A Match To The Heart: One Woman's Story Of Being Struck By Lightning (1995) - Plot & Excerpts
This memoir is Gretel Ehrlich's account of being struck by lightning or, more specifically, of her recovery from being struck by lightning. After the appaling lack of sensible, let alone compassionate, medical care that she initially received, she finally receives care from Dr. Blaine Braniff, a truly gifted healer. The book zig-zags like lightning from here to there, spending a lot of time on science, both of the body and of nature, some of which was interesting but a lot of which had my eyes glazing over. Ehrlich's beautifully descriptive language and her relationship with her dog Sam pulled me through the dull parts. On the whole, however, I found her memoir The Solace of Open Spaces more compelling.Book Pairings: Alice Hoffman's novel The Ice Queen.
This book chronicles the two years after the author was struck by lightning. It follows her mental and physical healing as she travels from Wyoming to California to London back to California, back to Wyoming, back to California. Oh, yes, Alaska was in there too. It also chronicles her love for her cattle dog and its own health woes.Erlich writes a poetic prose that is spiritual and scientific, sometimes confusing but always beautiful. My favorite chapters are the ones where she follows her doctor on his rounds, is a guest in the operating room during heart surgery, and attends the Third Annual Lightning Strike and Electric Shock Conference.
What do You think about A Match To The Heart: One Woman's Story Of Being Struck By Lightning (1995)?
I would never wish a lightning strike on anyone, of course, but if it had to happen to someone it might as well be a breathtakingly skilled writer who possesses the curiosity, gumption, tenacity and all-around toughness to not only pull through a devastating injury, but also to chronicle her journey through it with such grace and insight. This book, written early in her career, proves that to label Gretel Ehrlich a travel writer is to grossly misjudge her work. Her narrative transcends categorization.
—Stacy Carlson
I read this years ago. She is a very good writer and the story of her recovery from the lightning strike was fascinating. Now i have to go add all of my Gretel Ehrlich books to my Goodreads list.
—Cari
