After the Fire Audiobook By J. A. Jance cover art

After the Fire

A Memoir in Poetry and Prose

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After the Fire

By: J. A. Jance
Narrated by: J. A. Jance
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About this listen

New York Times best-selling 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 best-selling 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 best-selling author.

©2013 J. A. Jance (P)2013 HarperCollinsPublishers
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J A Jance does a wonderful job of reading her poetry and the stories before she actually reads them adds soooo much. It was a delightful listen. I could relate to her struggles. And felt like she did all she could to move forward in life.

Strong emotion

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I found After the Fire in my public library when looking for a memoir to read. Color me surprised to find the author of the Joanna Brady novels in this section. What a gem. I highly recommend this book. Lots of wisdom earned through all the experiences.

My favorite author is now my favorite poet

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