Review of Waiting For The Light To Return

[Caroline Anne Richmond]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Waiting For The Light To Return" by Ann Zalkind.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Waiting For The Light To Return by Ann Zalkind combines poetry, fiction, and a memoir. The author has created an insightful journey for adult readers. The book includes relatable life experiences and reflects on universal emotions.

The author grew up in Pelham Parkway in the 1950s. Her book begins by combining the past and present as she visits her childhood home. Memories flood her mind of how she misses her parents and grandmother, who have passed away. The only thing that remains the same is nature, a constant element of life. Her father was a war veteran, a stoic warrior, who lived to 99. He never grew tired of living and was happy with his achievements. Her mother felt she had wasted her life to an extent. Her mother was intelligent but lived in a time when it was rare for women to have careers. She felt somewhat underappreciated and had more to offer in a professional capacity. The book also includes thoughtful and symbolic poetry as well as stories and thought-provoking statements.

My immediate impression of this book was the author's creative and intelligent use of words. She writes with an insightful and thought-provoking style that is usual from an accomplished author. The words transport you to the past and give you a good understanding of the people described. The thoughts and feelings of the author are relatable, and she shares them openly and honestly. The book is unique as it combines poetry, fiction, and a memoir. I enjoyed this format as it is a refreshing change.

The theme throughout is loss and the importance of memories. Although we lose people, the love never dies and reading this book reminds me that we all experience hardships, but we must hold onto memories and the eternal love that remains.

The poetry included displays deeply personal emotions. The author displays a talent for writing in this style, showing creativity and versatility in various writing techniques. I enjoyed this personal aspect.

There are stories included in the book. I enjoyed the tales and the complexities of the character's personalities and lives. These characters suffer from poor mental health, relationship struggles, death, and mourning. I enjoyed the stories, but I felt the conclusions of the stories were a little anticlimactic. I wanted to know more about their futures and felt there was an opportunity to develop these parts of the book. The author writes in a way that draws you in and leaves you wanting more.

The format of the book is unique. However, the flow felt disjointed and lacking direction. It is a mix of ideas and genres with no traditional beginning, middle, and end. Rather than a standard book, it is a collection of the author's thoughts, imagination, and creative writing.

The book is exceptionally professionally edited and contains some great historical photographs. I loved the author's writing style and how emotive her words are. I liked the merging of past and present and the interesting characters in her stories. The stories had abrupt endings, and the book lacked an obvious direction. In conclusion, I rate the book 4 out of 5 stars.

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Waiting For The Light To Return
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[Sandre Lamar]

"Waiting For The Light To Return" by Ann Zalkind blends poetry, memoir, and fiction into a poignant exploration of memory and emotion. The author's reflective style offers a deep, personal journey through life's complexities.

[Anthony Caleb]

Stories like this shows relatable experience to adults, the passing away of relatives can be emotional to one.