In The New Yorker July 20, 2012, article on Bruce Springsteen “We Are Alive: Springsteen at 62″ by Sarah Payne Stuart, it was noted that the rock musician was deeply struck by his father’s apparent bipolar mood disorder, expressed by fluccuating moods: all-enveloping depressions and then conversely wild rages. In fact, Springsteen was worried that he himself wouldn’t be spared the mental instability that ran in his family.
In Light Fixtures, Aurora eventually comes to consider that genetic strand, but not until she must first look at the idea that she may have the onset of teen bipolar. With the help of her friend, the wise Mr. Hematite, the old, silver-haired robed guide in the woods, she learns that manic depression is part of who she is and it’s critical that she acknowlege that singular piece of her.
Just as Bruce Springsteen has obviously done, as noted by his wife Patti’s quote in the article, “He was able to look at himself and battle it out.” Aurora must begin to do the same in the novel. The only difference is: Aurora is a young teenager and is just beginning the journey and that can sometimes be more challenging. Does she make it through? Check out “Light Fixtures.”
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