A review by nina_av
We Are the Light by Matthew Quick

emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The best-selling author of Silver Linings Playbook, and a host of other novels, Matthew Quick released his first book in five years earlier this month. We Are the Light is a relatively short novel with a powerful message — our relationships are medicine. 

The novel is written in the form of 18 letters addressed to Karl Johnson, a local Jungian psychoanalyst, from his “most loyal analysand” Lucas Goodgame. Lucas writes in the wake of a movie theater shooting that has impacted him, Karl, and the whole community of Majestic, Pennsylvania, for the worst. As Lucas embarks to heal through the creation of an indie film with teenage outcast Eli, he also grapples with the loss of his wife and mental health. 

This is a moving and emotional piece, and the unique style of narration is a refreshing change from the omnipresent and detached narrator I often find myself reading. You can sense Lucas’ ups and downs, his deteriorations, his fears and anxieties, and what he’s holding back. For me, the desire to learn what he leaves unsaid from letter to letter is what compelled me to keep reading. The riveting prose was just a plus. 

We Are the Light is an easy 5/5 stars for me. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings