Suffering is an uncomfortable reality and an unfortunate part of the human condition. Even more unfortunately, it is inevitable, despite our best efforts. Loss and death, envy and ennui are accepted as the facts of life, but After the Darkest Hour shows that such suffering can lead to enlightenment and growth. Brehony provides stories and anecdotes throughout the book of people both known and unknown  who have gotten through traumatic situations and have learned something from them. With chapters bearing titles such as "Beyond Resilience" and "Lead into Gold, or the Alchemical Process of Making the Best from the Worst," and peppered throughout with inspirational quotations, this book teeters on the brink of self-help sentiment, but it succeeds where others might fail in its practicality. Michael Spinella
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