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Mar
14
Just Read It: THE ILLUMINATION by Kevin Brockmeier
2011 at 5am Posted by Rebecca Joines Schinsky
Published February 2011 by Pantheon
It’s been nearly a month since I finished Kevin Brockmeier’s breathtaking new novel The Illumination, and I am still struggling to find words for this book, that is hands-down my favorite of 2011 so far. I have written and re-written at least seven introductions to this post. I’ve taken the dog for long walks. I’ve meditated while chopping onions. I’ve thought about it while drinking coffee, while driving, while spacing out in front of the TV. And I haven’t gotten anywhere in my quest to approximate a concise description.
I’ve concluded that this is my brain’s way of telling me that The Illumination is one of those books I want to savor and protect from the kind of analysis I usually apply to my reading, and you know what? I think my brain is right on this one. Sometimes I just have to turn off the reviewer within and read for the sheer joy of it. So here’s a description of the book from Pantheon.
At 8:17 on a Friday night, the Illumination commences. Every wound begins to shine, every bruise to glow and shimmer. And in the aftermath of a fatal car accident, a private journal of love notes, written by a husband to his wife, passes into the keeping of a hospital patient and from there through the hands of five other suffering people, touching each of them uniquely.
I love the soft blue veins on your wrist. I love your lopsided smile. I love watching TV and shelling sunflower seeds with you.
I could write many love notes to The Illumination, but Jenn beat me to it. So I’ll tell you instead that this is a beautifully rendered and deeply touching meditation on pain—physical and otherwise—and what would change (or not) if we were suddenly unable to hide the ways in which we are damaged or be blissfully ignorant of how people around us are hurting. It is about our connectedness, and our humanity, and the meaning (or value?) of suffering. And it is really fucking good.
Already read and loved The Illumination? Don’t miss the user-generated Tumblr where you can submit your own Illumination-inspired love notes.
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I am so excited to read this book! I have only read wonderful reviews–yours included. It just went to the top of my pile
Wow. Powerful review (or non-review, if you will). Thanks for sharing. I’ll definitely be seeking this one out.
I want to read this book. Starting 10 minutes ago. I want to hold it in my hands and get excited about losing myself in it. Thanks for reminding me about it and speaking so clearly. My reading rut may be over….