The Beauty of Dusk

On Vision Lost and Found

By: Frank Bruni

Narrated by: Frank Bruni

From New York Times columnist and bestselling author Frank Bruni comes “a book about vision loss that becomes testimony to human courage, a moving memoir that offers perspective, comfort, and hope” (Booklist, starred review).

One morning in late 2017, New York Times columnist Frank Bruni woke up with strangely blurred vision. He wondered at first if some goo or gunk had worked its way into his right eye. But this was no fleeting annoyance, no fixable inconvenience. Overnight, a rare stroke had cut off blood to one of his optic nerves, rendering him functionally blind in that eye—forever. And he soon learned from doctors that the same disorder could ravage his left eye, too. He could lose his sight altogether.

In this “moving and inspiring” (The Washington Post) memoir, Bruni beautifully recounts his adjustment to this daunting reality, a medical and spiritual odyssey that involved not only reappraising his own priorities but also reaching out to, and gathering wisdom from, longtime friends and new acquaintances who had navigated their own traumas and afflictions.

The result is a poignant, probing, and ultimately “a positive message, a powerful reminder that with great vulnerability also comes great reward” (Oprah Winfrey). Bruni’s world blurred in one sense, as he experienced his first real inklings that the day isn’t forever and that light inexorably fades, but sharpened in another. Confronting unexpected hardship, he felt more blessed than ever before. The Beauty of Dusk is “a wonderful book. Honest. Poetic. Uplifting.” (Lesley Stahl).

stunningly beautiful book

For anyone who is facing challenge, a health crisis or just trying to live a more meaningful, full life, this book is a must read. Deeply moving, relevant for these times, beautifully written and narrated by Frank Bruni. I wish I could give it to everyone I know.

Sublime

One of the best memoirs I’ve “read” in years. Frank’s writing is exceptional, which is not a surprise knowing his profession. But his heart is everywhere. I was drawn in to all of the health-related issues. And then he got to the dog chapter. Well, that was worth the price of admission. The book is full of intellect and insight and heart. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Truly Lovely

I’m so glad Bruni narrates this, himself. His soothing voice balances the harshness done to his body. This is one of those journeys into the self that one remembers and treasures. A true gem.

Thank you Frank Bruni

Thank you for so elegantly portraying the details and nuance of living with compromised vision.

I saw myself in much of this audiobook

Frank Bruni has written a beautiful book about the highs and lows of his life full of honest reflection of all that led to where he now resides following a stroke and the loss of vision in one eye. His voice like his columns in the New York Times is easy to listen to. I couldn’t put it down for I saw myself in much of what he wrote especially with regard to his eye condition and the eye doctor that we share