Into the Dark

By: Justin M. Johnson

Narrated by: Tom Jordan

When Mr. Anders decides to take his wife off of life support, he must find a way to cope with her loss and face the remainder of his days without her.

A powerful tale of love and loss, this story is ideal for those who are taking their first steps into the dark....

©2017 Justin M. Johnson (P)2017 Justin M. Johnson and CCS Publishing

I was not prepared for this

Any additional comments?

This tiny short story packs more into 15 minutes than many novels can do with a few hundred pages. It was a very full 15 minutes. This gripping, heart-wrenching story of a man letting go of his spouse had me hanging on every word. The rich visuals and ultimate catharsis were wonderful, even if it was a punch to the gut.

The narration perfectly matched the somber tone of this story and the pacing was perfect. I imagine I'll be thinking back on this haunting story for quite some time.

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

Touching

It is so hard to let go. Very touching how he had this moment with her after she was gone. I think that's the part people want to hear. That they are forgiven, that it's ok. I have a friend in life support the family can't make this decision. It's so hard. I received this book at no charge in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for a little insight to what we pray is how it can be.

A Lovely Short Story

Set at the time when a couple are parted by death, this book is beautifully written. The saying "Better to have loved and lost than never loved" really hits home here as the main character grapples with life without his soul mate. The comfort that this short story brings also can apply to any relationship.

Coincidentally, the day I listened to this audiobook, my friend Sandra had just passed away from cancer. It really hit home the emotions of a life celebrated and lost. Tom Jordan read it perfectly. Thank you for writing it Mr Johnson.

I was offered a copy of this audiobook in exchange for my unbiased review.

Deep impact, no warning shot

Into the Dark is a very short exposure to multiple uncomfortable problems some have to face in life (to varying extents):

1. Your spouse is medically dead to the world and will never recover. It is up to you to pull the plug.
2. You have two kids and have to bring this news to them.
3. You have a discussion about the situation before it is done.
4. You grapple with the guilt of execution and are burdened by the weight of it all.
5. You aren't sure how to feel and what to show to others.

Rather than just unload those thoughts and be done (the story is less than 15 minutes), there's an entirely separate experience where through dreams the deceased spouse forgives you, reminds you of your love together, that you need to keep living for your kids, and that you have work to do before your time is up.

As I say in the headline, not light subject material. In spite of the abbreviated nature, I still felt like it had closure. I took some time to reflect afterwards.

I thoroughly enjoy listening to Tom Jordan (narrator)'s work. It makes a big difference in the experience for me, and the work he's selected has all been thoughtful. I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

Is it really into the dark?

This was a great essay (under 10,000 words) on a very tough and emotion filled topic. The narrator's solemn tone was perfect for the subject matter and plot. The writing was very well done, as was the premise of the work, and along with the fine narration I was able to appreciate the overall work and give it a good review.

However, what I found to be the saddest and most difficult thing about the story was knowing that there are so many people the relate to death, and the loss of a loved one, as entering into the darkness. There is another story; one of eternal life and entering into the light in the promise to those that believe in Jesus Christ. I am not preaching here, just pointing out that there is an alternative to going "Into the Dark." I have had to walk through a very similar situation, but I had peace because I knew my loved one was going on to eternal life with their Savior . . . there was no need to search for forgiveness. My hope is that those saddened by this story find the same.

That being said, I would recommend this story to all listeners as it is well worth the time. A review copy audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in return for this unbiased review. Perhaps this review helps in your decision as to whether to obtain this book.