“We are not Friday people after all”

- Ashley Alberto

 

This line rings with me because it speaks to a gentle defiance against societal norms or labels that try to fit people into boxes based on things as arbitrary as weekdays or weekends, right or left, rainbow or black. In "A Life That Was," Ashley Alberto welcomes readers into a territory where thoughts swirl freely, defying the constraints of societal norms. This collection, enriched by Juno Abreu's illustrations, surpasses the mere boundaries of the book; it unfolds as a weighty probe of human existence.

 

The book opens with a heartfelt dedication to "the little anxious girl who dreamed...all this and more," setting the tone that embraces the chaotic beauty of life. Alberto's writing flows freely, like those flows of words that curve like ocean waves, capturing moments of introspection, raw emotion, and reflection.

 

Throughout the collection, themes of love, grief, and the tangled web of human relationships unfold with honesty. From poignant reflections on the deceptive nature of the heart to candid thoughts on mental health struggles, each piece resounds deeply with its unfiltered authenticity. Alberto's ability to intertwine personal narrative with broader societal issues, such as the impact of global crises like COVID-19, the silent wounds left by absence and the complexities of modern relationships, adds layers of deepness to her storytelling. 

 

Closing with the profound sentiment, "Only grace can accomplish what will and grit cannot," Alberto captures the core of her journey—a testimony to the enduring power of hope amidst struggles.

 

"A Life That Was" is not just a collection of many things; it's a mirror reflecting the messy, beautiful, and often contradictory facets of the human spirit. Through Alberto's evocative prose and poetry and Abreu's impressive illustrations, readers are invited to embrace the complexity of their own stories, finding solace in the shared experiences that bind us all.