Lloyd Alexander (1924-2007)

I was shocked when I opened my email a few days ago and read that Lloyd Alexander died last May 17 in his home in Drexel Hill, just two weeks after his wife Janine died. He was eighty-three.

He was one of my favorite authors as an adolescent, and his Chronicles of Prydain continue to be an important part of my bookshelf. I find myself always going back and reading them, for the adventure and the sheer wonder of it, and for the thought-provoking themes and quotes one can gather from the rich writing.

I will be looking forward to The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio, which is his last book and set to be published this August. He said that he had finished his life work with Carlo Chuchio. I am both sad and happy at the same time–it truly is bittersweet.

I found a wonderful quote from him about writing:

All that writers can do is keep trying to say what is deepest in their hearts.

How does one do justice to what is in one’s heart?