Had the chance to read an ARC copy provided by NetGalley

This was such an interesting dive into the world of a prisoner and the reasons he ended up in this situation. The difficult childhood, repeating patterns of trauma and drug use play such a huge part in how Oliver ends up here. Breaking a cycle is never easy and first you’d need to notice that there is a harmful cycle that’s repeating and decide to fix it.

I how the narration goes back and forth with describing the current time in prison and looking back on his life. I also really d how we built up to finding out why exactly he was imprisoned. Oliver’s inability to pinpoint the exact ages and time in his life things happen feels relatable from a trauma standpoint. Everything kind of mushes together into just scenes that happen, but you’re not sure what order they happened in or how old you were.

I loved coming to the part that opened up the meaning of the book’s name. It plays a big part in Oliver’s life.

Oliver describes the women in his life beautifully and nicely, even when they’re not necessarily being very nice and lovely. I how his mother has multiple nicknames she’s always used, it feels a way to disconnect yourself from your past self and life. It also seems that Oliver is at least somewhat repeating this behavior for himself too.

The book brings up the realities of being imprisoned for decades and the issues you might face if you get released. The world is changing so quickly and technology is sometimes hard to keep up with even if you’re using it every day. Who’s going to help when you’re thrust into a world of smart phones, social media and streaming services?

There is a lot of heavy themes and issues being aressed in this, so I recommend going in if you're feeling ready to face some difficult realities. Amy257 13

There are hard themes being addressed in Paul Cody’s novel Walk the Dark - drug addiction, prostitution, prison, the welfare system, murder, loneliness, the helplessness of living in a world that largely doesn’t value you, or even see you - all of it told in language that is poetic and visceral. Oliver is a character you’ll fall in love with because he is so aware of his surroundings, and able to convey his feelings in a way that feels intimate and real, even as a young child. He is dealt a bad hand, lives a life that is hard and gritty, and he just keeps putting one foot in front of the other, hoping for better, but expecting more of the same. The story goes back and forth between his life in prison (the why of his incarceration is not revealed until late in the book) and his life with his mother who is an addict and a prostitute. The novel’s title refers to the time Oliver spends walking the dark streets of his neighborhood, trying to make sense of his life, and haven’t we all benefitted from some quiet time in the anonymity of a late night or very early morning, sorting our thoughts and our feelings, and looking for the core of who we are and who we want to be? Walk the Dark is a compelling read, uniquely told and richly detailed. AnthonyAuthor 29 books154

The Review

This was such a compelling and rich novel. The author expertly weaves a drama that delves into the prison system and the impact incarceration can have on individuals. The heavy atmosphere and the stellar use of tension and time jumps throughout the narrative elevated the protagonist’s story considerably.

The psychological impact of both life in prison and his complicated relationship with his mother and the women in his life made Oliver’s story so dynamic. The blurred lines between the past and the present as the author jumped around Oliver’s life allowed the reader to peel back the layers of the character’s experiences perfectly. The examination of what life for prisoners is once they get out, especially after long sentences, gives readers a haunting image of the anxiety and stress that they face in the “real world.”

The Verdict

Author Paul Cody’s “Walk the Dark” is a must-read novel. It is memorable, engaging, and artfully written. The personal and character-driven narrative and the heartfelt exploration of this man’s life will keep readers hooked on the author’s every word. Kelly Long650 26

Autor del comentario:
=================================