Thunder and Light Author:Marie-Claire Blais The mood of an apocalyptic age is captured in evocative, moving language in this sequel to the acclaimed These Festive Nights. Familiar characters from the first book as well as new additions including the Blessed Bag Lady, who lives among the Manhattan skyscrapers like a modern Joan of Arc; Jessica, a young pilot sacrificed to her parent... more »'s ambitions; and two aging artists populate this world in which the extremes and contradictions of contemporary life are explored and reconciled. This French novel incorporates artistry, a fresh prose style, and a focused vision of the fictional world that are marks of a masterful writer.« less