A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat is a Newbery-Honor-winning novel targeted at eight- to twelve-year-olds. But the ideas it explores are timeless and appropriate for all ages. In one description I read it is compared to a retelling of Les Misérables. A few of the characters may remind you of that Victor Hugo classic, but it is the themes that are most similar – justice, kindness, seeing the best in others, and the consequences of our choices. It is a story of its own set in a “Thai-inspired fantasy world”, to quote the Goodreads.com description.
As I mentioned in a previous post, my sister (a middle school English teacher) gave me this book as a gift recently. I finished reading it last night, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters are relatable and genuine, reflecting the inexperience, naivete, and idealism of their youth. Throughout the story this idealism is confronted with the reality that surrounds them. I don’t really want to say much more than that so I don’t spoil the book for anyone. I am not sure that I ever would have read this book if my sister had not told me about it and given me a copy. I am glad she did.
