Luminous Dark

by Alain Emerson

Alain Emerson lost his beautiful young bride, the love of his ife, to cancer at just 23. Experiencing the bewildering silence of God, the absence of simple answers, and life in the dark tunnel of despair, his once firm faith felt like it was crumbling. And yet as he chose to wrestle with God and 'lean into the pain' he broke through to light - turning his own irreversible anguish into a message of defiant, resilient hope.

Genres: Christian, Grief, Prayer, Nonfiction

189 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[Caroline Rea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is great! Alain Emerson writes about his experience of losing his wife aged 23 and the impact this has had on his faith. Its genuine and helpful...and ultimately hopeful! I feel like its something I would pass on to others who are grieving, he speaks with authority because of the road he's travelled.

[Norah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lindsay was my niece, and I know full well the agonies of watching Lindsay and her family, my brother and his wife, cope with her illness. I didn't know Alain well, but read his blog written around that time, and was amazed by it. I had lost my own husband to leukaemia at age 36, and there were comparisons, having both been brought up in evangelical Christian families, but though we both still have our faith, we have taken quite different roads, and I am writing my own bio at present. I was amazed by his blog, and now by his book. He writes clearly and emotionally, letting us into his feelings as he explores how to deal with them, offering advice to others going though a similar process.

[Jason Blean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A life-affirming story of one man's journey into the darkness of incredible pain and suffering, and through it, ultimately rejoicing. Alain's world was shattered at only 27 when his wife died. Both were committed Christians, active in church and mission. It seemed an incredible injustice. Rather than turn to bitterness and cynicism, he wrestled and prayed his way through the doubt and despair, his faith strengthened and hope renewed. He outlines the stages and his experience from "survival" to "transformation", yet while there is no Hollywood "Happy ever after", he holds out hope to others suffering real pain that God suffers with them. Courageously, sensitively and thoughtfully written. A must-read for people travelling through grief or severe pain.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exceptional! Emerson manages to bring together his highly personal story with a wider discussion of suffering without lapsing into generalisation. There is a real appreciation that each experience is different whilst still offering a way for readers to navigate through their own losses. The sincere tone, whilst still fully acknowledging the horror that people endure, adds a real weight to Emerson's argument that there is hope beyond. Overall a brilliant read that I shall be passing onto all who will listen!

[HelenA33 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would love to have been able to read this book as a teenager when my beloved dad was dying of cancer. So much helpful advice written from one who has faced raw grief.

[Suzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, it’s gutsy, honest and rooted in the Bible.

[David Campton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second reading of this profoundly moving and helpful book, notebook and pen in hand, leads me to reflect again on the rich variety of sources Alain has used not only in addressing his own loss but in seeking to help others. This however is not simply a series of quotations from other wise heads but it is a well integrated pastoral theology of grief and loss.