When Words Fail: A Photographic Journey through New York City

by Pamela Thomas-Graham

A mourner’s quest through New York City at dusk, looking for the lightThe French expression for twilight is 'entre chien et loup': the hour between dog and wolf. Between the familiar and the frightening. Pamela Thomas-Graham found herself in such a place when her husband, author Lawrence Otis Graham, died suddenly just days after their 29th wedding anniversary. Searching for solace, she decided to take a photography class. For her entire life, she had excelled at expressing herself with words. But sometimes words fail. This is the journal of a novice photographer, traveling by twilight throughout New York City, looking for light. A journey illuminated by streetlight, neon light, and candlelight. A journey from grief, fear, anger, fatigue, and longing to acquiescence. Complete with little firefly moments of grace. Night falls and twilight comes for everyone. What we make of it is up to us. 

144 pages, Hardcover

Published April 8, 2025

About the author

Pamela Thomas-Graham is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Harvard College and a graduate of Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School. Now president and CEO of CNBC Television, she divides her time between Westchester County and Manhattan.