After the Fire: A Memoir in Poetry and Prose

by J. A. Jance

Overview

New York Times bestselling author J. A. Jance's heartrending collection of poetry and essays recounts a dark chapter of her own life, her first marriage to an alcoholic—a powerful look at the emotional cost of addiction and an inspiring story of courage and triumph in the wake of crushing defeat

Before she found fame as a bestselling mystery author, Judith Jance wrestled with the anguish of being married to an alcoholic. For years she channeled her pain into words, composing the poems in this moving volume, first published in 1984, a year before her debut novel.

In searing and direct language, After the Fire chronicles the collapse of Jance's first marriage under the weight of her husband's addiction—and her own unwitting denial and codependence while she struggled to find herself. "I will not be the price of your redemption," she wrote then. "I will not pay my life to ransom yours."

An intimate, deeply personal look into a wrenching time in Jance's life, After the Fire is a portrait of addiction and its insidious effects on lives and love. It illuminates universal truths about unbearable loss and finding the courage to carry on, and offers inspiration and profound insight into the heart and work of a beloved bestselling author.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062293978
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	09/10/2013
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	5.88(w) x 7.12(h) x 0.57(d)

About the Author

J. A. Jance is the New York Times bestselling author of the J. P. Beaumont series, the Joanna Brady series, the Ali Reynolds series, six thrillers about the Walker Family, and one volume of poetry. Born in South Dakota and brought up in Bisbee, Arizona, she lives with her husband in Seattle, Washington.

Hometown:

Bellevue, Washington

Date of Birth:

October 27, 1944

Place of Birth:

Watertown, South Dakota

Education:

B. A., University of Arizona, 1966; M. Ed. in Library Science, University of Arizona, 1970

Website:

http://www.jajance.com/

Table of Contents

	Preface	xi
	A Question of Gender	3
	Morning	5
	Bitter Fruit	7
	Shifting Gears	10
	Strangers	12
	Choices	15
	Best Friends	17
	Misgivings	19
	Portrait	21
	Entrapment	23
	Idle Conversation	25
	Homestead Revisited	28
	The Rival	30
	Missed Connections	31
	Hidden Agenda	33
	Breakage	34
	Dirge	37
	Watershed	39
	Moving Out	41
	The Collector	43
	Conversation on a Front Porch	45
	Why?	47
	Insomnia	49
	Undying Love	51
	After the Fire	53
	Unilateral Disarmament	55
	Death Sentence	57
	Vigil	59
	Death After Divorce	61
	Missing Condolence	63
	Mother's Day, 1983	65
	Building a Legend	67
	Kindred Spirit	69
	Fog	71
	Walking Wounded	73
	Maiden Names	75
	Changing Times	77
	Interim	79
	Daybreak	81
	Benediction	83
	Postscript	85

Editorial Reviews

"Accompanied by Jance's thoughtful and heartfelt narration, this edition of After the Fire becomes a testimonial to emotional survival and offers quiet but powerful encouragement to others who might find themselves in similar situations." —The Bookmonger"Showcases a spirit who has endured failure, tasted success, and accumulated an enviable store of wisdom in the process." —Seattle Times"Fans will love it. It’s a nice insight into the workings of a creative mind." —Arizona Daily Star