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utopiaandmelancholy's review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A delightful middle-grade fantasy book, taking me back to the kinds of things I enjoyed reading when I was younger. I really enjoyed the world building based on Thailand, and the parallels to Les Miserables. I loved the agency given to these young activist characters, with their differing backgrounds, and while I found the messaging a little heavy-handed, it's an important and worthwhile moral of social justice. A straightforward read with great characters and a heartwarming message.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Forced institutionalization, Fire/Fire injury, and Death
Minor: Police brutality, Bullying, and Child abuse
mattyb's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Police brutality and Bullying
jennajlh's review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
A magical, whimsical retelling of Les Miserables in a fantasy Thai setting, it is one of the most beautiful books I have read in years. While MG, this book tackles tough modern themes like classism, mass incarceration, and homelessness head on in age-appropriate ways.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Classism, and Confinement
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Police brutality, and Racism
Minor: Death of parent
sunlit_music's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is one of the most beautiful retellings of Les Miserables I've ever read, it moved me to tears. Succinct, powerful, emotionally intense, and moving, A Wish in the Dark is a book you will think about long after you have closed it. I haven't read a book this empathic and intelligent that made me think so much in a long while.
The author outlines how a punitive justice system in society hurts poor people, including children born in prison. While the subject matter is confronting, it's necessary to talk and think about.
Father Cham (based on Bishop Myriel Bienvenue from Les Miserables) is the kind monk who takes in runaway fugitive and thief Pong (who is based on Jean Valjean). He cares for people young and old, showing that education and opportunities for work are the best ways to combat and reduce crime.
Nok, the Inspector Javert figure of the book, is honourable, honest but ruthless and thinks in black and white - until discovering the Governor, a man she idolised, is not as kind and just as he seems .
I love Pong's friendship with his best friend Somkit! Their banter is hilarious!! They look out for each other all the time. The reveal at the end on how Somkit helped Pong in the past is also heartwarming.
What I also love is that Nok has the best character arc, transforming from a narrow minded person to someone who is compassionate and empathic. Her reunion with her father, and their taking a stance against the governor's violence against poor people is one of the best parts in the book.
I also love that many poor side characters banded together to take a peaceful stand against the Governor.
All major characters are nuanced and learn to change wrong opinions over time.
The plot makes sense and is unpredictable, moving at a good pace with appropriate amounts of action and reflection.
Prose is succinct, lush, and evocative. The world shown is beautiful and fascinating, from the food, plants, and atmosphere to the architecture and religion. There's a remarkable sense of time and place, as if the book is a snapshot into the past.
The ending is uplifting and rewarding, especially after all that the main characters have suffered. It feels well earned and hard won, and you're left cheering for the main characters.
I wish there were more books like this. This book should be a classic! Books like this should be more widespread and never forgotten.
The author outlines how a punitive justice system in society hurts poor people, including children born in prison. While the subject matter is confronting, it's necessary to talk and think about.
Father Cham (based on Bishop Myriel Bienvenue from Les Miserables) is the kind monk who takes in runaway fugitive and thief Pong (who is based on Jean Valjean). He cares for people young and old, showing that education and opportunities for work are the best ways to combat and reduce crime.
Nok, the Inspector Javert figure of the book, is honourable, honest but ruthless and thinks in black and white - until discovering
I love Pong's friendship with his best friend Somkit! Their banter is hilarious!! They look out for each other all the time. The reveal at the end on how Somkit helped Pong in the past is also heartwarming.
I also love that many poor side characters banded together to take a peaceful stand against the Governor.
All major characters are nuanced and learn to change wrong opinions over time.
The plot makes sense and is unpredictable, moving at a good pace with appropriate amounts of action and reflection.
Prose is succinct, lush, and evocative. The world shown is beautiful and fascinating, from the food, plants, and atmosphere to the architecture and religion. There's a remarkable sense of time and place, as if the book is a snapshot into the past.
The ending is uplifting and rewarding, especially after all that the main characters have suffered. It feels well earned and hard won, and you're left cheering for the main characters.
I wish there were more books like this. This book should be a classic! Books like this should be more widespread and never forgotten.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism
Minor: Fire/Fire injury and Police brutality
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