Book Review: The Speed of Light

*Available on March 1, 2021

Throughout the year-long travails posed by Covid-19, quarantines, lock-downs, isolation and uncertainty lived out beneath the political spillway enhanced by an election year, 2020 proved challenging for most. So much so, that just about everyone I know is approaching 2021 with all the trepidation one might have when tiptoeing around a lion that’s not quite asleep yet. 

Still, we’re a tenacious lot, as a rule, and most agree there have been a few good things that resulted from living through the tumult of the pandemic, not the least of which has been the blatant reminder of what is most important to us—collectively and individually. (This, delivered with all the subtlety and grace of an open palm slap in the face.)

When catching up with an old friend recently, I told her one of my main harbors from the stormy seas of late has been my writing. And it’s true. I can look back over the course of my life and recognize many crossroads and turning points, losses and transitions, that were not only honored by certain works of writing, but moreover, were actually more easily endured; sometimes better understood. 

And so it has been for me this past year, as well, that my writing has provided a constant in my otherwise upended life; a steadying force and habit that anchors me to something larger than just my own personal drama.

So it is at least in part, for this reason, that I’ve decided to include more book reviews in my blog this year—particularly books from debuting authors. In support of the craft that has so faithfully sustained me (though not always financially, certainly, mentally and spiritually) I hope to also recognize and salute fellow torch-bearers for the written word.

My most recent read was an advance review copy of the novel entitled The Speed of Light, written by Elissa Grossell Dickey, published by Lake Union Publishing of Amazon. The book is due to release on March 1, 2021.

Two reasons I chose to review this book (besides the fact that it is by a new author) are because both the writer and the story are located in South Dakota—familiar territory for me—and because of the unique subject matter. 

The story opens with the protagonist, Simone Archer, living with frightening symptoms and a fresh diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Told through events unfolding on two different timelines, the story quickly picks up pace in flashback scenes revealing the development of Simone’s new love interest, despite her fears of an uncertain future, and a present-day timeline in which she finds herself in the throes of a school shooting tragedy at the university where she works.

With very relatable and believable characters, the author deftly weaves the events on the two timelines into a single nail-biting, page-turning story. Though strong enough to stand alone as a poignant, action-packed read, the added element of the physical, emotional and mental challenges of living with MS creates a uniquely menacing antagonist from which the reader quickly realizes there can be no escape for Simone.

This is where Dickey’s talent truly pours forth, as she takes the reader by the hand, leading us into the exploration and reconciliation of the deeper issues of a largely misunderstood disease that is seldom portrayed in contemporary story-telling. A self-proclaimed “MS Warrior” herself, the author’s sharp lens through which the reader is guided to look, shines a brave and immutable light on the reality of the challenges posed by MS, and the strength required by all those affected.

I look forward to seeing what Miss Elissa will write next. 

To learn more about the author, visit: https://elissaadickey.wordpress.com

For book orders, go to: https://www.amazon.com/Speed-Light-Elissa-Grossell-Dickey/dp/1542022673/