Breathtakingly beautiful prose

This morning I started as a usual Sunday morning for me lately. My eyes popped awake around 7am, and try as I might I was unable to get back to sleep, despite having stayed up a bit too late playing boardgames with our family and some friends who came over. It was what happened next that broke the usual Sunday morning mold. As soon as I determined I wasn't going to go back to sleep, I eagerly picked up my copy of Felicia's new book, The Sky Isn't Visible from Here, and immersed myself back in  her story. I told myself I'd read just one more chapter of this book which I've been devouring all week, before getting up and starting on the day's to-do list. By about 8am Martin woke up. He asked if I'd like a coffee -- which I declined -- and headed into the kitchen. I vaguely heard him make coffee and then head downstairs, where by the sound of things he was working on reassembling my bike, the redecoration of which has been his most recent project. I kept reading.

Eventually Pluto came to bed and nuzzled into my armpit, me somewhat awkwardly holding the hardcover out in front of both of us. I kept reading.

By roughly 10 I had only a few pages left, which I had begun to read more slowly than the preceding few hundred I'd raced through this week, savouring them and willing the book not to end. By half past 10 I was done. Martin had been up before me for hours on a Sunday -- something that never happens -- and I could hear Pia stirring in her room. I closed the book, and no word of a lie, thought about starting it over again.

This, The Sky Isn't Visible from Here, is a stunning piece of writing. A tale so beautifully written and such a pleasure to read that I plan to go buy a second copy to loan out to as many people as I can think of (I must keep my autographed copy for myself I fear), though I will of course also encourage them to buy their own. To say it is a brave tale feels condescending, as it is the very real tale of Felicia's life (or a part of it anyway), but I do think there is some truth is naming it as brave. Not so much in the telling of her story, but in the time and care with which she chose to craft it. She is a woman who has a remarkable way with words, an ability to paint pictures that place you not just in the room with the story but in the heart of her experiences. And truly, the only fault I can find with it is how much it left me wanting more. More of any story she chose to tell, for it is in the telling that her talent shines through.

Comments

[abby]

oh goody, can't wait to dive into it
perhaps a book club selection?
xo a

[felicia Sullivan]

Emira,
Thank you! Thank you! I don't even know how to articulate my gratitude for you and Lauren attending my reading and your unbelievably kind words about my book. Thank you!
Warmly, f.

[Emira]

Abby, I was going to recommend it as a book club option. It's over our price limit though, but honestly I was thinking about sponsoring it or something. It's such an amazing book and would make for a great book club selection.

[abby]

Emira

I read it in one day, almost one sitting. I completely agree with your response to it. I sadly cannot make book club until May (crazy) dates just don't work. I too would support having this book be in the mix and would gladly share my copy around. Hope all is well
A