The Light That Failed : Kessinger Publishing : 9781432611682 : 1432611682 : 01 Apr 2005 : The Light that Failed is a novel written by Rudyard Kipling, first published in 1891. The novel tells the story of Dick Heldar, a talented artist who loses his eyesight and the ability to paint after contracting a fever while serving as a war correspondent in Sudan. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the struggle to find purpose in life. The story is set in London and follows Dick's life after returning from war. He reunites with his childhood friend, Maisie, who becomes his muse and the subject of his paintings. However, as his eyesight deteriorates, his relationship with Maisie becomes strained, and he becomes increasingly frustrated with his inability to paint. Dick's despair leads him to seek solace in alcohol and eventually to travel to India in search of a cure for his blindness. In India, he meets Torpenhow, a fellow war correspondent who becomes his friend and confidant. Together