Apostles of Light
Apostles of Light
The elderly couple in this fine novel, a retired schoolteacher and the doctor with whom she has had a lifelong, tender love affair, find that, almost by accident, they have forfeited control of their own lives. Trapped in a nursing home, they are the victims of the biblical “apostles of light,” the deceitful do-gooders who profess righteousness. In subtle, elegant prose Ellen Douglas recounts a gripping story of their brave attempt to free themselves from a dreadful plight. They must confront both their corrupt and evil custodians and their well-meaning younger relatives who are tempted by greed, ambition, cowardice, and indifference. Apostles of Light was a finalist for the National Book Award in 1973.
Ellen Douglas (1921-2012) was author of numerous novels, short stories, essays, and other works. She was also recipient of the 2000 American Academy of Arts and Letters Award in Literature.
