In Darkness by Nick Lake

The Blurb On The Back:

In darkness. I count my blessings like manman taught me.
One: I am alive.
Two: there is no two.

In the aftermath of an earthquake, Shorty lies in the wreckage of a hospital and tries to make sense of everything that has happened.

His experiences as a small-time gangster in Haiti have given him plenty to think about.

But when his thoughts are interrupted by someone long dead, Shorty’s battle for survival takes him to places he could never have imagined.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Nick Lake’s YA novel is a thoughtful, fascinating tale that draws parallels between the struggles of modern Haiti and the struggle of the slaves to win their freedom and a nation of their own. It’s an unflinching read, both in terms of the violence and poverty that surrounds Shorty and the bleakness of both his and Haiti’s situation while the liberal use of the f-bomb may put off parents of younger readers. However it also deserves its critical acclaim and it’s easy to see why it’s been on so many award shortlists.

Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the free copy of this book.