A review by theravenkingx
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker

dark emotional mysterious sad slow-paced

3.0



We look at others with fucking trivial problems, and we think how long they'd last with a taste of our childhoods.


I'm not sure if the publishers marketed this book as a mystery/thriller, but I've noticed many people expressing disappointment. I approached it without any expectations and didn't feel misled at all. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and brilliance of this book. The writing reminded me of one of my all-time favorite books, *Never Let Me Go* It shares the same beautiful bleakness, with prose that is both ornate and melancholic. The slow burn of this book evokes deep emotions and hits you right in the gut. However, I understand that this book is not for everyone. It's a slow-paced narrative that tackles several triggering topics like child abuse, domestic violence, and addiction


If you're looking for a straightforward mystery/thriller, you might be disappointed. While the mystery element present, this book is much more than that. It's a profound exploration of the human condition, delving into the effects of traumatic experiences and their psychological implications. The story is about friendships, family, loss, unrequited love, and how an unexpected event can change the course of your life.


While this is one of the good books I have read this
year, it has some glaring issues. The book is filled with many unrealistic coincidences that, although didn't mind while reading, believe the author
could have handled differently. I can see some people being bothered them. There were numerous occasions where the author could have ended the
book in a bittersweet manner, which would have been more satisfying than the conclusion we got. I was ready to give this book a 5-star rating until I
reached the ending. It undid much of the character development and plot tension that had been carefully built up.


believe the author's attempt to wrap up the plot points was too much. He didn't leave anything to our imagination. Everything was over-explained, and everything worked out perfectly for everyone in the end.' it felt like the author was tying up every loose end with a neat little bow which took away from the
story's potential depth and complexity.


One plot point, in particular, was completely butchered at the end. It felt unnecessary and added nothing to the story. I found myself scratching my head, wondering why the author decided to mess with such a crucial part of a character's growth. It was like watching someone trip over their own shoelaces right before crossing the finish line.


Another issue I encountered, which didn't bother me as much but might frustrate other readers, was that the major twists were presented in a confusing and convoluted manner, often in just a line or two, before quickly moving on. This made it difficult to fully grasp the significance of these twists. While I didn't mind this stylistic choice for the most part, I felt that some plot twists could have benefited from more in-depth exploration.


We look at others with fucking trivial problems, and we think how long they'd last with a taste of our childhoods


Synopsis
In this book, we follow Saint, a young girl navigating the challenges of growing up, and her one-eyed friend, Patch, living in a small town in Missouri in 1975. They form an unlikely friendship, until one day, Patch intervenes to save a popular girl, Misty Meyer, from being kidnapped. The situation spirals out of control, and Patch is taken instead. Overcome with grief but driven by unfathomable courage, Saint sets out on a journey to find her friend, Patch. However, her quest doesn't end there. Ilt leads her down a rabbit hole. The existence of a girl named Grace,
kidnapped alongside Patch, becomes a mystery and a pivotal part of the story.


"Two people are less lost than one."


Over the next 26 years, we witness the characters
growth, challenges, and the complexities of their lives. This one event continues to haunt our main characters into their adulthood. Saint transforms
into a strong and independent police officer, though she carries emotional baggage from her childhood and the pain of unrequited love. Her journey takes her through various towns and cities, searching for the victims of the same man responsible for kidnapping Patch and Grace. Misty, forever
grateful for Patch's sacrifice, becomes an integral part of their intertwined fates. Grace's mysterious disappearance continues to influence the paths of our characters even in their adulthood.


The story focuses on the who and why of the heinous acts. The mystery is prevalent throughout
the narrative, but the heavy focus is on the characters and their journeys.


The narrative explores themes of survivors guilt, trauma, friendship, loss, and the passage of time, culminating in a conclusion that ties together the characters' journeys, revealing the profound impact
of their shared experiences. The story highlights the enduring strength of human connections and the relentless pursuit of justice, ultimately leading to a resolution that honors the sacrifices made and the bonds formed along the way.


"Time changes our ability to view the things that
hurt us." "But not the pain."
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