Book Review: Singing Through Fire by Lara Silverman

“If God is weaving something beautiful here, is He going for an abstract piece? Because this feels more like an ugly Picasso.”

Lara Silverman, Singing Through Fire

Review:

My heart has been filled with so many emotions by this memoir. Lara Silverman takes the reader on a raw and heartfelt journey through not only her own health crisis, but that of her husband, Matthew Silverman. It’s not the typical love story you tend to come across in books, which for me, made it so much more impactful. 

Just as her career in law is beginning, Lara collapses and is subsequently bedridden for years with little to no answers or treatments. Her faith and hope are strong during this time, though, not without confusion. After much trial and error and waiting, Lara resolves to ‘move or die’.

Despite being confined to the house, a relationship eventually blossoms with Matthew. He’s devout in his faith and offers much comfort to Lara. As a childhood cancer survivor, he’s experienced debilitating ailments firsthand. Sadly, he soon finds out that he has once again developed cancer. Once again, Lara wonders ‘why’. She’s been brought together with a man that she loves, yet it often looks like the two of them are in a waiting game to be called home to Eternal Life. 

Though the book is largely focused on illness, it’s told with an optimistic spirit, even when things look their bleakest. As a Christian myself, I appreciated reading this perspective on things that I’ve not had to experience firsthand. There are moments of happiness and song woven throughout, providing reprieve from the moments of sorrow.

A huge thanks to the author for inviting me to read a free digital ARC of the book!

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• A genuine voice in the narration that is also engaging.
• Filled with faith and heart.
• The musical references!

What I didn’t like:

• I was so into the story that I wasn’t looking for any critiques.

Afterthoughts:

+1 star for the Annie references!!

But seriously, it was an honor to read this book.

Where to buy the book: