I recently read a novel by Mark Helprin entitled In Sunlight and in Shadow. Helprin has written several novels that I have really enjoyed including Winter’s Tale and A Soldier of the Great War. He writes beautiful and gripping prose that borders on poetry at times. His descriptive powers put the readers squarely into the scene as if they are viewing it in person. In Sunlight and in Shadow tells of a young man, Harry, just back in New York after fighting in World War II as a pathfinder. Helprin describes several of Harry’s dangerous missions in flashbacks. Harry falls in love with Catherine, a daughter of wealthy parents, and an aspiring Broadway actress. The two struggle through difficulties not of their making and, though it might sound “corny,” love conquers all. However, I must warn you not to look for a completely happy ending. The story takes place in and around New York City, the place where the author grew up, and his love of which is very evident in this story, as it was in his earlier best seller, Winter’s Tale. The magical aspects of New York that he evoked in that earlier novel arise in this book, but less frequently. I enjoyed the book very much and I highly recommend it.