Thank you to Candlewick Press for sharing a copy of the novel in exchange for my honest review!
All light in Chattana is created by one man — the Governor, who appeared after the Great Fire to bring peace and order to the city. For Pong, who was born in Namwon Prison, the magical lights represent freedom, and he dreams of the day he will be able to walk among them. But when Pong escapes from prison, he realizes that the world outside is no fairer than the one behind bars. The wealthy dine and dance under bright orb light, while the poor toil away in darkness. Worst of all, Pong’s prison tattoo marks him as a fugitive who can never be truly free. Nok, the prison warden’s perfect daughter, is bent on tracking Pong down and restoring her family’s good name. But as Nok hunts Pong through the alleys and canals of Chattana, she uncovers secrets that make her question the truths she has always held dear. Set in a Thai-inspired fantasy world, Christina Soontornvat’s twist on Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables is a dazzling, fast-paced adventure that explores the difference between law and justice — and asks whether one child can shine a light in the dark. This magical middle grade novel teaches the power of friendship and the struggles of privilege and power differences. The comparison to Les Miserables is spot-on. The book is equally addictive and I know it will stick in my mind the same way. Soontornvat tuned it for a younger audience, though, which I thought was lovely. She kept the magic alive—literally. The orbs of Chattana that glow in different colors made for a beautiful landscape, both on the cover and in my imagination. I especially loved how Soontornvat expanded on Pong’s stay with the monks. That has forever been a Les Mis moment that I wish would be more detailed, and she nailed it. Pong’s connection with Father Cham is so unique and beautiful. I loved Father Cham’s blessings, and his way of giving each child exactly what they needed, which coincided with Pong’s need to atone for his perceived wrongdoings. This is the sort of healing connection I think everyone needs right now. Pong and Nok, the central characters in this story, are magical in and out. The journeys they go on lead them to become better versions of themselves right in front of readers’ eyes. Pong’s quest to reduce the suffering he and those around him face conflicts with Nok’s adoration of the Governor and her certainty that he can do no wrong. Luckily, both of them learn to challenge their views in a way that, again, delightfully parallels Les Miserables. Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend A Wish in the Dark for any reader—it’s a Middle Grade novel that will appeal above and beyond the bounds of that genre. 4/5 stars for this wonderful new release!
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The BaronessHey, I'm Shreya! I love to read, write, travel, and drink tea. Disclosure: I am an affiliate of bookshop.org and I will earn a small commission if you click the above link and make a purchase.
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