The Play of Light: Observations and Epiphanies in the Everyday World

Louis J. Mason
Cowley Publications (2006)
ISBN-10 1561012408
ISBN-13 9781561012404
Reviewed by Nina Larson for Reader Views (6/06)


From the first word, the voice in Louis Masson’s book, “The Play of Light” is gentle, yet emotional.  Outwardly a memoir of his 60 + year life, this book transcends a simple narrative of the author’s life and inspired memories and emotions in me.  Masson’s life has had the usual triumphs and tribulations of a white, middle-class, Catholic American, and his telling outwardly wandered like his old “associative” professor.  Yet reading this book brought up recollections I knew I had, but hadn’t thought of in years, or realized the depth of impact; the smell of fall, winter, spring, and summer; my first memory; the feel of story-time at bedtime. 

Memories and experiences we all have, yet take for granted during our day to day lives.  
However, unlike most of us, Masson has accepted what has gone before and what will come.  And through sharing his memories, and his emotions bound up in those memories, my memories and the feelings attached to those memories took on a fresh and peaceful aspect.  This book and Masson are a light shining into the darkness of forgetfulness.  The dedication is a well written symbol of this book; memories and help from the past, inspiring hope and best wishes for the future.    

Masson is writing to leave a record of himself, his family, his faith.  A ‘remember me, I was once here’ urge that strikes us all, from ancient and modern graffiti artists to classical artists such as Rodin.  Death and life are examined, from the stages of funerals and puddle-jumping.  Clearly, it is the present moment that matters.  “It is in the sketching, not the sketch, that we truly cherish something of each day.” pp.28. 

I actually reread this book, searching for what made it so powerful.  I am still not quite sure.  It might be the connections I find between his questions and life and my life.  But that does not explain why the prologue moved me to tears, when the entire chapter is explicitly a situation entirely alien to me.

Masson has provided the world with a wonderful book.  Frankly, I would recommend it to anyone.  Age range is immaterial.  The reading level is relatively easy, the writing incredibly descriptive and lyrical, and the sentiment; classless.  However, this is a reflective memoir, a book that inspires self-reflection and emotion.  Expect tears and change.    

Make comment on weblog