After an unthinkable tragedy happens, an
unbelievable miracle begins. . .
Three-year-old
Sherry is the adored only child of Simon and Karen Barrett.
When Sherry is critically injured in a hit-and-run accident,
the fault lines in the Barretts's marriage begin to show. As
her parents' marriage falls apart, it is discovered that
Sherry--in her coma-like state--has miraculous healing
powers.
Meanwhile, the guilt-stricken driver of the
truck attempts suicide--but is unable to die. Henry Denton
instead finds himself in a place of darkness, somewhere
between this world and the next, invisible to all but a
group of mysterious and downtrodden men. Haunted by his
shame, Henry struggles to understand this mysterious limbo,
and what he must do to free himself.
As word of
Sherry’s powers spread, her parents must decide how best to
shelter their daughter and help the many sick and dying who
are drawn to her side. At the same time, a larger battle is
brewing—one that has been raging for close to two-thousand
years, and one that might yet claim the lives of Sherry and
her family.
Robert J. Wiersema's brilliant debut
novel sheds light on the inner lives of characters
struggling against tragedy, who find each other and
themselves in the darkness. Before I Wake reveals the
power of forgiveness, and the true nature, and cost, of
miracles.
"A stunning debut . .
.original, thought-provoking, and downright
wonderful." –Michael Connelly, New York
Times #1 bestselling author of The Closers and
Echo Park
“I wept over this book as I
read it, and I'm still haunted by it . . . disturbingly
powerful.” -Gail Anderson-Dargatz, author of A Recipe
for Bees
“A literary supernatural thriller that
grips the reader in a chokehold and doesn’t let go until the
very last line. . . . It never shies away or backs down from
its questioning of faith, theology, morality and mystery. .
. a unique, spellbinding, and ultimately uplifting gem.”
-- The Globe and Mail
“Through a tale
that is both intimate and profound, Robert J. Wiersema
reminds us there is magic in truth, and truth in the
fantastic. An edge-of-your-seat debut that is never
faint of heart.” -Ami McKay, author of The Birth
House
"A wonder to behold. A deft fusion of
intimate family story, suspense and religious exploration.
One of those books you just don't put down until you've read
to the last page. . . Magnificent.” --The Edmonton
Journal "Deceptively easy to read because
it is so well written and so emotionally engaging. It will
haunt you long after you've lent it to a friend. And lend it
you will, because it is just too good not to
share." --National Post
“Before I
Wake provocatively dances along the lines between faith
and science, life and death." --Andrew Pyper, author of
Lost Girls
“Engrossing and carefully plotted
. . . Wiersema’s compassion and sympathy for his characters
are genuine. . . he tellsa cracking good
tale.” --Quill & Quire