Bright burning things : a novel
(Book)

Originally published in Great Britain in 2021 by Bloomsbury Publishing.

A visceral, tender, and brave portrait of addiction, recovery, and motherhood. Sonya used to perform onstage. She used to attend glamorous parties, date handsome men, ride in fast cars. But somewhere along the way, the stage lights Sonya lived for dimmed for good. And then, in their absence, came darkness--blackouts, empty cupboards, hazy nights she can't remember. Sonya feels too much and feels too often-drinking provides an escape from her painful existence. What keeps Sonya from losing herself completely is Tommy, her four-year-old son. But her immense love for Tommy is in fierce conflict with her immense love of the bottle. Sonya wants to take care of Tommy, but it is Tommy who takes care of Sonya as she battles a disedraggingggin her toward rock bottom. As Sonya's grip on reality loosens, her father asks a neighbor to keep an eye on her. But when Tommy's life is put at risk, Sonya is given an ultimatum: spend twelve weeks in rehab or lose Tommy--forever. Told in raw, radiant prose, the novel offers a devastating, nuanced, and ultimately hopeful look ataddictsct's journey toward rehabilitation redemptiontion. Bright Burning Things is an emotional tour de force. --,From dust jacket.