As Bright as Heaven

By: Susan Meissner

Narrated by: Cassandra Morris, Tavia Gilbert, Jorjeana Marie, Abigail Revasch

Length: 13 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

From the acclaimed author of The Last Year of the War comes a novel set during the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, telling the story of a family reborn through loss and love.

In 1918, Philadelphia was a city teeming with promise. Even as its young men went off to fight in the Great War, there were opportunities for a fresh start on its cobblestone streets. Into this bustling town came Pauline Bright and her husband, filled with hope that they could now give their three daughters - Evelyn, Maggie, and Willa - a chance at a better life.

But just months after they arrive, the Spanish Flu reaches the shores of America. As the pandemic claims more than 12,000 victims in their adopted city, they find their lives left with a world that looks nothing like the one they knew. But even as they lose loved ones, they take in a baby orphaned by the disease who becomes their single source of hope. Amid the tragedy and challenges, they learn what they cannot live without - and what they are willing to do about it.

As Bright as Heaven is the compelling story of a mother and her daughters who find themselves in a harsh world not of their making, which will either crush their resolve to survive or purify it.

©2018 Susan Meissner (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“A story of one family’s heartbreak and hope. Strong [and] resilient, Meissner’s characters step off the page and into history.” (Lisa Wingate, New York Times best-selling author of Before We Were Yours)

“A family saga, coming-of-age tale, and riveting historical fiction all in one. A must read!” (Pam Jenoff, New York Times best-selling author of The Orphan's Tale)

“A thoughtful examination of life...somber, gripping, and illuminated with hope.” (Kate Quinn, USA Today best-selling author of The Alice Network)

As Bright as Heaven

Being an avid reader, it takes an exceptional author for me to say" wow, I didn't see that coming ! " 3 times I was surprised by the twist and turns of the story. Most of the time I can anticipate a story line or ending way before it happens. I will definitely be on the lookout for more of Susan's books. Narrating Complimented the story, very well done!!!!

Heartfelt story of another pandemic as we live through COVID19!

I chose this book because of “sheltering in place”’and wanting to be in relationship with the characters living through a similar historical event. I was not disappointed. Loved the characters and could not turn off listening. It’s 3 AM!

Such a wonderful story

Such a wonderful story and well written. So many twists in the story it constantly had me wanting to listen more to find out what happened. Very good

Flowed effortlessly from very beginning until end

haven't enjoyed a book this much in a while. there was no acclimating, you were already in it from the first sentence.

As Bright as Heaven

As I listened to this book, I couldn't help but think of the recent world pandemic. The characters and situations could have been ours. It held me captive and I couldn't put it down. I would highly recommend this book either via audio book or hard back.

Best Susan Meissner book yet

This is, by far, her best book yet. The depth at which the characters develop had me sobbing and rejoicing right along with them.

Beautiful story

I enjoyed this story very much. I do want to mention the voice for “Maggie” really got on my nerves in the 2nd part of the book.
I felt like the ending could have gone on, rather than dropping off like it did- but I did enjoy listening.

My first Susan Meissner book

This was my first Susan Meissner book, but won’t be my last. Well written and a great, even though tragic, story line. Having experienced Covid epidemic, it brings more light to the Spanish Flu which occurred when treatments and care were much less available.

Wonderful read

I always love a historical fiction and this did not dissapointed! I had no knowledge of the Spanish flu, what an awful pandemic. I love the way the story ended and all the details that came together to make it happen.

Death, etc.

After the first half or so of this book, I was sad all over and found myself hoping the next chapter would get happy! The story line picked up a bit, but in the end, well, it just ended. So, would I recommend it? Maybe. It’s well written, well performed. Just read at your own risk and do not expect to become elated or uplifted in spirit. It is in fact about sickness and death and how it affects the lives of the characters.