We Burned So Bright is a brief but profoundly affecting novel that combines end‑of‑the‑world stakes with deeply human storytelling. At its heart is Don and Rodney, a devoted couple of forty years facing not just the twilight of their lives together, but the literal end of the world.
Whilst fans are usually used to longer novels from T J Klune readers will very likely not be disappointed despite the brevity of this book. Some of the story threads are more suggestive than fully developed, but the emotional resonance lingers long after the final page and the emotional depth and tender portrayal of human relationships – T J’s trademark talent – is definitely not missing.
The book is ultimately about patience and acceptance and the unexpected beauty found amongst absolute devastation.
About the Book
We Burned So Bright is the heartfelt, queer, road trip of a novel from TJ Klune, the Sunday Times bestselling author of the Cerulean Chronicles and The Bones Beneath My Skin
Husbands Don and Rodney have lived a good, long life. Together, they’ve experienced the highest highs of love and family, and lows so low that they felt like the end of the world.
Now, the world is ending for real. A wandering black hole is coming for Earth, and in a month, everything and everyone they’ve ever known will be gone.
Suddenly, after forty years together, Don and Rodney are out of time. They’re in a race against the clock to make it from Maine to Washington State to take care of some unfinished business before it’s all over.
On the road, they meet those who refuse to believe death is coming and those who rush to meet it. But there are also people living their final days as best they know how – impromptu weddings, bright burning bonfires, shared meals, new friends.
And as the black hole draws near, among ball lightning and under a cracked moon in a kaleidoscope sky, Don and Rodney will look back on their lives and ask if their best was good enough.
Is it enough to burn bright if nothing comes from the ashes?
About The Author
TJ Klune is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, Under the Whispering Door, In the Lives of Puppets, Somewhere Beyond the Sea, the Green Creek series for adults, the Extraordinaries series for teens and more. Being queer himself, Klune believes it’s important – now more than ever – to have accurate, positive queer representation in stories.
Photo Credit: T J Klune
Purchase the Book
This book can be purchased in our store either on its own or in a cosy Book Box.
No responses yet