L Kelty

The Message of Light amid Letters of Darkness tells the heartbreaking yet inspirational story of Rosemarie D'Alessandro, who endured unimaginable tragedy when her seven-year-old daughter Joan was murdered. The author somehow finds some solace and meaning when an unexpected source brings her the 332 letters Joan's killer wrote from prison before his death. Author Rosemarie D'Alessandro shares the letters in their raw form, providing rare insight into the disturbed mind of a murderer. Yet amidst the darkness of his words, Rosemarie discovers glimmers of light and possibilities for redemption—a message she chooses to amplify rather than dwell in anger and hatred. Propelled by her faith and love for her daughter, she channels her grief into tireless activism, spurring real legislative change around issues like victims’ rights and child safety. Spanning fifty years from Joan’s death, The Message of Light interweaves the letters with Rosemarie’s own story of coping and overcoming. It highlights the incredible power of the human spirit to transform suffering into purpose. While the tragedy is profoundly senseless, the book finds meaning in forwarding Joan’s legacy of hope and justice. Raw yet inspirational, it calls us to lean into light amid even the darkest of days.