Fireflies [Paperback]

David Morrell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1999

In the bestselling novels of suspense master David Morrell, fear is the main subject. But Morrell himself had never known genuine terror until he watched his 15-year-old son wage a heroic but doomed struggle with cancer. This is one father's powerful and unforgettable story of fierce love, impenetrable loss, and an unexpected, breathtaking encounter with the miraculous. Ultimately, "Fireflies" is a tribute to the undying human spirit that has already given new hope to enthralled and grateful readers around the world.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This is a semi-fictionalized account of the death, from a rare form of cancer, of the author's 15-year-old son. Morrell surrealistically finds himself on the floor of his kitchen, several days before Matthew dies; he has been in the future and, having read the hospital report on the causes of Matthew's death, wants to give his son antibiotics as a prophylactic against the septic shock that will ultimately kill him. Back in the present, the doctors at the University of Iowa hospital don't understand how the author can predict what will happen. They argue that antibiotics could weaken Matthew; they think Morrell is crazed from the strain of his son's illness. He sneaks into Matthew's hospital room and administers the drugs anyway, but they don't save the boy's life. Morrell (First Blood) tells of his family's fear and hurt; of his misapprehension of God's purpose; and of supernatural experiencesfireflies, that signify souls, appear to Morrell; one of them is Matthew, who speaks to his father; a dove trapped in the mausoleum at Matthew's funeral allows Morrell to set it free. A painful book to read; the son's courageand the father's anguishjump from the emotionally charged pages. But in terms of style, the comparison that comes to mind is not the dense introspection of, say, James Agee's A Death in the Family , but rather the melodramatic treatment of Eric Segal's Love Story . 50,000 first printing; $100,000 ad/promo
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Skillfully combining fictional and nonfictional writing, Morrell tries to convey the feeling of having a beloved teenaged son die of a rare form of cancer. With sensitivity, in agony, and in love, he recounts the progress of the disease and treatment; the continuing hope and setback; and the difficult choices he and his wife must make (including a 15-minute, no-second-thoughts decision in the midst of major surgery). He vividly recounts his admiration for his son's courageous persistence; his own, nearly overwhelming, panic attacks; his poignant denial of his son's death; and the comfort of three seemingly mystical signs he receives. Highly recommended for general and seminary libraries. Carolyn M. Craft, Longwood Coll., Farmville, Va.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Warner Books; Reprint edition (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446675903
• ISBN-13: 978-0446675901
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,550,580 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a poignant look at love, loss, and moving on., September 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Fireflies (Paperback)

This is one of the most touching books I have ever read. Morrell takes the reader on a remarkable journey of love, loss, and moving on in life. He makes the reader feel connected to his family, as well as the experiences they went through as his son was diagnosed, treated, and died from cancer. Although I have never lost someone I love from cancer, I felt consumed by Morrell's passion and felt like I could relate to what he was going through. This book defintely gives readers the hope that things will get better and ways to deal with the tension cancer brings. It is a true ray of light in a dark world.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Different Side of David Morrell...one you didn't expect, June 16, 2001

By 

G. Bowser "gloryb28" (NEW YORK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fireflies (Paperback)

If you pick up this book by your favorite author and don't review it first.you will be in for a new type of adventure...one that is an extra-ordinary, gruelng adventure but not the type Morrell usually writes. This is the search into the depths of his mind and soul as he fights to save the life of his 15 yr. old son, Matthew who develops Ewings Sarcoma, not in his arm or leg but in a rib where it cannot be amputated. David and Matthew each undergo life threatening demands on their physical and emotional planes...one that cannot be survived by Matthew and one that renders David almost lifeless. Your thoughts on life present and life future will undergo a revolution similar to theirs...you won't be the same person who started reading this encounter with the very devil of our existence in this earthly passageway. I will not be selling this book or donating it to the library but I will tell every one to read it for an undreamed of spiritual adventure and come back to life in real time with altered outlook or belief in the Greater Power.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a book that touches your hearts., August 14, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Fireflies (Hardcover)

This is one of the best books I have ever read. I have found myself reading it several different times over the last couple of years. When I feel that I have lost all spirituality, I read this book and feel whole again. This book elegantly combines love, anger, and sorrow. The reader is able to feel the emotions that David is struggling with. I am blessed not to have lost a child but through his writing, I can identify with the grief that he has and continues to feel. His medical descriptions are incredible for a man who is not a healthcare worker. It is evident that he did his research. God bless Matthew. It is such a tragedy for a child to die. And yet, when you finish this book, there is a strong feeling that he is with God and he is at peace now.