life, which is a lot, this is without a doubt in my top two. If I could hand out copies of The Light We Lost on the street, I would.
RATING: ★★★★★
