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A Violet Light
After pulling himself out of a frozen lake, Adrian stumbles into town. What begins as a lively dinner conversation with a new friend becomes a haunting meditation on mortality—with a final twist that changes everything.
"A wondrous ode to friendship, loss, life and what may follow." - Eric Siblin, bestselling author of The Cello Suites
"Beautiful and heartbreaking and moving and so smart!" - Suzanne Zelazo, author of Lances All Alike
"A beautiful story… " - Anthony Wexler, University Writing Program, Johns Hopkins University
"One of the most powerful pieces of writing I've ever read… " - J.S.
"A MUST read for Leonard Cohen fans… " - Penni Kolb, executive director of Congregation Shaar Hashomayim
What happens to our dead? Is someone looking out for them on the other side? A Violet Light takes up these questions, exposing fiction's power to imagine what might happen to us on the other side of life. After a fatal accident, a young artist named Adrian finds himself seated at a table with an esteemed the Montreal legend, Leonard Cohen. Together, over the course of a long meal at an idyllic bistro, the dead artists reflect on the meaning of their lives—the struggle to love, the pursuit of fame, and the pleasure of friendship. And slowly, with Leonard's help, Adrian experiences a form of self-acceptance denied him in life.
"A wondrous ode to friendship, loss, life and what may follow." - Eric Siblin, bestselling author of The Cello Suites
"Beautiful and heartbreaking and moving and so smart!" - Suzanne Zelazo, author of Lances All Alike
"A beautiful story… " - Anthony Wexler, University Writing Program, Johns Hopkins University
"One of the most powerful pieces of writing I've ever read… " - J.S.
"A MUST read for Leonard Cohen fans… " - Penni Kolb, executive director of Congregation Shaar Hashomayim
What happens to our dead? Is someone looking out for them on the other side? A Violet Light takes up these questions, exposing fiction's power to imagine what might happen to us on the other side of life. After a fatal accident, a young artist named Adrian finds himself seated at a table with an esteemed the Montreal legend, Leonard Cohen. Together, over the course of a long meal at an idyllic bistro, the dead artists reflect on the meaning of their lives—the struggle to love, the pursuit of fame, and the pleasure of friendship. And slowly, with Leonard's help, Adrian experiences a form of self-acceptance denied him in life.
180 pages, Paperback
Published October 10, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 15, 2025
I read The Violet Light in two days and did not want it to end. It felt like a warm hug, especially for anyone who has experienced deep grief or the loss of a loved one.
The story resonated deeply with me for its exploration of meaning, love, and what may exist beyond this life. The way Sternthal weaves spirituality, art, and philosophy into Adrian’s journey is both imaginative and comforting. Using Leonard Cohen as a guiding presence into the spirit realm is handled with creativity and reverence, adding a layer of familiarity and warmth without overshadowing the story itself.
This is a thoughtful and original take on the afterlife that feels gentle rather than prescriptive. It invites reflection rather than certainty, offering solace without trying to explain everything away. There is something quietly healing in the way the narrative unfolds.
By the end, I felt a sense of calm about mortality that lingered well beyond the final page. If this is what awaits us, it almost makes dying feel a little less frightening. A beautiful, soulful book that offers comfort, especially to those navigating loss.
The story resonated deeply with me for its exploration of meaning, love, and what may exist beyond this life. The way Sternthal weaves spirituality, art, and philosophy into Adrian’s journey is both imaginative and comforting. Using Leonard Cohen as a guiding presence into the spirit realm is handled with creativity and reverence, adding a layer of familiarity and warmth without overshadowing the story itself.
This is a thoughtful and original take on the afterlife that feels gentle rather than prescriptive. It invites reflection rather than certainty, offering solace without trying to explain everything away. There is something quietly healing in the way the narrative unfolds.
By the end, I felt a sense of calm about mortality that lingered well beyond the final page. If this is what awaits us, it almost makes dying feel a little less frightening. A beautiful, soulful book that offers comfort, especially to those navigating loss.
May 19, 2026
Really loved this book. Beautifully written, imaginative, witty and thought provoking. It hits hard and carries you softly. A story of friendship and acceptance and wonderment that has filled my heart and will stay with me for a long time.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews